misdemeanors?

[bigbird]

Can I still join the military as a pilot and officer if I have a few minor misdemeanors? When I was 15 I was caught shoplifting with friends twice...We took a little food from a store..I know, stupid. Then when I was 20 had a minor misdemeanor. They have all been expunged. I realize I have to admit this to the military. I have a totally clean record now. Been flying professionally for a couple years and am a normal adult. Just did some stupid stuff when I was a kid. Im 27 now. So how is the military going to look at this if I just admit what I did? When they interview me Im sure they will see Im not the same little bad boy I was at 15.

 

[Hugh Jorgan]

They can be quite forgiving, so it's worth a try. I have a "friend" who had some troubles at a young age who was selected to be a pilot and everything worked out fine. I say ask. The worst thing they can do is say no.

 

[Toro]

Shouldn't matter at all. I know plenty of people in the military, including myself, who had a minor run in or two with the law when they were younger.

 

[bigbird]

Thats good. I have been freaking out about it. I almost dont want to even try. But I guess I should.

 

[T1bubba]

The other posts are correct, minor issues far in the past shouldn't be a problem at all for a clearance. Just make sure you are COMPLETELY honest about it and include everything when filling out the paperwork for your clearance.

The only thing I can think of where it might be an issue is if you are going to be working with nukes. The PRP program has significantly tighter standards than the normal clearances. I'd guess you'd probably still be good to go there, but it's possible you might get turned down for that. Of course, not having to deal with nukes isn't necessarily a bad thing...

T1bubba
currently working for the folks who do the clearance investigations

 

[KC-10 Driver]

The juvenile record of "my friend" was much worse than yours sounds.

Like T1 said, be honest.

 

[CCDiscoB]

How can you say you've done everything unless you spent a night in jail? And that's minor compared to some of the things I've heard.

Actually, the thing to remember is what T1Bubba said, the Feds know and they don't care. But when it comes to a super secret clearance, they will compare what you fess up to, to what they have on record. Just to see how honest you are.

 

[airludy]

The airforce and guard age is 30 now. I have talked to the other branches and you can get a waiver without a problem if you are in good shape.