I am planning to join the Army right out of highschool when I graduate in a few years. My fear is that because I have a juvenile record (which by the way; the charges were dropped, and all I had to do was some community service & write a 5 page paper on "Why what I did was wrong") that the Army will not allow me to enlist. I need an answer because I haven't really thought about doing anything else in life that I would enjoy other than the Army for work right out of highschool.
2006-07-03 12:18:33 · 16 answers · asked by Jimi 3 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
the charges were threatening and breach of peace (catch 22)
i'm interested in Military Police or Infantry...
2006-07-03 12:26:09 · update #1
A juvenile record will ALWAYS exist for us. The fact that you had to do anything (community service and a 5 page paper) is a conviction (Other Adverse Disposition). If you were innocent, and teh charges really dropped, you would have had to do nothing.
Depending on the exact Penal Code, Threatening is considered Terrorist Threats by the Army. You would have only been convicted of one of the two charges, if it was an arrest at the same time. If they were two separate charges, you could be facing a Serious Criminal Misconduct (Felony) and a Minor Non-Traffic (Infraction). You would be required to have a waiver in any case if the Threatening is considered a Serious Criminal Micconduct. It would be difficult to get, but possible. You will probably not be able to become an MP as you must pass a PRP (Personal Reliability Program) Interview. Any charges could rule it out for you. Most police forces would prefer you not become an MP anyway, you will develop bad habits, unless you plan to make MP a career. Ask your recruiter (after he runs your police and court checks-including Juvi) to run an FSR2S, if you qualify, to see what jobs you can get and to get you a PaYS position with a Law Enforcement Agency (your recruiter can explain PaYS for you).
2006-07-03 12:42:19 · answer #1 · answered by Mark W 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The U. S. Army couldn't care less about a juvenile record or most any other criminal record, for that matter. Many enlistees in the army were given a choice of going into the army or going to jail.
However, you are absolutely insane to enlist, even without Iraq. The Army takes ANYBODY and you will be with the lowest of the lowest and will probably not learn any marketable skills. (Think Timothy McVeigh).
If you feel you have to go into the military, at least talk to a Marine or Air Force recruiter. I don't know much about the Navy.
2006-07-04 05:02:38 · answer #2 · answered by aloysious 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The best advice I can offer, (and I don't think one discretion as a minor should hold you back), is to be upfront about everything when you talk to a recruiter. Trying to hold back any sort of police records or bad debt history will only bite you in the butt later on.
Put all your cards on the table, and let your recruiter do their job.
I hope your military career will be long and rewarding.
2006-07-03 19:35:57 · answer #3 · answered by navymom 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't you worry, the Army will take you. In fact, the Army has for years been offered as a jail alternative for wayward youth...it's a fact. Was an option for a friend of mine who made some bad choices long time ago. He wound up loving the Army and made it a career.
Have you also looked at Air Force, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard? I don't think your juvie record will bar you from any of them, either.
2006-07-03 19:24:01 · answer #4 · answered by gene_frequency 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are called a Juvenal offender ...Records are sealed and you should be able to join no problem .. It sounds like a minor offense, a smack on the wrist with the letter and everything..I would say you could join.. but check with your Army Recruiter first ...1Sgt Retired
2006-07-03 19:34:49 · answer #5 · answered by ralphtheartist 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Clean up - and go see your recruiter. Don't listen to any of those S**t House lawyers. Talk to the recruiter about any options he may know of. Also try to keep your criminal record spotless form here on out, because if you do get in you may need to get a thorough background investigation for any security clearance you may need to acquire.
2006-07-03 19:29:11 · answer #6 · answered by L3 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They are pretty lenient about things like that as long as you are not a felon or you don't have and like class A misdemeanors or violent crimes. The army changed my life and I did 3 tours of duty in Iraq, I am glad to see others excited to defend their nation. Good luck and godspeed
2006-07-03 19:23:35 · answer #7 · answered by jbrobinson23 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A juvenile record won't matter unless you are going into Intelligence.
BTW, no offense but are you NUTS... joining the military while a madman is in office?
2006-07-03 19:21:16 · answer #8 · answered by BeachBum 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No matter if the record is sealed or not, the military will still find out about it. However there is hope. Waivers are granted for just about anything as long as it doesn't involve domestic violence, chronic drug use (more than just experimenting) and murder.
2006-07-03 19:22:37 · answer #9 · answered by lala 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
most of what the military looks at is major felonies. if your record was cleaned then you should be alright. they will ask questions during enlistment and just be honest with them. they will and do run complete backgrounds on you and your family.
2006-07-03 19:48:52 · answer #10 · answered by hollywood71@verizon.net 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋