Can I join the military with a firearm possession charge that I got while I was a minor?

Harold James — Sat, 07 Dec 2019 03:48:11 -0500

Im currently 18 but last year on September 7, 2018 I was charged with "possession of firearm as minor" and had to complete 48 hours community service. Now from what the recruiters told me is because of the charge there is a slim chance that a waiver would get approved so they basically want me to not disclose the charge which I heard if u get caught doing so it could lead to a fraudulent enlistment. Also I would need a 2nd waiver because my sophomore year I fractured my femur and needed 2 screws put in place which does not slow me down at all I played the following season with no issue but I am just wondering what are my chances at being able to enlist.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 7 at 2019 5:17 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 07 Dec 2019 05:17:45 -0500

Most likely yes

Response by SPC Gary Welch made Dec 7 at 2019 4:30 PM

SPC Gary Welch — Sat, 07 Dec 2019 16:30:58 -0500

Since all you got was community service I'm assuming it was a misdemeanor and should be dropped after you turn 18 so you should be good with that I'd go ahead and disclose it or it may come back and bite you in the ass

Response by MAJ Javier Rivera made Dec 7 at 2019 5:17 PM

MAJ Javier Rivera — Sat, 07 Dec 2019 17:17:07 -0500

Have the recruiter work for their pay!

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 7 at 2019 5:31 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 07 Dec 2019 17:31:56 -0500

A charge does not mean a conviction. It's a small misdemeanor for which you were never adjudicated. I've seen waivers approved for more serious offenses. But if you don't declare either the offense or the surgery now and the military finds out later, it could result in a fraudulent enlistment. That's more trouble than you want.
Be honest. Push for the waiver for both the weapon offense and the surgeries. If your recruiter won't push it, find another recruiter. But be honest up front.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 7 at 2019 6:27 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 07 Dec 2019 18:27:49 -0500

What city/state is this where a minor can't be in possession of a firearm?

Response by CPL Douglas Chrysler made Dec 7 at 2019 6:35 PM

CPL Douglas Chrysler — Sat, 07 Dec 2019 18:35:44 -0500

Good luck.

Response by CPT Robert Boshears made Dec 7 at 2019 7:23 PM

CPT Robert Boshears — Sat, 07 Dec 2019 19:23:28 -0500

Don’t lie. Get some chairborne commando to put in a waiver.

Response by CPL Gary Pifer made Dec 7 at 2019 8:05 PM

CPL Gary Pifer — Sat, 07 Dec 2019 20:05:42 -0500

See if you can have it expunged... but be truthful on the arrest... train for the ACFT and score high... see YOUTUBE.. then have a personal doctor clear you... or keep your mouth shut... very shut. I used to write in sloppy cursive and use accroynems to explain bad but truthful disclosures. Therefore if you get caught you ain't lying. Learned this at peer recruitment classes...National Guard..

Response by SFC Kelly Fuerhoff made Dec 9 at 2019 5:13 PM

SFC Kelly Fuerhoff — Mon, 09 Dec 2019 17:13:56 -0500

Don't lie on anything. Let's say you get in on a lie. What if later on you need a security clearance...that shit will come back to bite you in the ass then.

Make those recruiters do their job. If you don't get approved on waivers, then you don't. Then you move along and find another career.