In future job interviews, how would you explain it if you were kicked out of the military?

PVT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 16 Aug 2019 05:53:33 -0400

I was young and very dumb and had gotten out because of misconduct 5 years ago (still managed to get an Honorable discharge). Since then I have clearly changed, grown up, started a family and gotten my Bachelor's degree and am finally looking for jobs in my field. I am just curious how one would explain this in an interview if asked why I got out?

Response by SGT Javier Silva made Aug 16 at 2019 6:21 AM

SGT Javier Silva — Fri, 16 Aug 2019 06:21:18 -0400

What you tell them is up to you. Some people will tell them that they enjoyed their time, but the military wasn't for them. Simple, unless your employer is asking for your DD-214 Member 4, which provides the reason for discharge.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2019 8:56 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 16 Aug 2019 08:56:03 -0400

I don't think I would volunteer the information but when asked I would be as honest and forthcoming as possible, because they will find out the truth through a back ground check, and lay out what happened similarly to how you did here. It was a learning experience, your were young and dumb, etc. You realized your follies, got your act together, and have since applied yourself successfully to becoming a productive part of society.

Everybody makes mistakes especially when young. It is what you do with the experience that truly matters. You could even massage the overall experience into an answer for the proverbial interview question, "What is your greatest weakness?" 'Well, sir, as a human I am not infallible and therefore I make mistakes. When I do make them, I try to visualize/recognize the reason I did, and apply the lesson(s) learned to my life so I do not make the same mistake again. For example, when I was younger, I served in the military....'

Response by SFC Dennis A. made Aug 16 at 2019 10:44 AM

SFC Dennis A. — Fri, 16 Aug 2019 10:44:24 -0400

If the question came up I would answer it as honestly as I could. If it didn't come up in the interview I wouldn't volunteer it.

Response by MSgt Michael Smith made Aug 16 at 2019 12:45 PM

MSgt Michael Smith — Fri, 16 Aug 2019 12:45:30 -0400

"I left the military in 20XX." "I was honorably discharged in 20xx." "The military was great, but I wanted to move on to other things." "I loved serving, but the military life really wasn't for me." etc...

Response by LtCol Robert Quinter made Aug 17 at 2019 9:10 AM

LtCol Robert Quinter — Sat, 17 Aug 2019 09:10:07 -0400

You just did. I wouldn't bring it up, but if it comes up "I was young and committed a series of minor infractions that resulted in my being released, but with an honorable discharge. Since then I have clearly changed, grown up, started a family, gotten my Bachelor's degree and now am ready to exceed any expectations you might have for whomever you hire for this position."

Response by SFC Christopher Taggart made Aug 18 at 2019 9:54 PM

SFC Christopher Taggart — Sun, 18 Aug 2019 21:54:45 -0400

I agree with the respondents listed below. Unless they ask, most interviewers won't ask for details unless the position you're apply for involves the DOD in some way, shape, or fashion.