What are the best recommendations for getting past decade-old prior records/convictions in order to enlist in the Reserves?

SFC Michael Simmons — Tue, 01 Oct 2019 20:28:07 -0400

My daughter, age 32 is interested joining the reserves. After retooling her life for 10 years, she now has another wall in front of her. She now is working full time, has a masters in Education and is working on her masters in mathematics.

Response by MAJ Javier Rivera made Oct 1 at 2019 8:56 PM

MAJ Javier Rivera — Tue, 01 Oct 2019 20:56:45 -0400

For that she needs a lawyer.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 1 at 2019 9:00 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 01 Oct 2019 21:00:25 -0400

It will depend on what the legal issues were. Only a recruiter will know what is waiverable. As always the suggestion on this site, go visit a recruiter

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 1 at 2019 9:35 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 01 Oct 2019 21:35:16 -0400

If she has anything on her record that prevents her from possessing a firearm, she won’t be able to join.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 1 at 2019 10:21 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 01 Oct 2019 22:21:23 -0400

Have your daughter to go talk with a recruiter, he/she is the only person who can provide the right guidance. Good luck to you...

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 2 at 2019 2:59 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 02 Oct 2019 02:59:02 -0400

There are specific guidelines the recruiter must follow IOT submit the correct level of waiver. I recommend for her to go for it no matter what level. The Recruiter may shy away from doing the paperwork but push back, show them how much you want it. Just know it's a time consuming process and get take a few months.

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Oct 2 at 2019 6:56 AM

CPT Lawrence Cable — Wed, 02 Oct 2019 06:56:45 -0400

You may know this already, but there are no expunged or sealed records when it comes to the Military. When they do the background check, all of the juvenile or expunged records will still show up and it's a federal offense not to declare them when you enlist. I found this for some general guidelines to what the Army looks at and what's a waste of time.
http://www.militaryspot.com/enlist/can-i-join-the-army-with-a-felony

Can I Join the Army with a Felony? - MilitarySpot.com

One of the most common questions we get is "Can I Join the Army if I have a Felony". This FAQ answers that question and outlines what other offenses may keep you from joining the U.S. Army.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Oct 2 at 2019 10:15 AM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Wed, 02 Oct 2019 10:15:16 -0400

There's a lot of variables here. There's a massive difference between a shoplifting charge when you're 18 and a Sex Trafficking charge when you're 29... Without details, all anyone here can do is refer you to a recruiter.

Response by SFC Michael Simmons made Oct 2 at 2019 2:20 PM

SFC Michael Simmons — Wed, 02 Oct 2019 14:20:23 -0400

Thanks for the replies. She has gone to a recruiter, however not sure to what extent they are willing to help with obtaining waivers. It was over 10 years ago, and if she can get recomendations, letters of character, show education advancement, etc., where does she go next? I can't believe it's simply a no.

Response by SFC Michael Simmons made Oct 2 at 2019 2:47 PM

SFC Michael Simmons — Wed, 02 Oct 2019 14:47:09 -0400

Nothing was hidden from recruiter when she spoke to one of them in the recruiting office. Situation involves a DUI and disorderly conduct charge (was drug possession but was dismissed/changed to disorderly conduct). This occurred in 2009 in Port Wentworth GA. She now for 2 years lives in Lincoln NE.

Response by SFC Michael Simmons made Oct 2 at 2019 3:18 PM

SFC Michael Simmons — Wed, 02 Oct 2019 15:18:50 -0400

With all this, does she have the right to receive copy of this background report for which they are basing this?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 3 at 2019 9:02 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 03 Oct 2019 21:02:04 -0400

Based on the info below she would need a battalion level waiver and moral suitability review battalion level. It’s possible but a waiver is just that. Nothing is guaranteed.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 4 at 2019 11:45 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 04 Oct 2019 11:45:53 -0400

SFC Simmons, were the charges on the same day?
secondly, If she has nothing else in her record, she meets ht/wt and all other requirements, she can get a waiver. either of you can e mail me for more! [login to see]