A.W.O.L. from Army

[vehopper]

Hello everyone,

Well I just had a private investigator go to my house

yesterday; the department i'm applying to is small so

they contract with this individual. We went over my

history questionaire. After an hour and a half, this

individual stated that his major concern was the fact

that I went A.W.O.L. back in 1990, after being in the

Army for 1 year & 4 months. He didn't mention my past

drug use or the fact that I had collection agencies after

me in 1996.

Well, now I have to sit and wait. He said he would make

his report to the individuals at the PD I'm applying to,

and if they give the okay, then the BI would schedule

me for a polygraph. I'll keep you posted as to what

happens.

[Drakor]

Most Pds will over look minor experimental drug usage. They also know that everyone goes though a period of careless spending and the occasional oversight to pay ones bills.
My question is did the MPs have to come an physicaly pick you up? Did ya just say enough of the Army I quit? Or was is just a case off running out of time? What happened, what kind of punishment did ya receive? As long as you completed your enlistment and you were able to reenlist and recieved an honorable discharge I would think that the PD will chalk it up to youthful ignorage and a one time thing. I wish you the best K.U.P.

[vehopper]

Drakor,

I basically had enough and was A.W.O.L. for 2 months before turning myself in to the Marshals. Then I was given the opportunity to go back with an Article 15 and 30 days of confinement, or an "other than honorable" discharge. I chose the latter. However, I'm hoping the PD looks at the fact that I have obtain a Masters Degree, married with a child, purchased a home, and have been at my current profession for the last 6 years.

Well, I'll see what the PD decides and I'll keep you posted.

[Charlie]

Vehopper--To build a little more upon Drakor's assessment of your situation:

* To my knowledge, most LE agencies require one who has previously served in the military to be either HONORABLY DISCHARGED or, DISCHARGED UNDER HONORABLE CONDITIONS. Usually, one must have one or the other and nothing less than that.

* The length of time you were AWOL concerns me. 2-months, you have to admit, is a significant period of time! You don't get into details but this is something you would definitely have to provide in-depth details as to the circumstances surrounding this situation. If it is possible, I would recommend that you try and see if it is possible to get your discharge status changed to "Honorable or Honorable Conditons" if at all possible.

* Past drug use issues - will generally depend upon: 10 The type of substance used? 2) How many times used? 3) When was the last time it was used? Most departments can be forgiving for "experiemental" drug use. But keep in mind it depends upon the department.

* I am impressed with the fact that you have obviously turned your life around and appear to be leading a respectable lifestyle but these past issues will come up and MAY create significant barriers for you to over come no matter where you may apply for a LE position.

Nevertheless, that's how I see it based on what you've provided.

Charlie