Minor Infractions in military background?

[WannaBeaChippie]

First I'd like to say, thank you to who ever decides to respond to my question.

Now, how does getting through the six step process affect a candidate that has been let out of the military early? I was let out of the military early a year ago for a situation that didnt involve a felony, or drugs...it was just unforunate. I wanted to know how that can play a role in getting hired?

This is a four year ambition for me, and I am a second time tester, and I got a general discharge under honorable conditions...I know that all of my background, and personality play a significant role in getting hired...but I wanted to know also how that is weighed all together. I know you can't give me all the secrets to success, but I wanted to know if having a bunch of hiccups in your past can get you turned away at the Oral Interview when the panel members open your life story, and ask you to play it back in more detail. I will appreciate the responses:biggrin:

[dw]

Welcome to the site, wannabea...

Your discharge is not going to be the issue so much as the circumstances leading up to it. Without knowing the "hiccups" in your life, it's difficult to say how they may affect you. To answer the question, it is entirely possible to get a competitive score from the oral panel with issues in your past -- pretty much everyone has issues to one degree or another. Your particular case will be evaluated with respect to severity and recency.

Good luck.

[WannaBeaChippie]

Thank You for the Welcome. Okay...I'm being told by others that it might hinder me...do you think going to another agency to start off might be a better idea...Im trying to get on with Oakland Police Department. People tell me OPD is dangerous but I figure...any type of law enforcement work is dangerous. People generally dont look at the situation like I'm applying to be a LAW ENFORCEMENT officer. Criminals view all with a badge equally...but thats just my opinion. What do you think?

[dw]

I'm not sure who is giving you advice about your past hindering you, or if they know the details. Based on what you're saying, your past is not a deal breaker with OPD. While every agency has different criteria for hiring, if it is a non-issue with OPD, it is certainly worth applying with us.

[Flying Pig]

Taken from the US Military Court of Appeals Manual.

"It is important to note that, even when "under honorable conditions," a general discharge is still considered to be "less than honorable." This distinction is critical in the context of eligibility for veterans benefits, where a "less than honorable" discharge can be a disqualifying factor. For example, burial benefits and the Montgomery G.I. Bill education program are both denied to veterans with a general discharge of either characterization. Benefits may be further reduced by the conditions of the general discharge, as well as the specific offenses leading to it."

You problem is going to be that you are competing against hundreds if not thousands of people who have Honorables. All you can do is try.