change in plans

[jdmHboy]

I'm currently in the applicatin process, and took the written exam last weekend. I've gone on a ride-along and one of the informational seminars, and after doing some hard thinking, I'm starting to wonder if I have what it takes at this point in my life to make it through the academy, and this job. I've been doing intense physical training for about a year now, but I just turned 20 a week ago and I've had what some might say a relatively "easy" or "calm" life. Therefore I'm concerned that going through one of the most intense and difficult training programs/academies in the country might not be very realistic anytime in the near future. I'm not afraid of the pt, but just the drastic change in lifestyle in the academy. In addition, beings that cadets are allowed to quit, I think that would make things even more difficult, and if I couldn't hang and had to do that, I'd be very disappointed as my ultimate goal in life is to be a CHP officer. In order to better prepare myself, I've talked to an army recruiter, and I really think that route would help me mature more, and better prepare me for a career with CHP. It would allow me to experience some things that are comparable to what a cadet might go through in CHP academy. So my question is, will discontinuing the application process for something like this look bad to a QAP panel? Would they consider me a quitter? Also, if I did pass the written exam I took, would I have to re-take it a couple years from now when I re-apply? Thanks for any advice, and if anyone thinks I might be making a bad choice, I'm open for suggestions.

[Flying Pig]

I dont see what you are doing as quiiting by any means. You have recognized that you arent ready, and need some life experience. And you have decided to go and do something about it...ie. joining the Army. I applaude you for your mature decision. Better to prepare yourself now, than get to the Academy and decide you wernt ready. Nobody is going to hold this against you. TRUST ME! You'll be commended for it when your time comes.

[Nellie]

Just make sure those life experiences you are referring to aren't things that will disqualify you later on. :lol:

[Flying Pig]

..........but what if it's legal in that country? What happens over seas stays over seas! (Just kidding.....anyone who deployed knows what I mean!)

[Mac]

I don't think it's a bad idea at all. In addition to the experience, discipline and maturation being good for you, the Department looks favorably upon military service. It would probably be a big plus when you explained what you wrote in your original post to a QAP panel a few years down the road.

[K-Lo]

As it was said, that decision shows a great deal of maturity. That is a great trait to have. It is good that you realize it now. That way your slot can go to somebody who is ready now. And when you are ready, should your life's path lead you back to the CHP, I trust that there will be a slot open for you at that time.

Good luck wherever you end up.

[CHP 44]

..........but what if it's legal in that country? What happens over seas stays over seas! (Just kidding.....anyone who deployed knows what I mean!)

ROFLMAO....I understand what you mean....I was in the Marine Corps!!......

[Flying Pig]

Semper Fi

Wpns Co. 1st Bn 6th Marines, Heavy Machine Guns 93-97

[CHP 44]

Semper Fi

Wpns Co. 1st Bn 6th Marines, Heavy Machine Guns 93-97

Semper Fi Devil Dog....

2d Tank BN 00-02
2d Marine Div G-4 General's Staff 02-04


Good Lunk in the CHP....I just waived and will not continue due to family issues.....

[Flying Pig]

CHP 44...Im a Deputy.....not applying. I just come on here cuz I like the conversation.

[CHP 44]

CHP 44...Im a Deputy.....not applying. I just come on here cuz I like the conversation.

Roger that! My mistake......Be safe out there!!

[I am going to make it!]

JDMHBOY if you aren't ready you are the one to know it. I first applied when I was 19 little did I know about the minimum requirments. I joined the Army not long after getting a nice letter informing me to reapply later when I was ready. 6 years later I am begining my background. Hang in there it is well worth it and you will be prepared, as long as you go Infantry.

[jdmHboy]

Thanks for all the advice/comments. I'm going to MEPS next week to take care of all the stuff that is taken care of. And yeah, I'll be going Infantry. As far as the chp application process goes, should I call a recruiter and let them know I will be discontinueing the process? If I did pass the written, is that score only good for a certain amount of time, or will I never have to take again?

[Mac]

You should definitely call your BI and let them know. No sense letting them continue to work your case when they have a backlog of others. I can't answer your question about the written exam....don't know if there's a time limitation on it or not.

[Wood19]

According to my knowledge the written exam is good for life. When you decide to apply again you send in your application and which division you want to test at. They will send you directly to the physical and oral board, of course on the date they have scheduled. But you won't have to take it again.

[dw]

Thanks for all the advice/comments. I'm going to MEPS next week to take care of all the stuff that is taken care of. And yeah, I'll be going Infantry. As far as the chp application process goes, should I call a recruiter and let them know I will be discontinueing the process? If I did pass the written, is that score only good for a certain amount of time, or will I never have to take again?

If you have only taken the written test, there is no need to call anyone, as you have not yet been assigned to a background investigator. Just no-show for the PAT and explain later what happened if asked.