AZ_Infantry
Active member
I both agree and vehemently disagree with Big Z's comments.
He is absolutely correct that each enlistment packet is unique. As is each recruiter. One may tell you, No way! while another may offer you a waiver and still a third will claim that your offense is irrelevant.
However, in this particular case, I disagree with "Listen to your recruiter." It isn't the recruiter's butt on the line. It isn't his name swearing on a federal document an affirmation of complete and honest disclosure. It isn't his discharge that will follow him all of his life. By telling you to keep facts hidden, he is instructing you to lie by omission. This has potentially dire consequences for you.
Get on the phone and call other recruiters. Don't tell them you have already discussed this issue with another recruiter, just tell them your tale and ask them if you are barred from enlistment. Call a dozen of them if you need to. If one tells you that you are eligible, ask him if you'll have to have a waiver. If he says no, then you can tell him about your other recruiter (don't tell him names or places, just the story) and ask why you are getting opposing stories.
Don't give up! But don't take a chance that will affect the entire rest of your life by trying to lie your way in.
He is absolutely correct that each enlistment packet is unique. As is each recruiter. One may tell you, No way! while another may offer you a waiver and still a third will claim that your offense is irrelevant.
However, in this particular case, I disagree with "Listen to your recruiter." It isn't the recruiter's butt on the line. It isn't his name swearing on a federal document an affirmation of complete and honest disclosure. It isn't his discharge that will follow him all of his life. By telling you to keep facts hidden, he is instructing you to lie by omission. This has potentially dire consequences for you.
Get on the phone and call other recruiters. Don't tell them you have already discussed this issue with another recruiter, just tell them your tale and ask them if you are barred from enlistment. Call a dozen of them if you need to. If one tells you that you are eligible, ask him if you'll have to have a waiver. If he says no, then you can tell him about your other recruiter (don't tell him names or places, just the story) and ask why you are getting opposing stories.
Don't give up! But don't take a chance that will affect the entire rest of your life by trying to lie your way in.