SD_JOHN
08-06-2009, 04:47
I have searched this topic greatly on this site and others.
I will be graduating this year with a Bachelors of Science in Human Biology and I will be attending paramedic school one year from now. I have also been an EMT for about a year already.
Since I was young, my ultimate goal has always been to serve in the military, and I would like to apply the skills and knowledge I have acquired.
Here's my issue: when I was a freshman in college I drank too much one night and ended up in the custody of law enforcement and I said the wrong things. I was placed on a 5150 hold, which is a california specific law that basically gives the hospital/police the ability to hold and evaluate you for 72 hours for being a danger to yourself/others. I was released within 12 hours of being placed on the hold, but it does go on my records in many places, including the DOJ where it prevents me from owning a firearm for 5 years from the date of the incident. (A good background check would easily identify this, and with my permission have all my medical files regarding the matter)
This was an isolated incident and I have had no problems or situations since then, but I still worry that this would prevent me from enlisting (at the least) but definitely prevent me from seeking any sort of clearance. I feel that I could be a real asset to a team medically wise, obviously I would have to prove myself as a soldier>
I am asking your opinion on two parts of this topic:
1) Do you think this prevents me from attempting a career in the military?
2) Would this affect my ability to get on an ODA, or would this affect your opinion on having me serve on an ODA with you?
This question is for QPs only!
I will be graduating this year with a Bachelors of Science in Human Biology and I will be attending paramedic school one year from now. I have also been an EMT for about a year already.
Since I was young, my ultimate goal has always been to serve in the military, and I would like to apply the skills and knowledge I have acquired.
Here's my issue: when I was a freshman in college I drank too much one night and ended up in the custody of law enforcement and I said the wrong things. I was placed on a 5150 hold, which is a california specific law that basically gives the hospital/police the ability to hold and evaluate you for 72 hours for being a danger to yourself/others. I was released within 12 hours of being placed on the hold, but it does go on my records in many places, including the DOJ where it prevents me from owning a firearm for 5 years from the date of the incident. (A good background check would easily identify this, and with my permission have all my medical files regarding the matter)
This was an isolated incident and I have had no problems or situations since then, but I still worry that this would prevent me from enlisting (at the least) but definitely prevent me from seeking any sort of clearance. I feel that I could be a real asset to a team medically wise, obviously I would have to prove myself as a soldier>
I am asking your opinion on two parts of this topic:
1) Do you think this prevents me from attempting a career in the military?
2) Would this affect my ability to get on an ODA, or would this affect your opinion on having me serve on an ODA with you?
This question is for QPs only!