abilty to qualify for clearance?

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!

Ret10Echo · 08-06-2009, 05:39

A college freshman who consumed excessive alchohol....boy that's a shocker.

For general information here is some reading material.

Others are more knowledgeable than I am as to the legal aspects in this area .....but the follow-on question is do YOU think this is going to affect your ability, potential, acceptance or competency?

Richard · 08-06-2009, 06:56

Go talk to a recruiter - there must be an SF NG recruiter to discuss it with somewhere in your AO.

Richard's $.02

SD_JOHN · 08-06-2009, 14:08

Thanks for the quick replies.

I don't feel that this would affect my ability to perform in any way, just a hurdle in the application process, and I bet it would be extensively revisited during whatever psych evals take place.

I'll look for a NG SF recruiter, thanks again.

mark46th · 08-11-2009, 22:36

Glad I never drank too much...

Mitch · 08-11-2009, 23:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by mark46th

Glad I never drank too much...

I just made it a rule to never drink more than the Sergeant Major.

alright4u · 08-12-2009, 02:19

You might talk to the DA. The police LT across the street talked to the DA for SIL. They agreed to purge his records if he joined the Army. The dumb shit did not go, and; he has been to criminal court three more times. I am through with his sad ass.

SD_JOHN · 08-12-2009, 03:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by mark46th

Glad I never drank too much...

Live and learn.

Allright4u: I didn't get any criminal charges. I was more concerned with the fact that I was placed on a psych eval hold. I will look into that though, thanks