Weighing my options:

**derek** · 05-14-2009 05:31 AM

Hello everyone, I have read through some threads and decided to write my first post/thread.

The only thing holding me back is my D.U.I., which I received when I was 21 back in 12/06 I am now 24. So here is where my questions start; I know now that I am unable to join OCS from the get go, or I would have to enlist and then try. How long would I have to wait to apply to OCS and what are my chances? Next I'm just wondering about my B.S. if I enlist, will the Army acknowledge my B.S. and if so, how? Would I get a signing bonus or receive a higher pay grade/rank? Lastly I am married and have a daughter, how long would I be without them if I had to go to BT and would i have to do a tour in another country?

I know you guys are busy but any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Derek 5/14/2009

**Armyforums** · 05-14-2009 05:31 AM

**Master Tanker** · 05-14-2009 06:53 AM

derek, dibblejr is more hip on the details than I am, but I can tell you that VT is a reputable school and many of your fellow grads are commissioned officers. So why not try to go OCS & see what they say about the DUI? I suppose there aren't too many angels in the Army and if you are resurrected and acknowledge your error then perhaps things could work out. But keep in mind that as an officer you can't ask for special favors. Whereever they need you is the message. How you put that to your family is your business.

**derek** · 05-14-2009 07:10 AM

Originally Posted by Master Tanker

derek, dibblejr is more hip on the details than I am, but I can tell you that VT is a reputable school and many of your fellow grads are commissioned officers. So why not try to go OCS & see what they say about the DUI? I suppose there aren't too many angels in the Army and if you are resurrected and acknowledge your error then perhaps things could work out. But keep in mind that as an officer you can't ask for special favors. Whereever they need you is the message. How you put that to your family is your business.

Tanker,
Thanks for your quick response. I talked to a recruiter and he basically told me that because of the DUI, that I wouldn't be able to go OCS unless I enlisted and then tried to get in. I know the air force wouldn't even consider me because of the DUI. I see what your getting at with the OCS and family situation.

Thanks again,
Derek

**dibblejr** · 05-14-2009 04:06 PM

Yes, you will be able to enlist as an E-4 with a 4 year degree. If you dont have your transcriots request them so you do have them. Also certain fields require certain skills that your transcripts may give you credit for. IE; to be a lab tech you would be required to have an extra year of science, thus your degree would probably cover that.

As far as the DUI, yes you will require a waiver however that does not mean you cannot try to be an officer. You can see what the board has to say. Since it has been so long since your DUI a good memorandum may cover it. Also some good solid recommendations. If you do not get selected by the board than you can join the enlisted ranks.

Your recruiter cannot stop you from trying to be the best you can. If he/ she does they are in violation of AR 601-210. Only the board and or the Recruiting BN CDR can find you not fit to be an officer upon enlistment.

Good luck.

**derek** · 05-14-2009 04:35 PM

Originally Posted by dibblejr

Yes, you will be able to enlist as an E-4 with a 4 year degree. If you dont have your transcripts request them so you do have them. Also certain fields require certain skills that your transcripts may give you credit for. IE; to be a lab tech you would be required to have an extra year of science, thus your degree would probably cover that.

As far as the DUI, yes you will require a waiver however that does not mean you cannot try to be an officer. You can see what the board has to say. Since it has been so long since your DUI a good memorandum may cover it. Also some good solid recommendations. If you do not get selected by the board than you can join the enlisted ranks.

Your recruiter cannot stop you from trying to be the best you can. If he/ she does they are in violation of AR 601-210. Only the board and or the Recruiting BN CDR can find you not fit to be an officer upon enlistment.

Good luck.

Dibble,
Thanks for your response. How do I go about getting the waiver/memorandum? What is a memorandum? When I spoke to the recruiter he didn't even mention those two and basically made it sound like I had little or no chance and told me i should just enlist and then try to get into OCS. This was 5 months ago and then i quickly gave up but now I'm glad i was able to speak with you guys. What are the pros/cons for going OCS or enlisting? ie: whats better for family, money, future or career wise etc etc...
Thanks again,
Derek

Also is there any signing bonuses or other benefits/perks for enlisting?

**dibblejr** · 05-14-2009 06:16 PM

Only current recruiters can tell you about any bonus money/ perks you may be able to get.

Your recruiter will have to set you up for the waiver, its a BN level waiver not even that big of a deal sice it has been a while.

The memorandum would be your explanation of what happened and what you have done since to change your life. You just need to show that you have changed. You will have to write this for the BN CDR.

You can only get the waiver once you take the ASVAB, Police Checks, EPSQ and the enlistment packet has been completed and QC'd by the Recruiting Station CDR. Once them conditions are met you will have to take and pass the MEPS Enlistment Physical. Usually the same day you pass the physical your waiver will go to the Recruiting BN CDR. Not sure if the waiver approval comes before the Officer Candidate Selection Board or not. You should ask the recruiter.

If you cant get a recruiter to assist you just go to www.goarmy.com and call their recruiting reps and speak with them.

When I was a recruiter I enlisted 1 officer of my 2 candidates and he required a BN level waiver. The other one was so arrogant I got him DQ'd by the selection officer. I told him to wear a suit for his interview, he showed up in pressed jeans a sport coat and tie and tennis shoes. I seen him in the club dressed better than that. I told the COL of the board that IMO he could not follow his first order and informed him of the arrogance. He simply told the young college grad that he did not want that kind of demeanor in his Army. (As the recruiter I had to do my job and get him to the board, the rest was done by his own hand)

BLUF- Talk to an OCS knowledgeable recruiter.

**derek** · 05-15-2009 05:03 AM

dibble,
thanks for your knowledge and help!
i will/would recommend this site to any of my fellow peers.
thanks,
Derek

**derek** · 06-09-2009 06:09 AM

Just an update: June 9, I went in to talk to a recruiter. The commander at the recruiting office says i have a good chance to become an Officer and that he has put another person in with a DUI waiver. Hopefully what he says is true! Tomorrow, I will be taking the ASVAB test and staying the night at a hotel and the next morning I will have the physical.

**tyler** · 06-09-2009 06:28 AM

Very good. Best of luck.

**dibblejr** · 06-10-2009 01:35 PM

Just hang in there, if it is meant to be you will become an Army Officer.

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