Need advice!!!

[atg12199]

OK, here we go.

I joined the U.S. Army my senior year of high school at age 17. I did my time in Delayed Entry, and eventually shipped out. I started MP OSUT at Ft. Leonard Wood. Approximately3 weeks in, I realized that I didnt want it as bad as I thought... Go ahead and bash me. I know I had time to figure that out before I left, but I thought I wanted it more than what I really did. In short, part way into it, my company extended the offer, if we didnt want to be there, come forward and they would discharge us, no penalty. So a month later I was discharge under Chap. 11- Inability to Adapt, Uncharacterized discharge, Entry level performance and conduct. Its an entry level seperation, and is uncharacterized, because I was there less than 180 days. Now the BIG question...

Can I still be a cop?... This is my dream, always has been, and i hope it still can be. Any input is appreciated. Thanks

[Samuel]

OK, here we go.

I joined the U.S. Army my senior year of high school at age 17. I did my time in Delayed Entry, and eventually shipped out. I started MP OSUT at Ft. Leonard Wood. Approximately3 weeks in, I realized that I didnt want it as bad as I thought... Go ahead and bash me. I know I had time to figure that out before I left, but I thought I wanted it more than what I really did. In short, part way into it, my company extended the offer, if we didnt want to be there, come forward and they would discharge us, no penalty. So a month later I was discharge under Chap. 11- Inability to Adapt, Uncharacterized discharge, Entry level performance and conduct. Its an entry level seperation, and is uncharacterized, because I was there less than 180 days. Now the BIG question...

Can I still be a cop?... This is my dream, always has been, and i hope it still can be. Any input is appreciated. Thanks

How do "we" (LE) know that you're not going to the same thing (quit) you did in the Army?

[atg12199]

I have more desire to be a civi cop than i did an MP. I'm almost to an associates degree, and planning on an academy within the next six months, and i know it doesnt mean much, but i extremely regret the decision i made.

[deputywave]

One opening, two candidates. Both are equally qualified. One, however, backed out of his commitment to the Army. Who do you think gets the opening? Why would a department take a chance on someone with a proven track record of not finishing what they started. You need a LOT more time and a LOT more POSITIVES before you will ever have a shot.

[atg12199]

Yah, I understand that. I realize I pretty much destroyed my life with one decision and theres nothing i can do to fix it. Any suggestions to fix it?

[deputywave]

Yah, I understand that. I realize I pretty much destroyed my life with one decision and theres nothing i can do to fix it. Any suggestions to fix it?

Kinda answered your own question, didn't ya?

[atg12199]

I guess so.. I just want to be a cop, and like I said, I regret it. It was a mistake, and I realize it, and I really do want to go back. I guess I just dont know why police departments hold so much against an Entry Level Seperation though? I do understand that its a risk, but its not like I was in for 2 or 3 years, and got a dishonorable.. That I wouldnt question. Also, that I've realized the mistake I made and I have the drive to make sure nothing like that happens again. Will any department take that into consideration, or will it just not matter?

[mcsap]

I guess so.. I just want to be a cop, and like I said, I regret it. It was a mistake, and I realize it, and I really do want to go back. I guess I just dont know why police departments hold so much against an Entry Level Seperation thoughWOuld the Army take you back ?? I do understand that its a risk, but its not like I was in for 2 or 3 years, and got a dishonorable.. That I wouldnt question. Also, that I've realized the mistake I made and I have the drive to make sure nothing like that happens again. Will any department take that into consideration, or will it just not matter?

You need to ask a particular dept. BUT going in the military and than QUITTING because you didn't like it is a LOT like going through all of the hiring process and than your 2nd week of the academy you quit.

You KNEW the Army was the Army which involved a commitment. But you backed out. Becoming a Police Officer is a LOT like going in the military. Having to follow orders , having to do things you don't want to do or don't want to deal with. You have demonstrated that you are willing to quit and walk away. It will take a lot to convince a PD that you have changed.

[atg12199]

I did ask a recruiter, but it requires a Brigadier General level waiver and a minimum 6 month wait to get back in, and the waiver packet pretty much needs to be immaculate. Which I am going to try.

I didnt realize at the time, that making that decision was going to ruin my entire life... Thats the price I am paying... I want to do whatever I can to change that, but how can I if no one gives me the opportunity...? Thats whats making this even harder, finding someone to give me a chance. Which today is darn near impossible...

And another thing too, please don't think I'm trying to go after people and create havoc because of what happened. I just want to make it right for myself and get my life back on the right track.

[mcsap]

You didn't ruin your entire life. You just damaged your worthiness to be hired by asking someone like the government to pay your way again.

Nothing says you can't go to college and get a degree or a tech school.and get a skill to prove that you are capable of keeping a commitment.

[icu650]

Since leaving the Army and going to college have you had any other job and if so and you no longer have it what was the reason for leaving?

[atg12199]

I'm in the process of finding one. Jobs are hard to come by in my town. The discharge was recent, but I have applied at 5 stores.. about all my town has, and a few restaurants. Been checking in every now and again, but havent heard a thing. I have a full college schedule, so I am trying to find a part time to help pay bills.

[icu650]

How old are you now?

[atg12199]

I'm still 18, turn 19 in a few months... I know by "the standards" I'm still young and dumb. Emotionally I have grown since the happening, because the consequences have taken effect, and I've opened my eyes to the reality of the decision, but trying to prove it is near impossible because no one will want to believe me... just the way of life. Everything that has happened has opened my eyes to the "unforgivingness" if you will... of the government.

[marinepilot]

I'm still 18, turn 19 in a few months... I know by "the standards" I'm still young and dumb. Emotionally I have grown since the happening, because the consequences have taken effect, and I've opened my eyes to the reality of the decision, but trying to prove it is near impossible because no one will want to believe me... just the way of life. Everything that has happened has opened my eyes to the "unforgivingness" if you will... of the government.

WOW! Give it some time, man. You say you have grown but most people won't be able to see inside you to know if you're telling the truth or not. They see the outside and your record. Your bad decision was VERY recent, and shows a track record most employers wouldn't approve of. Get a part time job, stay with it until you finish college, then move into a full time position or get a different full time job, keep that for a couple years and do good at it, and SHOW you've changed. Nobody is going to just take your word that you've changed, it's going to take TIME and EFFORT to PROVE you've changed.