"Acquiring" Equipment

[navguy21]

This is, yet another, DQ question.

While in the military I "acquired" various pieces of equipment. Nothing big, mainly personal gear (kevlar, holster, etc). All for the honest purpose of doing my job better because, for some unknown reason, my command failed to issue a LOT of stuff. I didn't raid the supply building, I just found stuff that was unaccounted for here and there and never took anything that belonged to anybody personally. I have never sold any of it, and returned most of it (except what was damaged or lost).

But when it comes down to it, I took it without permission. And while I returned it, I still stole it first. I know most people in the military take stuff now and then, but that doesn't justifiy anything.

Other than this, I have an impeccable record. I recieved great evals, awards, and never got in trouble.

So, now that it is time to apply for civilian LE jobs, I am worried that this may DQ me. Any thoughts? Is this a big deal to agencies, or is it an accepted fact that this just happens in the military?

I will be completely honest about it on the application and not try to hide anything. Will they give me a chance to explain?

Thanks in advance.

[Valor55]

I wouldn't worry about it too much. Just be honest. From what I've read and heard about the military, liberating equipment is par for the course. As long as it wasn't Stinger missiles or an Abrams you should be fine.

[North Patrol]

In my opinion you did not "steal" the equipment. It was used for duty purposes and then returned. It was not taken for personal benefit or conversion (sold). All you really did was fail to complete the needed paper work. :rolleyes:

[freshgirl]

In my opinion you did not "steal" the equipment. It was used for duty purposes and then returned. It was not taken for personal benefit or conversion (sold). All you really did was fail to complete the needed paper work. :rolleyes:

I agree with North Patrol, I wouldn't consider it stealing at all. It wasn't like it was for your own personal gain.

[CheesyHat]

I'm pretty sure aquiring Kevlar isn't a problem. I mean, you need to stay alive ;)

[sgtbear111]

Back channel requisitions. It is a cultural thing in the military. Sometimes you must liberate stuff to complete your mission. The DoD supply channels can be like the IRS code in their "simplicity".

As said above, if it isn't high value, is not classified, not part of a scheme, and most importantly was not resold - don't sweat it.

Anyone have a "Skilcraft US Govt" pen...?

[Cat_Doc]

I concur. This will not result in an automatic DQ.

[navguy21]

Thanks for the responses. It really put my mind at ease. I have actually been losing sleep worrying about it. Thanks again.

[Roger Dat]

Get used to it, I lost a whole lot of sleep during my 9 months of processing analyzing and scutinizing every little detail of every step lol. Best of luck to you

[H.R. Cufnstuf]

This is, yet another, DQ question.

While in the military I "acquired" various pieces of equipment. Nothing big, mainly personal gear (kevlar, holster, etc). All for the honest purpose of doing my job better because, for some unknown reason, my command failed to issue a LOT of stuff. I didn't raid the supply building, I just found stuff that was unaccounted for here and there and never took anything that belonged to anybody personally. I have never sold any of it, and returned most of it (except what was damaged or lost).

But when it comes down to it, I took it without permission. And while I returned it, I still stole it first. I know most people in the military take stuff now and then, but that doesn't justifiy anything.

Other than this, I have an impeccable record. I recieved great evals, awards, and never got in trouble.

So, now that it is time to apply for civilian LE jobs, I am worried that this may DQ me. Any thoughts? Is this a big deal to agencies, or is it an accepted fact that this just happens in the military?

I will be completely honest about it on the application and not try to hide anything. Will they give me a chance to explain?

Thanks in advance.

You did not steal. The equipment they need back they would have you or someone else sign for. Much of the equipment issued to you (or issued to someone else and subsequently lost) is expected to be non-serviceable by the time you're done with it.

[vengeance05]

One of my friends admitted on the poly to 'stealing' military supplies that were not issued while he was deployed. It was not a disqualifying issue. He explained the situation and was hired.