Will this DQ me for sure?

[huntergame]

Okay, so about 12 years ago I threatened a high school teacher of mine and because of that action I got sent to a psych ward for a few days and I had to speak with a psychiatrist for a few sessions after I got released. I was also prescribed Paxil. I haven't used Paxil in about 11 years and this incident is literally the only blemish on my entire record. I also did not get arrested over this incident nor was I charged in any way for this matter.

To make the situation worse, I tried to enlist in the Army 10 years ago and because of this incident, I was DQ'ed with the Army. So, my concern is, 1.) Will the psych ward incdient 12 years ago kill my chance and 2.) will the fact that I was DQ'ed by the Army kill or hurt my chances?

Any answers you guys may have for this I appreciate.

[mcsap]

It never looks good but time can be your friend.

Were you 18 yet ?

Do you think a doctor NOW will give you a full psych exam and declare you " fit for duty " ?? This is something you would have to pay for of course.

[GoDirectly2Jail]

If the Army didn't want you, any agency would be looking VERY CLOSELY at your suitablility. Without complete details on the particulars, no one will be able to tell you more than that.

[huntergame]

Hey guys, thanks for the responses so far. To answer a few of the questions, when I made this mistake in my life I was under 18 and was actually 17. With regards to the Army, I was going through the process of getting a waiver and in meeting with another psychiatrist I was actually cleared and deemed fit for duty by that psychiatrist. The reason things didn't work out in the end was because the process for getting a waiver was taking forever and I ended up giving up on it. In my current situation, if the process of getting cleared or whatever took awhile that would be fine because I still have a year of school left anyway so I have time. Also I do believe that a medical professional would deem me fit for duty today if I met with one. Hope all of this extra information helps in accessing my chances. The reason I'm asking what you guys think is because I don't want to go through this long process if I have 0 chance. However, if I have at least a 20% chance then I am willing to go through with the process.

Thank you again guys and hopefully I can get a little bit more feedback on this topic.

[Gooch]

You have to ask yourself, if you were in the employer's shoes, what would make you feel comfortable hiring this guy? Most employers want to see a pattern of stable work history and solid references. If you can show that your life has been together for the last 12 years since that incident when you were 17, I don't think it will automatically disqualify you. As long as you're truthful and I'm assuming you will be, any concerns they have will be addressed by the psychological evaluation.

[greg72982]

To make the situation worse, I tried to enlist in the Army 10 years ago and because of this incident, I was DQ'ed with the Army.

To answer a few of the questions, when I made this mistake in my life I was under 18 and was actually 17. With regards to the Army, I was going through the process of getting a waiver and in meeting with another psychiatrist I was actually cleared and deemed fit for duty by that psychiatrist. The reason things didn't work out in the end was because the process for getting a waiver was taking forever and I ended up giving up on it.

So which one is it? In the first post you make sound as if the Army DQ'd you (exact words actually), then you say well really it was you just giving up?

[huntergame]

Well with regards to the Army, Greg, if you're going through the process of getting a waiver then that means you were DQ'd. The reason for getting a waiver is to squash the DQ so you can go ahead and enlist. Sorry if I wasn't being very clear in my earlier posts.

[huntergame]

One last thing guys, my biggest concern with all this is, if I go through the process and get disqualified, will that in any way affect future employment? In other words, if I want to apply for UPS or whatever down the line, will the UPS background check run into this and disqualify me from their employment?

Also, why do background checks for some federal service jobs seem a little bit more relaxed? I mean, I was looking at the secret service background form applicants have to fill out and with them, they only ask for medical history 7 years back, so with them, I wouldn't even have to bring up this issue. I just don't get why a federal job background check would at least seem a lot less relaxed then a city police job.

[huntergame]

I just don't get why a federal job background check would at least seem a lot less relaxed then a city police job.

Actually, what I meant to say is that I don't know why a federal job background check would seem a bit MORE relaxed than a city police job.

[Curt581]

Nobody here can give you guarantees, or even percentages.

If it bothers you that much, ask the agency you'll be applying to, directly.

Call it 50-50... either you'll get it, or you won't.

Stop wringing your hands and put in your application.

[greg72982]

Well with regards to the Army, Greg, if you're going through the process of getting a waiver then that means you were DQ'd. The reason for getting a waiver is to squash the DQ so you can go ahead and enlist. Sorry if I wasn't being very clear in my earlier posts.

Gotcha, thanks...