I want to join but...

[Marrs]

...but by the time I was 21 I had already been to prison twice. Since I am all over that and have had the chance to get my head screwed on properly, I am left with these things in my past seeming to never go away and they continue to play a critical role in my life. I am unable to rent a home or apartment, I cannot qualify for financial aid, and it is extremely hard to find a well paying job.
I found a rcruiter that told me he could make it happen but when I went to see him his whole story changed and he told me it was impossible. All I've done since I was released from prison is slowly get my act together. Now I want nothing more than to join the army. I am 25 yrs old. I am in very good physical & mental shape with family and friends supporting my decision. It would simply be the best thing for me to do and open up a world of oppertuinty for me.
I sent some mail to a few of my state represenititves in hope that some one will help me. Any feed back or suggestions would greatly be appreciated. Thank you

[capwil]

Once you go to jail, all the credibility you had before (if any) is not gone. You'll have to wait years to get the jail terms off your name. As your offences don't seem to be major, it might be worth while to plea bargain with your state as you mentioned.

An army recruiter cannot recruit someone with a jail term unless that person has written authorization. The military doesn't want to put a rifle in your hands, that's all it is. A lot of people join because they're not sure of what they want to do with their lives. I would consider 25 a little old to be joining. Still it is a job. And like all jobs they will be hard for you to get.

I would say renting a home or apartment might be easier providing you can pay the rent at the first of the month, instead of at the end of the month. It'll show that you have responsibility if you keep it up. Finding a landlord will be tricky, but I'm sure one will give you some leway. It'll probably be a slum apartment, with not much to it, but it's the paperwork that employers look for. When I hire my staff (civ. job, I own/operate a gas station), I rarely ask for references. Providing they can show me good character, generally an outgoing behaviour I have no problem.

Another optoin would be to get a few friends together and rent out a townhouse. After a few months, get your name posted on the lease! Try to get your name recognized and it will go a long way.

[Fatal-Shot]

I want to join but .. I don't think i can, i keep getting different answers Yes and no's from all kinds of recruiters, I don't know if i should take the risk as some of them say. well i have about 8 traffic tickets and i owe 6000,00 they are all speeding tickets that happened about 2years ago well they have now went to collections with the courts its called JC services. Well i don't have the money to pay that .. but would love to pay it at a later date if i could join i can't hold a job here and i really want to join i have never been in any kind of trouble with the law besides tickets . Is there any way around this so i can join, but yet i really don't want it to kick me in the *** later. I really have no way to pay this right now and i am in a tight spot. well i really thank you for taking the time out to read this and for all your help.

My big question is:
do they look into your traffic record? and if so when would they? and i do have a valid license and i am going back to court to see if i cant get it lowered but i really don't think they will and if so it wont be much. i do not have any warrants i just owe money to the collection agency threw the court house.
Email Fatal-shot@hotmail.com :confused:

[yomchi247]

Yes, they look into your traffic record, and as long as you are up front with them and it isn't too serious, it won't be a problem. You won't be able to ship if you owe the courts any money, so I'd recommend getting that paid up asap.

To the other guy, my advice would be to talk to different recruiters. See exactly what you need to do, if anything, to get waivers. I don't know the severity of your charges, so we might be having a discussion for nothing.

The problem that I have with this is that it seems that you're just wanting to join because it's your last option. I don't know you personally, and I don't know your whole story, but I hope this isn't the case. Then again, maybe the Army is exactly what you need to get your life in order...to get away from possible things that could lead you down the wrong road...

I would advise to look at yourself and see why you're doing it. Don't just join because it's the easy way out...no one wants to serve next to someone with that mentality when their life could be in that persons hands. If that is you, you might just have to live with the consequences of your actions for a while...and work hard at staying straight with the law...Good luck with whatever you decide though.

[Fatal-Shot]

Thanks for your input and help on this matter yomchi247 . If any other person has more input about this i would love to hear it thanks again yomchi247 for your input. :)


Can any one give me alittle more on this?