Getting commisioned with criminal history

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I recently got out of the service a year ago. The day of my discharge on route home my wife told me she wanted a divorce (nice timing huh). A few months after that we had an argument and she pressed charges of telephone harassment on me. I pleaded out and was put on probation. My question is this. I am finishing my RN degree and want to come back in as an officer. Is this little hick up going to prevent that from happening? I know officer standards are more strict than the enlisted side of the house. If it does impede me from getting a commission right away, is there anything I can do to help my chances (appeals, etc). This was one slip up that I am afraid will hurt me in the long run. Thanks for the help!

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Specializes in Med/Surg.

Well, it won't help you, but it may or may not prevent you from being able to commission as an officer. You have to fill out a long questionnaire when applying, and for criminal hx you have to give any all information there might be. You would want to explain the full situation and give details along with any justification for your actions and why you took the plea deal. If it was felony charges, then that's more of an up-hill battle.

The only way you will be able to really know if it will prevent you from commissioning is by talking to an experienced health care recruiter first and actually submitting a packet.

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Specializes in ICU- adults, Flight RN peds/neo.
I recently got out of the service a year ago. The day of my discharge on route home my wife told me she wanted a divorce (nice timing huh). A few months after that we had an argument and she pressed charges of telephone harassment on me. I pleaded out and was put on probation. My question is this. I am finishing my RN degree and want to come back in as an officer. Is this little hick up going to prevent that from happening? I know officer standards are more strict than the enlisted side of the house. If it does impede me from getting a commission right away, is there anything I can do to help my chances (appeals, etc). This was one slip up that I am afraid will hurt me in the long run. Thanks for the help!

Hi I2,

There are a number of things you can do to make your path smoother in this process.

1. I didn't notice, what branch are you interested in? You probably will find the Army is more forgiving with "moral infractions". Waivers are definitely possible, of course it is "case by case" and you can't compare your situation with anyone elses.

2. Speak only with a "highly motivated healthcare recruiter". If one recruiter seems hesitant, call another....You are going to need a real go-getter for your getting your packet approved. It may need to be approved by several levels of rank......which can take time. Be patient.

3. Have all court documents plus probationary papers available for the military.

Understand that they will (of course) check for any other offenses (if there are any--have documentation available).

Good luck,

cb

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