I am a 31 year old part time firefighter in the civilian sector. I want to get into the Army NG in the worst way. I have a buddy that got me in to talk to the Col. Here at the base and the Sgt at the base Fire Department. They told me that they because of my FD background (8 years in the Fire Department) that they had a slot open and would give me a “number and a paragraph” whatever that means. Now they are referring me to a recruiter to start the process. Now when I was 17 I got in a lot of trouble. I got 1 felony and a couple of misdemeanors. NOTHING violent or drug or sexual in nature. Basically theft charges. I was running with some less than desirable fellows and made a lot of bad decisions. Since then I have not been in a stitch of trouble and the fire department gave me a chance and it has paid off for them and me. I have received 2 awards for valor and 6 green cross awards. I have a long list of FD officers and PD folks that would write me letters of recommendation. I am going to bring this (my past) up to the recruiter as soon as I meet with him and see where the chips fall. I am also an officer (Trainmaster) for the Railroad and I have a perfect work record. I want this bad. I have since I was a child. And when I got in trouble I figured my chances in the Military were gone. However I have friends that are in and they seem to think that since my trouble was so long ago and taking into consideration what I have done with my life since then they figure that I should have a good chance of getting in. I pray that they are right. Any feedback or insight would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

I would have to agree with your friends since it was so long ago and you have been a better than model citizen since then, I would go for it. You may need some reference letters from people you know in the guard and FD but I would say a waiver is possible. The Guard application is lengthy start to gather info on your past residences and jobs including people who knew you when you lived and worked. I used Landlords and supervisors. Save your good friends for the reference section.
PS. If one recruiter says no don't let that stop you try another one. Believe and have faith

Right now NGB is not accepting felony waivers (and hasn't been since December 2007) and is turning such requests away without action. NGB is about 10,000 above their required end-strength numbers so don't be surprised if no one can help you. Could the policy change sometime down the road? Sure. When? Who knows. Just keep checking in with a recruiter about every 3 months.
Good luck; cul8r.