Strange dilemma here. 10 years ago I try to enlist in the ARNG. I Passed the ASVAB but failed the UA. THC. I was a stupid kid doing stupid things. Now, 10 years later, I am trying to enlist in the Army as an active soldier. I disclosed the info of my 10 y/o mistake to my recruiter and I did not lie at MEPs. This time around I pass the ASVAB again (62) and clear the UA & Phys. with flying colors. Actually, I'm lying. I had protein in my urine from trying to make weight, but an hour and about 20 cups of water later I had no problem making good wee-wee.
Anyway, when the Chief MO asked about my denied enlistment 10 years ago I explained to him the circumstances and he cleared me for service. The branch liason also liked what she saw and stated all I had left to do was sit with my recruiter and a job counselor. I made a date for that but it never came as my recruiter called and said the Military is no longer accepting waivers for failed UA's at this time and to check back after 10/01. Needless to say I still have not signed my Delayed Enlistment Contract and I'm still dancing around phone calls with my recruiter. I hate to bug the guy but he's been real helpfull and I want nothing more than to serve. The more I look into this the more I think the Army will never accept waivers for this type of situation again.
Can someone help with any information on when they might start accepting these types of waivers again? I am in no way discouraged, just eager to begin my new life. Thanks. -OC

quote:

Originally posted by 22133488:
I hate to bug the guy but he's been real helpfull

This is your problem and you need to overcome it if your going to be successful in the Army, trust me on this. The "I'm your buddy" thing is really part of the Recruiting pitch and you need to see past that.

Your paying his Salary via taxes, it is in fact your Army, paid for with your money in part. He is also a NCO and part of his training is to answer your questions or find the answers for you. Not to blow smoke, not to say "I think", "I expect", "They might", etc. If he says that your response should be: "What do you mean they might?, you mean you don't know for sure?" "Why aren't you giving me direct and accurate answers to my questions?", "How can I make life decisions on your assumptions?" Call him out, make him feel like a piece of sh*t then and there on the spot.

His job is to get you the answer you seek.

So call the guy and ask him. If he doesn't give you a good answer ask him for the next guy higher in his Chain of Command you can call to get a clear and direct answer that your looking for. This is your life and it's not a small decision your making here to spend time on this process.

In all honesty your going to face similar situations in the Regular Army, Reserves or National Guard. Your job as a Soldier is to get things done when tasked it's not to be concerned about others comfort levels or personal convienence might be.

So the task you have here is to Enlist ===> get the answers from the guy thats assigned to help you. OR Let him know you will find someone else.

Thats what the current CEO of my company says: "Get it done, or I will find someone else that can" Thats what a leader should say to their subordinates. This is the expectation on the Civilian side and it is or should be the expectation on the Army side.

So letting you know here, don't be timid, don't be bashful, don't be shy. You are only hurting yourself if you are.

Other probing responses

Recruiter: "I was told...."
You: "Who told you, how do they know?"

Recruiter: "I read...."
You: "Where did you read that from?..."

Recruiter: "I'll call you back in a week..."
You: "What day can I expect your call, what time approx?"

Recruiter: "I tried to call you but..."
You: "I can be reached on Mon at this number in this time range, etc"

Recruiter: "I haven't heard anything back yet.."
You: "When was the last time you checked on it or asked for a status?"

Recruiter: "That MOS is not available to you...."
You: "Why not?....Can you see it available at any point in the future I am flexible on ship dates...."

There are some more examples for you. It's a two way conversation and your forcing information out, that the Recruiter might not be willing to disclose to you voluntarily.

There are no DAT,marijuana, or paraphernalia waivers being granted at this time. That's why he's not calling you...

Yes, sir. I wasn't sure what kind of "play" I had with the guy, whether he was doing me a favor or vice versa. Todays phone call will be more authoritative, I assure you.

Be careful how you define "good answer"

It's not the one you want to hear, but the one that is correct. FO2 gave you the correct one I am sure, so expect the same answer from your recruiter.

Most definitely. All responses were very helpful. After speaking with my recruiter today the final verdict was that NM, or anywhere else for that matter, is not accepting DAT waivers at this time. They tried to see if an exception could be made since my plight ocurred over 10 years ago, but in the end there was nothing they could do. I was told had I applied earlier this year then I would have at least made the cut-off date and on my way to basic. Excuse me for cussing, but FREAKING DAMNIT TO HELL! Story of my life, a day late and a dollar short. Oh well...they have my information and when the hammer does drop I will be more than ready to heed the call. Thanks to all who responded. You guys are awesome for doing what you do and I hope to join the ranks someday. One last thing, my prayers are with the fallen and their families at Ft. Hood. God Bless Them! -OC

quote:

Originally posted by 22133488:
Most definitely. All responses were very helpful. After speaking with my recruiter today the final verdict was that NM, or anywhere else for that matter, is not accepting DAT waivers at this time. They tried to see if an exception could be made since my plight ocurred over 10 years ago, but in the end there was nothing they could do. I was told had I applied earlier this year then I would have at least made the cut-off date and on my way to basic. Excuse me for cussing, but FREAKING DAMNIT TO HELL! Story of my life, a day late and a dollar short. Oh well...they have my information and when the hammer does drop I will be more than ready to heed the call. Thanks to all who responded. You guys are awesome for doing what you do and I hope to join the ranks someday. One last thing, my prayers are with the fallen and their families at Ft. Hood. God Bless Them! -OC

Good Luck to you.

And use the advice on being direct with Not accepting non-answers. It applies to civilian life as well. I have found it to be very helpful in the business world.