Chances of attending ROTC as a grad student with DUI

J

jjordan49

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Jun 27, 2016
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Hello and thank you for taking the time to read this and potentially answer it. I received a DUI in the Fall of 2012 and I will be graduating this Fall with an engineering degree. I am interested in a career with the military but my major draw back is a DUI on my record. I know one option is to join as an enlisted solider but only after the waiver for my DUI is processed and approved. Another option I haven't explored is earning my Master's degree and joining ROTC.

Does a DUI on my record make me ineligible to attend ROTC at any college?
 
You should speak with the ROO of your local college or if you want to enlist, the local recruiter. Honestly, it doesn't look good. In the current climate, DUI's will have you on the outside looking in very quick. In my brigade, a DUI conviction initiates the chapter process immediately (being kicked out of the army) and the average time for that process to be completed is 30 days.

Why should the army allow you into the officer corps with a DUI? I don't mean to be harsh, but I couldn't have you on my team.
 
Thats a good question. At this point in time I don't believe I'm ready as an individual to be in the Officer Corps but I believe after ROTC or as an enlisted soldier I will be. As for the DUI we all make mistakes, which is probably what everyone says, but I've learned from it. Following my DUI I performed undergraduate research for over a year, obtained two paid summer internships, and I volunteer for the Florida science olympiad. To answer your question, the Army should allow me into the Officer Corps because I will lead by example and I don't strive to meet the bare minimum.

Now as for you not being able to have me on your team, thats fine and it just reveals your character. Food for thought: Just because an individual doesn't have a DUI doesn't mean that individual hasn't drank and drove, it simply means they haven't gotten caught drinking and driving. Now I'm not saying everyone drinks and drives but I'm certain there is a high percentage of individuals that have drank and drove at least once in their life. I know what I did was wrong and I'm paying the penalty and if a DUI will stop me from being an officer in the military that is also fine.
 
The odds aren't in your favor, but certainly it is not impossible. Your honesty and forthrightness are already positive attributes. For chances, with a high GPA, desired major, positive story, and extra-curricular accomplishments you just might find yourself competitive. I won't have the answers, but I do think if this is your passion then look into the various commissioning programs. Perhaps another service beyond the Army might be a good match, too. OCS or OTS. I've known a lot of people to recover from a mistake, keep marching forward and good luck!
 
We all make mistakes but most people don't have a DUI. Those non-DUI applicants are who you're competing with.... And that DUI becomes a liability.

We all make mistakes, and we all have to deal with the consequences of those mistakes. This may be just one of the consequences of your past choices.

It's just good to keep that in mind. Apply if you'd like. The worst they can say is "no."
 
Jcc123 said:
Yes, it does. Whether you realize it or not, you just complimented @-Bull-
Click to expand...

I guess my character just happens to be in line with what is expected of an officer.

Try your best to make it happen, if it works out for you great, but the truth remains the same and most leaders in the army share the same opinion as me.
 
Yes it does, unfortunately I realized this a bit to late.
Thanks for you input Bull, harsh or not, I appreciate it.
 
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