Will my Entry Level Separation from the Air Force effect my Law Enforcement Career? Read entirely.?
Hear out my entire story, because it’s a good one, and I need a good answer!
I am putting myself through the police academy. I have passed all psychological and physical examinations as well as written examinations, and I have the discipline and the will-power to be valedictorian of my academy class. I have participated for a long while in a Sheriff cadet program in my hometown and I also have over 65 credit hours towards a Criminal Justice degree. I have terrific letters of recommendation from 1.)numerous officers that I have worked with, 2.) Lead narcotics detective of local sheriff’s department, 3.) Captain with Los Angeles Co. Sheriff dept.
My issue is this:
I was in the military (u.s. air force) for literally 18 days before I was separated (entry level separation un-characterized) for a minor case of anxiety. I was going through family trauma at the time of shipping and it affected my focus at that point. Bottom line, I can pass a psychological eval without a problem, and I consider myself completely recovered.
My question is:
Given my circumstances. My Criminal Justice education, my experience in the law enforcement arena, my terrific letters of recommendation (and lets be hypothetical here with this next one because this is how I push myself) a top score at the academy and on the Texas Law Enforcement Cert exam, is it still very feasible for me to obtain a job in law enforcement? I am putting myself through the academy because I am THAT driven, I am WILLING TO PAY out of MY OWN POCKET for something I want THIS BADLY!
Daniel- putting myself through the academy is just a small measure of my dedication. Thank you for your input.
After Reading my DD214 a bit more, I saw that I have a RE code of 2C, which means that I am eligible for re-enlistment with other branches. if the other branches of the military will accept me, then I am not so worried.
RE code 2C states that it is involuntary separation with honorable discharge.
It will be brought up during a background investigation interview with you. Just explain yourself and hope for the best.
It is a huge hurdle, because the problem they are going to have is this: Are you going to be mentally capable to deal with situations such as abused and dead children, dead bodies, gruesome murders, child rape and kidnappings? It is these things and many more that only police officers get to see as a "normal" part of their job. They are going to ask themselves if this person gets anxiety from family issues, can he effectively perform his duties in these situations? Can he remain calm and not get anxiety when a man twice his size is trying to kill him? How will he react when someone is shooting at him? These are all questions that they will ask themselves, and you will have to convince them that you are capable. Bottom line is as an officer, if you are a danger to yourself, you will also be a danger to your co-workers and the public.
Also, whatever department you apply to, will conduct their own psychological exam, and it might be tailored to your own experiences.
Good luck to you.
November 21st, 2009 at 5:42 pm
As long as the reason for your discharge is well documented and explained you should have no problem having your discharge affect your qualifications.
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November 21st, 2009 at 6:11 pm
Funny how you think that paying for something you want, by yourself should describe your level of dedication but I guess that’s where the mentality of Americans is now. Anyway bootcamp is designed to create anxiety so if the Air Force kicked you out for anxiety issues they probably saw something pretty significant. So you don’t think the stresses of being a police are going to effect you the same way? I wouldn’t hire you.
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November 21st, 2009 at 6:30 pm
It will be brought up during a background investigation interview with you. Just explain yourself and hope for the best.
It is a huge hurdle, because the problem they are going to have is this: Are you going to be mentally capable to deal with situations such as abused and dead children, dead bodies, gruesome murders, child rape and kidnappings? It is these things and many more that only police officers get to see as a "normal" part of their job. They are going to ask themselves if this person gets anxiety from family issues, can he effectively perform his duties in these situations? Can he remain calm and not get anxiety when a man twice his size is trying to kill him? How will he react when someone is shooting at him? These are all questions that they will ask themselves, and you will have to convince them that you are capable. Bottom line is as an officer, if you are a danger to yourself, you will also be a danger to your co-workers and the public.
Also, whatever department you apply to, will conduct their own psychological exam, and it might be tailored to your own experiences.
Good luck to you.
References :