[The_Chief]

So I'm currently in the process of applying for Marine OCS, and I've been getting as much info as possible from the internet along with the recruiter in my area.

When it comes to criminal history, I'm getting two different answers.

The internet resources are telling me to disclose EVERYTHING that I've ever been involved in because if, later down the road I need top secret clearance(which I will need for my desired MOS), they find something then it could be grounds for discharge. And not to differentiate between expunged and current records, because if it's ever happened they'll find it.

When I was talking with my recruiter he told me that if it's expunged and there haven't been any continuing incidents, then it's like it never happened, and not to even mention it.

Who should I listen to?

 

[Dakota Kid]

Speaking as a former military recruiter, your recruiters primary goal is to make goal. Full disclosure is best, period. As long as you disclose it, the info you provided should not bar you from serious consideration as an Officer.

Good luck to you.:cheers

 

[thisisben]

As long as you didn't kill someone or are a convicted felon I doubt you'll have a problem. The recruiters goal is to get you recruited and he'll lie his ass off if it gets you to put on a uniform.

 

[The_Chief]

That's what I'm thinking, and it wasn't anything major. I was put on probation for 6 months for some BS. But thanks for the advice

 

[Otto Man]

You do realize the likely hood of getting your desired MOS is pretty slim, right? As a butter bar, you can get assigned to any unit the USMC needs. What MOS are you shooting for, anyways?

If it was enough to get probation over, you should probably mention it. Most get denied/lose their clearance because of financial woes.

Funny thing...I did my MEPS in Pittsburgh. I still hate that stupid duck walk...

 

[The_Chief]

You do realize the likely hood of getting your desired MOS is pretty slim, right? As a butter bar, you can get assigned to any unit the USMC needs. What MOS are you shooting for, anyways?

If it was enough to get probation over, you should probably mention it. Most get denied/lose their clearance because of financial woes.

Funny thing...I did my MEPS in Pittsburgh. I still hate that stupid duck walk...

I realize that it's unlikely, but I'd rather not get it and have it than get it and not have it...if you know what I mean. And I'm shooting for Ground Intelligence Officer. I haven't done MEPS yet though, they said that they'd set me up probably for the week after Thanksgiving.

 

[caseyh46]

I'm not sure what MOS you're shooting for, however, if you will need a TS clearance then I would advise you to come clean now! A TS (especially for intel, there's a lot more to it) requires a background check, a very thorough one. I have seen guys with DWI's get a TS if they just come clean about it! I've seen guys have theirs pulled becaues they "left out" something as simple as a speeding ticket...
They want to know if your truthful, that's the key... not if you've never made a mistake. I just got my TS a few months ago with the Navy and went through intelligence officer school (butter bar here, but prior enlisted).
At the end of the day, do what you want, just know that if it's worth finding, they WILL find it I promise...

good luck, I hope you get your OCS slot!

 

[Scissors]

The only guy I know who didn't get his TS because of history that he came clean about had stolen something like 10 cars.

If you aren't a multiple-felon, you're good to go.

 

[Devildawgtiger]

If I recall correctly, all Marine Corps officers must have at least a secret clearance. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) will perform a background check before your package is even approved for your slot in OCS. If you don't disclose it you run a significant chance of not even getting your shot at OCS. I'm about to start drilling as a Recruiting Support Officer for the Baton Rouge, Louisiana RS. I'll be glad to answer any questions or assist you in any other way I can.