Hello everyone,
In two weeks, I'll be discharged from the service (US Army 8 years). I'll be discharged with an Other than Honorable discharge for non criminal related misconduct. I'll still be able to obtain my SECRET security clearance. Would like to know if federal agencies (TSA, State Department, FAA, Department of Homeland Security, etc) would even consider my resume after reviewing my DD 214? Thanks in advance
UPDATE: I'd prefer work with in the federal government agencies mainly due to my location (I'll be located outside of Washington, D.C.). Nature of discharge of I received an General Officer Article 15 for committing adultery; NOT a criminal conviction and wasn't substance or alcohol related, just something that occurred in my personal life, which overshadowed my professional career. I have a Bachelors degree in Justice Studies from Arizona State University. I've been a "Jack of all trades" throughout my Army ranging from being a logistics and maintenance manager, intelligence officer (physical/personnel/information security manager), anti terrorism/force protection officer, automations manager and most recently serving as a Brigade Training Officer for my current organization. My most recent position has been as a QA/QC inspector for both internal and external unit inspections. I'm a Signal Officer by trade but as you can tell I have a diverse background. Managerial and supervisory roles are what I've developed throughout my years of service. Thanks in advance.
Answers
Have you thought about having your discharge reviewed for upgrade? I've never heard of anyone getting an other than honorable discharge for adultery, though I have seen several Article 15s given for it. While I'm not condoning the action, the punishment (forever affecting your professional life) doesn't fit the crime (which was personal in nature). You should definitely try going to a discharge review board, because others may see it the same way too.
Dear Linus,
There are a couple of job-related and non-related things to consider with respect to your Other Than Honorable (OTH) Discharge. The job-related drawback, with respect to Federal employment, is that you will not be afforded the 5-point veterans' preference, which can sometimes put you at the top of the list when competing with non-veterans for a job.
Non-related to the hiring process is that the Department of Veterans Affairs has their own criteria for determining what benefits, if any, they will extend to you. An OTH discharge does not in itself exclude you from all VA benefits.
Lastly, I agree with Advisor- Lynn Strezeski about having your discharge reviewed for possible upgrade, if you have not already appealed the decision. The following are some websites with information that might be of interest to you:
http://usmilitary.about.com/cs/generalinfo/a/dischargeupg.htm
http://usmilitary.about.com/od/justicelawlegislation/a/adultery.htm
Unfortunately, I do not know the answer to your specific question as to which Federal agency would consider your résumé, but I am positive that any upgrade to your OTH discharge will be well worth your time and effort.
Thank you for your service, and I wish you well in your transition.
Sincerely,
Bob Jurasek
I agree with John. If it comes up you were discharged as a captain in the US Army. If asked specifically about the type of discharge never lie, but don't volunteer it. When I came home from Vietnam in 1970 putting your military service on your resume was a good way to stay unemployed.
Good luck, sir.
Chuck
Many civilian employers hire without regard to your discharge type for various jobs. Have you considered some other source of employment besides with the Federal government ? What was the nature of your misconduct ? What skills do you offer ? What is your career field ? What field is your degree in ?
Your original post provides insufficient information to be able to guide your thought process.
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