What are my chances?

[IrishMP1]

Withdrawing from all PD processes going back on active duty.

[WILawman]

I washed out of Marine Boot Camp in July of 2001, I make no bones about it, I couldn't do anything correctly, PT, drill and ceremonies, you name it, I was bad at it. I recieved an "Entry Level Seperation" with an "Uncharacterized" discharge because I'd only been in 30 days. I went home and the county police hired me as a jailer, they said my discharge wasn't bad, it wasn't good either, it was just "there" as they put it. In April of 2003, I joined the Army Guard and went to basic and AIT, I was on active duty for 6 months and recieved an Honorable discharge in October of 2003. Less then a year later, I was mobilized for Operation Iraqi Freedom, after 17 months on active duty, 12 overseas, I again received an Honorable discharge. I've received training as a Medic and as an MP. Besides my military, I have 7 years as a police explorer, two as a correctional officer and from my military training over 60 certified college credits. I've never done drugs, I have one traffic ticket and beyond that, I've had a strait life because I've always wanted to be a cop, so I've avoided trouble for all 23 years. My only concern is that an ELS and an Uncharacterized Discharge will overshadow the last five years of work and honorable service I have given. Does anyone know if an ELS will keep me from being a sworn officer? I'm from Indiana and I'm currently in IPD's hiring process and I'm applying to the state police as well, I just want to know if I'm wasting my time and if I should give up on my dream of being a cop.

You were 18 years old, thought the military was for you...but it wasn't. You got a little older, more mature, and served your country again. You are not going to have a problem and the honorable discharged you've had will overshadow the first discharge. Good luck with the new Indianapolis metro!

[manstown]

Check with the Marines. I think after 6 months you may be able to get the discharge changed to an Honorable. I don't know where I heard that, but when I was in I know of someone that was discharged before their enlistment was up and I was told that after 6 months that discharge could be changed. As far as your chances at jobs, that will differ depending on the job you are applying for. But look into that. I remember something about being able to change that.

[cruz0311]

I agree with wilawman, you will be fine, I wouldnt lose any sleep over the ELS from the corps. I was in for 7.5 years, and i was always told ELS discharges are almost like you were never in, like you said before its just there. If it wasnt for you, it wasnt for you. But you went back and served the country honorably so that looks good and you have a clean record, you should be fine. Anyhow good luck!