rashim
06-27-2006, 03:52 AM
I am SGT in the military and I have my bachelors in Criminal Justice. I took the written test for LA Port and Airport, Portland, New York and the Border Patrol. I spent almost $1,500 in plane tickets, hotel rooms, and expenses to take these test. I passed with high scores on all of them. I also took the physical test, the medical test, the drug screen and had the oral board for the Border Patrol. Passed all with no problems. I took the PQE, and the physical test for LA Port and LAX, passed with no problem.
I sent in my paperwork for my background check for the Border Patrol and LA. They both said that since I don’t get out of the military until May/ 07 that it was too early for me to apply. They said that I needed to contact them 3-6 months prior to me getting out before I should apply. Neither agency will do my background check until then.
The only part of the process I fear will keep me from getting hired is that I had some credit issues that went into collections about 4 years ago. There were about 3 credit cards and 2 loans. This was when I was in college and struggled financially. All debt was taken out of collections 2 years ago and paid off completely a year ago. My credit has improved since but this stays on my record for 7 years. I have no history with drugs, crime, bad employment or any other disqualifiers listed, but I don’t know how they will take my past credit issues.
Here is my dilemma…The military wants me to decide if I will stay in or get out 90 days prior to my end of service date. If I wait until 3-6 months prior to apply again, there is no way I will know if I am hired or dq by the time I am 90 days out. It is my dream to be in law enforcement, but I don’t want to leave the security of the military if I can’t get hired by an agency. I got out of the military once, went to college, had financial trouble and came back in. I can’t leave and come back in a second time. Anyone with experience in this area, please advise.
I sent in my paperwork for my background check for the Border Patrol and LA. They both said that since I don’t get out of the military until May/ 07 that it was too early for me to apply. They said that I needed to contact them 3-6 months prior to me getting out before I should apply. Neither agency will do my background check until then.
The only part of the process I fear will keep me from getting hired is that I had some credit issues that went into collections about 4 years ago. There were about 3 credit cards and 2 loans. This was when I was in college and struggled financially. All debt was taken out of collections 2 years ago and paid off completely a year ago. My credit has improved since but this stays on my record for 7 years. I have no history with drugs, crime, bad employment or any other disqualifiers listed, but I don’t know how they will take my past credit issues.
Here is my dilemma…The military wants me to decide if I will stay in or get out 90 days prior to my end of service date. If I wait until 3-6 months prior to apply again, there is no way I will know if I am hired or dq by the time I am 90 days out. It is my dream to be in law enforcement, but I don’t want to leave the security of the military if I can’t get hired by an agency. I got out of the military once, went to college, had financial trouble and came back in. I can’t leave and come back in a second time. Anyone with experience in this area, please advise.