Am I eligible for the 27D MOS as a future enlistee?

Joseph Garber — Tue, 07 Apr 2020 21:05:23 -0400

I’m in the process of enlisting active duty Army and have been particularly interested in the paralegal MOS (27D). It’s a seemingly attractive position to me given that I’d very much like to transition into law school after service. I have a current problem however in that my recruiter is telling me that the MOS requires that the individual “have no law violations” on their record. To be specific, in my situation, I have a dismissed assault/famv charge from 2011 which never incurred any punishment (no probation, no fines, no counseling etc).

I looked up the requirements and pointed out to my recruiter that they specify no formal “convictions” of a crime may be registered on the applicants record by a court of law. She insists it means the same thing but she has to be mistaken. I have to admit, it’s becoming frustrating dealing with my recruiter as every discussion somehow ends with me being a criminal in the eyes of the army.

For background I currently hold a bachelors in biology and was actually a medical student for 2 years working toward my MD before deciding to withdraw and pursue a career in law instead. I registered a 98 on the ASVAB so I meet the clerical qualifications as well which requires I believe a 110 or near it. Should I just seek out a different recruiter? Or am I somehow operating in error? Any advice going forward would be appreciated!

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Apr 7 at 2020 9:26 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Tue, 07 Apr 2020 21:26:31 -0400

Ask it of the Station NCOIC or Commander.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 7 at 2020 11:40 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Apr 2020 23:40:11 -0400

Contact the MOS Proponent of the 27D school house for a review and a waiver, if necessary. Only the proponent may waive the prerequisites, and if the proponent writes a memo stating that you either meet, or are waived, that prerequisite, then you are good.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2020 8:16 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 08 Apr 2020 08:16:52 -0400

not a lawyer but it would seem that if the charges were dismissed and you were never convicted then you have no law violations. this should be no different from being charged with a crime you didn't commit and being found not guilty at trial.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2020 11:15 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 08 Apr 2020 11:15:14 -0400

Get a second opinion. Talk to another recruiter or the branch supervisor. Worst case, if the legal action is in your background check, you could request a waiver.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 10 at 2020 2:48 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Apr 2020 14:48:05 -0400

I know when I signed for my 27D I was told I could not have ANYTHING on my record, not even a traffic violation. Regardless of if it was dismissed it is still on your record. As stated by others you either need to get a waiver for it or you need to see about getting it removed from your record.