Do I have to tell my employer about my military service?

It’s still a job you held and it’s still military service even though you don’t qualify to be called a veteran. The slightest omission can disqualify you or make you ineligible to apply at a later date.

Failure to put your employment information on an application for employment is "falsifying an application" and makes you eligible for elimination from consideration or termination of employment. Applying for law enforcement positions with the attitude of "can I get away with" is as concerning as falsifying information. Were you to have been hired and one of my employees brought this information to me you would most probably be immediately escorted out of the building. Based on your articulation of the question, my belief is that you would not pass an initial screen much less receive a job offer.


Think of the position you put your employer in by not passing the "red faced test", that is is there anything that you would be embarrassed about should it become public knowledge. Your separation itself is a medical discharge and should be disclosed. It will most probably come up in a background check.

Tony, How can you be honest in your working law enforcement if you're not honest upfront about your military experience. What happens if you get "Depressed" during a hostage situation and cannot do your job? Life is stressful, learn to live with it and be honest. As SFC Brian Johnston stated, Law Enforcement does not seem like the right career path for you. You asked if you can "Get away with something" so I am several others are giving you our opinions, even though they are not the answers you want.

Be honest. Your question has two parts as far as a background investigation. First you are talking about a period of employment. They are going to look at that gap and ask where you were. If you say unemployed, that is not actually true. Secondly each state has rules as to law enforcement certifications. Inside those rules they address different types of military discharges and what kinds would disqualify an applicant (think dishonorable or less). Be honest, it is what it is.

Another problem that may come up is the lapse in employment. Why didn't you work for that month or so? An employer is going to want to know that. I've had it asked in all post Navy job interviews for the time after retiring leading to that interview. You don't have to list military service, nor do you have to list every job you've had. You will want to highlight jobs that gave experience that can be transferred over into law enforcement.

Bieng deceptive about your time in the military, even if it was just a short stint in RTC, a s not how you want to start a job, especially in law enforcement. Listing a two-month stint in the Navy is neither a good nor bad mark on your application/resume; it's simply a record of training and work experience.

If you're considering a career in Law Enforcement, then yes! It'll be found out thru the background check anyway and it'll be very embarrassing to have to explain something you didn't say before.

Don't try to "get away with" (your words) not disclosing a significant portion of your background if you want employment with any government entity that conducts background checks. You indicate an interest in law enforcement. Well, they conduct background checks. So don't lie. You're not going to "get away with" anything. And that brief period of service IS relevant and significant... precisely BECAUSE it was brief and precisely BECAUSE of the reason that you provide for the brevity. Be aware that something doesn't "click" in your explanation of the experience. I realize that a posting in a public forum is not necessarily the place where you want to get into details of what actually happened, but be prepared to provide a full, complete explanation of the circumstances of both your entry and exit from boot camp to competent authority when asked. No beating around the bush... and no trying to "get away with" anything. Provide the full truth... and then let the adjudicators decide what they may. If you are not prepared to do this, then look for a job in another career field.

Absolutely do NOT lie when applying for any law enforcement job.

You will be required to fill out an application. Any lie found on the application is sure way to get disqualified. Also most states require a psych exam and polygraph. Your chances of being found out are high. There is a saying in law enforcement, “you lie, you die.”

Don’t even think about it.

Would tell about any service if working in law enforcement or something, but not for a regular employer, no need to, maybe tell for a security guard job or something.. Technically one is a Veteran when they finish training.

They also serve who stay home and defend our Constitution's limits on government.