What can I do to make my service sound better than it looks on paper?

A1C Lexas Granger — Sun, 21 Oct 2018 20:49:29 -0400

I served Active Duty Air Force, and was discharged General (Under Honorable Conditions) RE code 2B - Discharged for minor misconduct. Ineligible for re-enlistment.

I’d like to know how I can better describe why I was discharged to potential employers and civies. I’m not trying to make it sound like I’m some kind of war hero, but I’m also not trying to make it sound like I’m a liability to any company.

I served a total over 180 days from 1 Oct to 23 Apr. Several years ago I asked a recruiter about what I could do to try to get back in, and recent life changes inhibits my ability to serve. I’m just trying to not look like an idiot in front of others.

Much appreciated

Response by LTC Stephan Porter made Oct 21 at 2018 8:51 PM

LTC Stephan Porter — Sun, 21 Oct 2018 20:51:30 -0400

Just tell them the Truth! I made a mistake and was processed out, honorably.

Response by SSgt Harvey "Skip" Porter made Oct 21 at 2018 9:00 PM

SSgt Harvey "Skip" Porter — Sun, 21 Oct 2018 21:00:11 -0400

My opinion is that honesty is the best way to go about it. Being upfront with others is more respectful and acceptable than not being. That's just my 2 cents. Peace!

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 21 at 2018 9:01 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 21 Oct 2018 21:01:46 -0400

A1C Lexas Granger As mentioned by LTC Stephan Porter, you need to be completely honest with all statements that you make, and every form that you fill out. You can explain that you have learned from your mistakes, and are a different person now.

Response by 1SG Clifford Barnes made Oct 21 at 2018 9:11 PM

1SG Clifford Barnes — Sun, 21 Oct 2018 21:11:29 -0400

Just be honest and upfront with your resume and job into

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Oct 22 at 2018 5:58 AM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Mon, 22 Oct 2018 05:58:38 -0400

Tell the truth, all potential employers prefer open honestly.

Response by SGT Tony Clifford made Oct 22 at 2018 11:05 AM

SGT Tony Clifford — Mon, 22 Oct 2018 11:05:26 -0400

Well, there are a couple of options for you to help with employment. First, you can apply to have the characterization of your discharge upgraded to honorable. This doesn't always work well, but it is a possibility that you can consider. The second option only applies to non-government jobs. You can simply not put your service on your resume. A 6 month gap on your resume isn't necessarily a problem for a lot of employers. If you were to get a degree, they generally won't care at all. If they ask about the gap, be honest. Generally speaking, most employers won't ask, especially if you're under 20. For government employment, they will ask about military service and you can't lie on a government form. If you do, you can be charged with a crime.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Oct 22 at 2018 1:42 PM

CAPT Kevin B. — Mon, 22 Oct 2018 13:42:52 -0400

Bottom line is you don't want to lie on your resume but then that's not the place to get into wherefores and but fors. Resumes get you to an interview. They are a piece of paper that tells the story of your educational and work experience. Being employed for 6 months and being discharged is merely a flag for an interviewer to ask about the circumstances. They may ask for your DD-214. Whatever you say must agree with your paper or you have a lie that can come back to haunt you. When I was a senior Civil Service type, we occasionally had a case of termination for cause over a lie during the hiring process. We look for those things as easy outs when the employee isn't what we thought they'd be.

Response by SrA John Monette made Oct 22 at 2018 4:17 PM

SrA John Monette — Mon, 22 Oct 2018 16:17:58 -0400

apply to have your discharge upgraded to Honorable. Not sure how it's done, but there are plenty of resources on RP

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 22 at 2018 6:18 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 22 Oct 2018 18:18:58 -0400

This may sound harsh but you don’t have any service. Based on your “over 180 days” you must have completed your initial entry training and washed out during your occupational specialty training. I see under your name it lists you as a verified veteran. You are not. You are a civilian that tried out for the Air Force and didn’t make the team. You do not belong here.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 30 at 2018 8:34 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 30 Oct 2018 20:34:24 -0400

I used to hire people at a security company, and I'll tell you that honestly went a long way. Describe what specifically happened and how you learned/grew from it. Some of our best employees were people I got to give a second chance to.

Response by Maj Sean Barnes made Dec 7 at 2018 1:01 PM

Maj Sean Barnes — Fri, 07 Dec 2018 13:01:46 -0500

You can appeal your discharge after 6 months I believe.