Trying to start my career

[Lonestargrizzly]

Hello, I am trying extremely hard to become an LEO. I have at least 40-50 applications out at the local, state, and federal level. I have an entry level separation from the Air Force, RE code 4C, due to a physical altercation I was in with another trainee and an instance of marijuana usage almost 4 years ago, before I was 18. My main question is whether I should try and attend an academy as a non-affiliate or not, which is hard because I work full time and I am working on my Bachelors degree with financial aide so I will not be able to use financial aide for the academy.
My last possible lead was for a county level corrections position, and the day before my CVSA my BI called and told me that everything had been cancelled.. very frustrating. And it makes me think, if I will not be accepted at the county level then why would Bureau of Prisons accept me? Or is it easier to get a federal job than a county job?
And lastly, law enforcement is what I want to do, it is my goal, and it is what I am working towards. (Although it is a frustrating goal.) So how should I get there?

[micro911]

Not having a good record in the military may not work positively for you. Maybe someone who works the background may know more about it.

[Lonestargrizzly]

Yea, I got into an altercation with another trainee. Nobody got hurt but I got an ELS for it. I have been told that the reason that I got the RE-4C is because I was only 17 years old when all this happened. I dont know.
I had my background interview and my psych test on the same day, and my BI called my a week later to tell me I was DQ'd. So I don't know it it was my background or my psych test that DQ'd me. I am worried though because my CCW application is pending at the dept that DQ'd me for a job with them..

[BoJackUSMC]

What type of discharge did you receive?

[BoJackUSMC]

You can hire (free at veteran service office) they will help you write a letter in order to help you upgrade your discharge. Honestly, very hard to get a job local or federal PD without honorable discharge.

You might have better chance once you upgrade your discharge record.

[Lonestargrizzly]

I got an entry level separation. Its like an administrative discharge. Because I was only in for like 60 days. So when I called the records office at Travis AFB they didnt have a record of me. I am definitely not a veteran. Its just like this- it was my first "job" (being in the USAF) and I joined at 17 like 3 weeks after I graduated. And like many people, I got fired from my first "job", only difference is that it makes me look like a dirtbag.

[fawndog]

SFPD has accepted recruits w/ELS and plan on a 300 officer increase to get to proper staffing levels. 5 academy classes scheduled this year, tell me you applied with them.

[BoJackUSMC]

Not much you can do with administrative discharge, writing letter to military judge wise...
What you can do is finish getting your college degree first and try to find part time job at the same time.

Maybe by then you can show them how much you have matured.

[Lonestargrizzly]

I have a full time job with a private security company. I have done very well with the security company, promoting from officer to dispatcher to administrative specialist within the space of 2 years. I attended a private college for two years and just when I was about to receive my associates the school closed. Now I am attending school online, going for my Bachelors in political science and I am a sophomore.

[Lonestargrizzly]

I believe that I have applied for SFPD.. but they require you to pay $50 to take the written test. Which I should just shut up and pay but it feels wrong to pay to take a test for a job. Especially when I already have taken a pellet-b.

[fawndog]

I'll advise you by PM

[Lonestargrizzly]

Thank you. This whole process is just so frustrating.

[Lonestargrizzly]

Oh and I didnt just start applying, I started applying last January.

[Spyder]

I have a full time job with a private security company. I have done very well with the security company, promoting from officer to dispatcher to administrative specialist within the space of 2 years. I attended a private college for two years and just when I was about to receive my associates the school closed. Now I am attending school online, going for my Bachelors in political science and I am a sophomore.

There's something to be said for going to a real school.

[Lonestargrizzly]

If I could afford to quit my job then I would go to "real" school and be an on ground student. Believe me I wish I could go to school on ground again. I am attending California Baptist University, which I believe to be a "real" school. I chose CBU because I wanted to study political science, but not from a marxist professor.