Transfer from my Yahoo! Answers question -

I'm in the process of becoming a police officer. I know that a dishonorable discharge disqualifies you from almost all jobs, but I was given an Uncharacterized, because I had only been in for a little over a month. My DD214 says "Failed Medical/Physical/ Procurement Standards" I was discharged with a Chapter 5-11 (Medical/Physical/Mental). One of the Sergeants at the base told me that I didn't have to volunteer the information, but does that mean with employees too? You go before a board of members who question you before becoming a police officer, and the question "tell me about yourself" means that I have to explain I was discharged, but I don't want them to ask "why were you discharged." It's just one of those things that I don't like to tell people. It was something stupid, but I know in my mind it won't happen again... Now obviously I'm not going to tell you guys why, but from what I gave you, do you think you could answer my question?

Also, I was eligible to re-enlist if I wanted to.

I know my department requires veterans to have an honorable discharge in order to be hired. Good luck though!

Well it's a ELS (Entry-Level-Separation). "I didn't have enough time to adequately measure this person's conduct and performance" is essentially what it means.

An ELS is not honorable, it's not general, it's not anything.

his is often done in cases of misconduct, or failure to meet or maintain standards. Usually, someone with an ELS has not been in the military long enough to qualify for most veteran benefits.

I wouldn't worry about the "tell me about yourself" question. You could simply not mention your military experience at that time unless specifically asked. You would have to acknowledge that you enlisted on your application or when filling out your background packet, and you would have to explain your situation. You might find a department that would hire you, but your ELS would raise a big red flag!

Thank you, I wish it wouldn't raise a "big red flag." I'm going to do everything in my power to make myself stand out from the rest!

-Criminal Justice Degree-
-Security Guard Background- (current job)
-Knows Spanish-

What else?

If it has been a few years since, apply with a police department or two, and see what they tell you. If you don't get hired, give it some more time (years) then apply with another department.

If I were you, I would re-enlist! That could solve your problem!