SoFloFlyer

Hey everyone, not sure who to ask or where to look, but I was discharged from the military with a Uncharacterized discharge, Entry Level Separation. Would this affect me I’m getting a job with an airline (mainly concerning with my background check)? The person who processed me out said that it was a “no harm, no foul” type of deal so it won’t affect my employment or background checks.

I reached out to a pilot recruiter so I’m just waiting to hear back on what they have to say about that. Any other info would be appreciated! Thanks!

Fixnem2Flyinem

Is that a discharge one gets during boot camp or initial tech school? If so I believe that is a general discharge under honorable conditions. Do you have a DD214?

SoFloFlyer

It was during boot camp and yes, I do have a DD214. It just says uncharacterized. Told me I wasn’t there long enough to get anything else.

sflpilot

I believe you would be OK getting hired per the regulations based on my reading of them. Now you’ll have to disclose your military service to the airline so whether it shows in the background check or not really doesn’t matter. Anything above the regional level would probably have a lot of questions about exactly what happened which you would need to be prepared to explain. Besides that others on here could give you more information about how the airlines feel about this.

rickair7777

The top-tier majors will almost certainly ask about what happened.

The specifics of what happened will probably weigh in their decision.

You should also have a Re-Entry Code and Separation code on the DD214 which would shed more light on things. Google those. If you're eligible for re-enlistment, even with a waiver, that would probably be better.

If you're not eligible for re-enlistment, or one of those codes hints at problems with authority, that might not be good.

This kind of thing typically happens for one of three reasons:

1) Physical fitness/injuries. Airlines would probably not hold that against you.

2) Trouble adapting. Understandable for some kids who may simply have to make a fast transition from momma's boy to military. Airlines might want to know that you've matured and toughened up a bit, that could be demonstrated by life accomplishments such as school, career progression, civic duties, even raising kids.

3) Psych/Personality/Authority Issues. Airlines will be more concerned about this. Since you wouldn't have been allowed in the military in the first place if you were certifiable, this would likely be for borderline tendancies of one sort or another. Again being able to articulate what changed and show life progression might help.

The airlines are not as stressful as the military, but airline aviation can have it's moments, so military performance is relevant.

SoFloFlyer

I appreciate the reply! I have no problem being open about it and what happened. I was told that I could try again with a waiver, but decided to do my research on becoming a pilot and pursued the dream instead. Luckily my reenlistment code is one that I could come back. My only concern was whether I could pass the background check. I haven’t had any issues up to this point and I’m still eligible to work for the federal government so I wouldn’t see why there would be issues coming onto an airline.