Joining the military and debt? Please help, so confused!?

[Camira B]

So, I originally wanted to join the USCG and become a rescue swimmer, but after passing my ASVAB, physical, etc and right before I was going to swear in, my recruiter told me I got put on hold because I have a lot of debt in collections (medical bills from when I didn't have insurance) and that I had to pay it all off before I could even swear in. Well, I told him that would take me a good few years.

Anyway, I talked to an Army recruiter and I told him I was just researching all the branches and I couldn't swear in to any service for a while because of my debt and he said that was wrong. He said as long as I am making monthly payments (which I am) to the collection agencies, that's fine. He said it's not required to be paid off as long as there is a consistant record of me making payments each month and I have a plan together to pay off the debt?

Who's right? Or do the Army and Coast Guard have different rules? I really want to be a rescue swimmer, but if I have to wait 3 years just to enlist and then 2 years+ for A school, it seems like I might as well join a different branch of service.

Thanks.

 

[*amanda*]

The Army recruiter is correct. I was in a similar situation due to job loss with credit cards. I am in a repayment plan and I told them about everything. I was told that it could affect me getting a security clearance. So if the job you were going to pick needed top secret or higher, you might not be able to get it. If you don't want to join the Army-try the NAVY.