Need some advice on disclosoure in the enlistment process

[Willing and capable]

Hello everyone,
I am a 35 year old male and I have decided to enlist.  I am interested most in Armored Solider or Weapons Tech trades in the Regular Forces.  I am physical capable of passing the Medical and physical but fear that I have a few other issues that may prevent me from being successful in my application to the CF.

My first obstacle is my criminal record.  I have numerous convictions for drug traficing and property related offences and served 2 years in a Canadian pen wen I was 21.  I have been off parole for about 12 years and have not be in any trouble with the law since then.  The CFRC has told me that this should not hinder my entry into the RF.  Does anyone have experience with this, ie: have a record, and successful enlisted or know someone else that has.

Second is my credit.  I have some outstanding collections and want to know how the CF views this.  I am not in a bankruptcy and do not have any judgements or garnishments in place.  Again does anyone have experience in this situation.

The third obstacle and the reason for this post is my affiliation with Narcotics Anonymous.  I have read the rules on Prior Drug Use questions during the interview, which states that they will not ask questions about prior drug use past 6 years, that is fine I have not used any drugs or even drank alcohol in more than 13 years now.  My dilemma is that I have been very active in the NA fellowship and done a lot of service for them.  I believe this shows my true character and off sets my criminal record from when I was younger.  I am fearful that if I tell them about my affiliation though they will assume that active duty could cause a relapse therefore impairing my judgement and endangering myself and possibly others.  That if i had a drug problem 13 years ago can Ireally change. I do not know if i should disclouse my affiliation in Narcotics Anonymous or not.  I do nothave a problemtelling them that I used drugs and being honest about that and my past history as is expected.  I guess my quesion is will my affiliation in NarcoticsAnonymous prevent me from entering the CF.  If anyone has experience with this or advice I would greatly appreciate it.
Cheers,

 

[Fusaki]

I'm not a recruiter and I can't give an authoritative answer to you questions.

Good for you, though, for turning your life around.  I hope it all works out for you. 

 

[MasterInstructor]

I can only talk about the credit issue...

They do check credit and if you have any collections listed, you will need to take care of those. Taking care does not mean paid in full but you do need to agree on a payment plan with the collector, make 1 -2 payments and get a letter from the collector and give that along with receipts, it then up to CFRC to give you waiver. Remember that you need to "satisfy" them and that changes from person to person.

 

[George Wallace]

My little piece of advice is to apply for a Pardon for any convictions you have had. 

 

[forumdood007]

Yup, most definitely have to obtain pardons for any convictions. This should be done anyway....by everyone out there. Post 911 did a few things behind the scenes such as tighening up security. For instance, Homeland Security is toughening up the rules as we go along. In a couple years, don't be surprised that if you have anything on your record, you will be refused entry to the US. Get pardons and get the process started. Parole Canada tells you that it takes anywhere from a year to 2 years to obtain a pardon now.
A credit check is done during your application, I would just assume that the cleaner it is the better, not sure if CF can advise on specifics.
In my opinion only, if you have a substance abuse problem, be honest about it with CF. If you are currently in recovery and attend NA, GA, AA etc, you are obviously doing something about your addiction. They may have some requirements as to your clean time, just to know that you are on the right track. Addiction is a treatable disease after all.
Good luck, sounds like you have a few obstacles but all do-able. I think you should be straight up with them and assume that they will return the courtesy.
I'm surprised we don't have to do a polygraph as an applicant. I did one for my current employment (Police dept) and don't mind telling you, they aren't any fun!!!