Questions Regarding Military Service & Speeding Ticket

[dc35 3]

Hello everyone,

 

I'll submit my application this weekend, and I have a few questions I’d like advice on.

 

1. For the questions, "Have you EVER served in, been a member of, assisted (helped), or participated in any military or police unit?" AND "Have you EVER received any weapons training, paramilitary training, or other military-type training?" — My mandatory military service was completed without joining the military because I am living abroad and paying the fee. I didn't receive any weapons training; I only watched an online video as part of it. How should I answer these two questions?

2. For the question "Have you EVER been arrested, cited, detained, or confined by any law enforcement officer, military official (in the U.S. or elsewhere), or immigration official for any reason, or been charged with a crime or offense, or notified that you were being investigated for a crime?" — I’ve heard that we should still answer “No” for situations like speeding tickets. I’d like to confirm this. I have only one speeding ticket for less than $500.

 

Thank you very much in advance.

[Peot 161]

It's always better to answer yes if you're unsure than to answer no and be found incorrect. You can always explain the circumstance if it comes up later.

 

That being said...

 

For 1, paying a fee to avoid miliary service is not considered having served in the military - you were exempt from it. Weapons training, you said you don't have any, so this would be no regardless. This is only different if for some reason paying the fee gave you a military record, but it shouldn't. 

 

For 2, the answer is definitely "no" for speeding tickets. Traffic violations are civil, not criminal unless there's a DUI, reckless driving, fleeing an accident, etc.. serious crimes. 

Edited November 2 by Peot