Hey guys, quick question about BAH documentation for basic/AIT. I’m currently on a month-to-month lease and have documentation/payment history for it. Is there anything specific you’d recommend I have ready beforehand besides the lease and payment records?
I live alone but pay rent and will be going to basic in September, do I still get BAH? I know guard/reserve is different from active duty
I’m 20 years old from Iowa and trying to realistically gauge where I stand for future law enforcement hiring, specifically local PDs and eventually Iowa State Patrol.
I currently work full-time at Menards and have been there since 2021. I’m also in the process of enlisting in the Iowa National Guard and planning on pursuing a Criminal Justice degree after AIT. I’ve already done a couple ISP ride-alongs and have been trying to get more exposure to the profession to make sure it’s truly what I want.
My biggest issue is my driving record. Between 2023-2025 I had:
2023- 90 in a 65 (simple misdemeanor)
Late 2024- drag racing citation (simple misdemeanor)
multiple tint tickets
September 2025- another speeding ticket (10 over)
2 license suspension/revocation periods related to those offenses
I fully understand how serious that looks, and I’m not trying to make excuses for it. At the time it was poor judgment and immaturity, and I take full responsibility for it. Since then I’ve been trying to seriously straighten my life out and build a better foundation moving forward.
I guess my question is realistically:
How long would someone in my position typically need to demonstrate maturity and clean behavior before becoming a legitimate law enforcement candidate?
I’m not asking if I’d get hired tomorrow — I know that’s unrealistic. I’m more asking whether this is something that becomes realistically possible after several clean years, military service, stable employment, etc., or whether departments would likely consider this permanently disqualifying.
I’d especially appreciate input from current/former officers, background investigators, or anyone familiar with Midwest/state patrol hiring standards.