I have a friend that is looking to join the Marine Corps, namely for the 0321 MOS. Also, he is keeping his options open at this time and is also considering SF or SEAL.

Besides an otherwise clean record, he does have a DUI that he got in mid-March. His court date is in August and he is most likely not going to get convicted.

Will this keep him from getting a secret clearance with the Armed Forces?

I'm helping him map out his career and this is the biggest problem we have right now.

Wait and see what happens with his case.

If possible, Ask for a pre-trial hearing with the DA's office. If he has a recruiter, Have him go with him, explain what he has in mind for his future, See what he may be eligible for and go from there. DA's and arresting officers generally have a soft spot for guys going into the Military. Bringing the Recruiter shows the prosecution that it is not merely a ploy to get the charges dropped or reduced.
Now, that does not mean that you are not going to run into Asst. DA's with a Hard on for DUI's. Just my 2 cents.

Good idea, me and him will talk about this.

tell him to go 0311 first! he can get his feet wet and then go 0321 if he washes out not saying he will he will lose his mos since he is a first termer
he could end up being a cook or whatever the marine corps wants to make him at that time. i could be wrong so ask some recon buubas, at this is how it worked when i was active duty 0311 just my .02$

Good advice from trthdetector, I would go with that.
I dont think a DUI will affect the clearance as long as that is all it is, you could plea bargain to anything less than a DUI, Reckless driving, moving violation with fine,whatever, as long as the DA gets a conviction(any conviction) thier happy... I think you have a good chance as long as the recruiter vouches for you and you express your desire to serve.

As far as going 0311 first... isnt that the natuaral path, unless things have changed drastically( I have been out since early 90's), 0321 was never a garunteed MOS, I had to beg borrow and steel at ITS (SOI) just to get the interview with the SGTMAJ. of 1st Recon Bn. and if you didnt have Rifle Expert/ 1st Class swim Qual and 1st Class PFT , forget about it!
From what I know, there is no more Force Recon, its all MARSOC now.
But I also undertand that 0321's are still primary shooters within MARSOC which is cool. You coud still get in MARSOC as an O311 and be a trailer from what I gather.

Old post.

True, but good information. And accurate, as far as I recall.