Can You go in the military with a felony?

Can You Go in the Military with a Felony?

The United States military has strict eligibility requirements for enlistment, and one of the most significant factors is a person’s criminal record. For individuals with a felony conviction, the question is often whether they can still join the military. The answer is not a simple yes or no, as it depends on various factors and the type of felony committed.

General Guidelines

The military’s enlistment process is managed by the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Department of the Navy (DoN). The DoD has established specific guidelines for considering felony convictions in the enlistment process. According to the DoD’s guidelines, felony convictions are categorized into two types:

• Expungeable felonies: These are felony convictions that can be expunged or sealed, which means they are not considered for enlistment purposes.
• Non-expungeable felonies: These are felony convictions that cannot be expunged or sealed, which may disqualify an individual from enlistment.

Types of Felonies

Felonies are serious crimes that can have significant consequences, including imprisonment. In the military, the following types of felonies may disqualify an individual from enlistment:

• Violent felonies: These include crimes such as murder, manslaughter, assault, and battery.
• Drug-related felonies: These include crimes related to the distribution, manufacturing, or possession of controlled substances.
• Sex-related felonies: These include crimes such as sexual assault, rape, and child molestation.
• Financial-related felonies: These include crimes such as fraud, embezzlement, and money laundering.

Enlistment Waivers

While felony convictions can be a significant barrier to enlistment, the military does offer enlistment waivers for certain individuals. An enlistment waiver is a conditional offer of enlistment that is granted to an individual who has a felony conviction.

To be eligible for an enlistment waiver, an individual must meet the following criteria:

• Age: The individual must be at least 17 years old (with parental consent) or 18 years old (without parental consent).
• Moral Character: The individual must demonstrate good moral character and show evidence of rehabilitation.
• Background Check: The individual must undergo a background check to ensure they have not committed any other serious crimes.
• Documentation: The individual must provide documentation of their felony conviction, including the court documents and any related paperwork.

Types of Enlistment Waivers

The military offers two types of enlistment waivers:

• Character Waiver: This type of waiver is granted to individuals who have demonstrated good moral character and show evidence of rehabilitation.
• Medical Waiver: This type of waiver is granted to individuals who have a medical condition that does not pose a risk to national security.

Conclusion

In conclusion, an individual with a felony conviction can still join the military, but it depends on the type of felony and whether they are eligible for an enlistment waiver. The military takes felony convictions seriously and requires individuals to meet specific criteria before granting an enlistment waiver.

Here is a summary of the key points:

Individuals with a felony conviction should consult with a recruiter or an enlistment officer to determine their eligibility for enlistment and to discuss the process for obtaining an enlistment waiver.