Can You Go into the Military with a Felony?
The United States military has strict guidelines when it comes to enlisting or joining the armed forces, and one of the most significant factors is a felony conviction. If you’re considering a career in the military, it’s essential to understand the consequences of a felony on your chances of joining.
The Answer: It Depends
The short answer is: it depends on the specific circumstances of your felony conviction and the type of felony. The military has different enlistment standards and guidelines for individuals with felony convictions. Here’s a breakdown:
- Non-violent felonies: In most cases, non-violent felonies, such as theft, fraud, or drug-related offenses, will not automatically disqualify you from joining the military. However, it depends on the severity of the offense and the time elapsed since the conviction.
- Violent felonies: Violent felonies, such as murder, assault, or battery, will likely disqualify you from joining the military. These types of convictions are considered a serious barrier to enlistment.
- Multiple felonies: If you have multiple felony convictions, it will significantly impact your chances of joining the military.
Types of Felonies Considered
The military takes a closer look at certain types of felonies when evaluating an individual’s suitability for enlistment. Here are some examples:
| Felony Type | Impact on Military Enlistment |
|---|---|
| Drug-related felonies | Can disqualify you, especially if related to illegal drugs or drug trafficking |
| Theft-related felonies | May be considered depending on the circumstances and severity of the offense |
| Violent felonies | Highly likely to disqualify you |
| Property damage felonies | May be considered depending on the severity of the damage and the circumstances of the offense |
| Domestic violence felonies | Highly likely to disqualify you |
Enlistment Process
If you have a felony conviction, you’ll need to go through an additional step in the enlistment process. Here’s an overview:
- Initial Application: Fill out the initial application, and be honest about your felony conviction.
- Security Clearance: You’ll undergo a security clearance check, which will reveal your felony conviction.
- Enlistment Processing: The military will review your application and conduct a further investigation into your felony conviction.
- Background Check: A background check will be conducted to gather more information about your conviction.
Waivers
In some cases, the military may grant a waiver to individuals with felony convictions. A waiver is a one-time exception that allows the individual to join the military despite their felony conviction. Here are some scenarios where a waiver might be considered:
- Mitigating circumstances: If the felony was committed under unusual or mitigating circumstances, the military may consider a waiver.
- Age at the time of conviction: If you were younger at the time of the conviction, the military may take that into account.
- Time elapsed since conviction: If it’s been a significant amount of time since the conviction, the military may consider a waiver.
What’s Next?
If you’re considering joining the military with a felony conviction, here are some next steps:
- Research: Research the specific requirements for your desired branch of service and the type of waiver you may need.
- Consult with a Recruiter: Consult with a military recruiter to discuss your options and the enlistment process.
- Get a Waiver: If you’re eligible, obtain a waiver from the military.
Conclusion
In conclusion, having a felony conviction does not necessarily mean you’re automatically disqualified from joining the military. It’s essential to understand the specific circumstances of your felony conviction and the type of felony you were convicted of. By researching and understanding the enlistment process, you can increase your chances of joining the military despite your felony conviction.
