Can You Go to Army with a Felony?
The United States Armed Forces have strict guidelines regarding enlistment eligibility, including a requirement for a clean criminal record. For individuals with a felony conviction, the process of joining the army can be more complex and challenging. In this article, we will explore the answer to the question: Can You Go to Army with a Felony?
What is a Felony?
Before diving into the specifics of joining the army with a felony, it’s essential to understand what constitutes a felony. A felony is a serious crime that is punishable by more than one year in prison. Examples of felony crimes include murder, assault, theft, drug trafficking, and burglary.
Army Enlistment Eligibility
To join the army, individuals must meet certain eligibility requirements, including:
- Being a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident alien who is eligible for citizenship
- Being between the ages of 17 and 35 (with some exceptions for older or younger individuals)
- Passing a physical fitness test and medical examination
- Meeting educational requirements, such as a high school diploma or equivalent
- Scoring well on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test
Felony Convictions and Army Enlistment
The army has strict guidelines regarding felony convictions and enlistment eligibility. According to the Army’s enlistment policy, individuals with a felony conviction are not eligible for enlistment unless:
- The felony conviction was for a non-violent offense and was more than 10 years ago
- The individual has completed their sentence and has been discharged from probation or parole
- The individual has received a pardon or had their record expunged
- The individual has demonstrated good conduct and rehabilitation
Types of Felony Convictions
Not all felony convictions are created equal. The army considers the following factors when evaluating felony convictions:
- Severity of the offense: The more severe the offense, the less likely the individual is to be eligible for enlistment.
- Length of time since conviction: The longer it has been since the conviction, the more likely the individual is to be eligible for enlistment.
- Type of offense: Some felony offenses, such as drug-related crimes, may be viewed more favorably than others, such as violent crimes.
Challenges for Individuals with Felony Convictions
Individuals with felony convictions may face additional challenges when trying to join the army. These challenges include:
- Security clearance issues: Felony convictions can make it difficult to obtain a security clearance, which is required for many army positions.
- Background checks: The army conducts thorough background checks on all enlistees, which may uncover information about the individual’s felony conviction.
- Community service requirements: The army may require individuals with felony convictions to complete community service or other forms of restitution as a condition of enlistment.
Waivers and Exceptions
In some cases, the army may grant a waiver or exception to the felony conviction policy. These waivers are typically granted on a case-by-case basis and require approval from the army’s Enlistment Eligibility Review Committee. Waivers may be granted if the individual:
- Has demonstrated significant rehabilitation and personal growth
- Has completed a significant amount of community service or other forms of restitution
- Has received a pardon or had their record expunged
Conclusion
In conclusion, individuals with felony convictions face significant challenges when trying to join the army. While it is possible to join the army with a felony conviction, it requires meeting specific eligibility requirements and demonstrating good conduct and rehabilitation. Individuals with felony convictions should consult with a recruiter or an army enlistment officer to determine their eligibility and explore available options for joining the army.
Table: Army Enlistment Eligibility Requirements
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Age | Between 17 and 35 (with some exceptions) |
| Citizenship | U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien |
| Education | High school diploma or equivalent |
| ASVAB Score | Must score well on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test |
| Physical Fitness | Must pass a physical fitness test and medical examination |
Bullet Points: Army Enlistment Eligibility Requirements
• Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien
• Must be between the ages of 17 and 35 (with some exceptions)
• Must pass a physical fitness test and medical examination
• Must score well on the ASVAB test
• Must have a high school diploma or equivalent
