Can You go to the military with a felony?

Can You Go to the Military with a Felony?

The United States military has strict guidelines regarding enlistment and the types of criminal records that are eligible for service. For individuals with a felony conviction, the answer to this question is often complex and dependent on various factors. In this article, we will delve into the details of what it takes to join the military with a felony and what the consequences may be.

What is a Felony?

Before we dive into the specifics of military enlistment, it’s essential to understand what a felony is. A felony is a serious crime that is punishable by more than one year in prison. Examples of felonies include murder, rape, robbery, and burglary. In contrast, misdemeanors are less severe crimes that are punishable by less than one year in prison.

Military Enlistment Requirements

To join the military, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements. These requirements include:

• Being a U.S. citizen
• Being at least 17 years old (with parental consent) or 18 years old (without parental consent)
• Having a high school diploma or equivalent
• Scoring well on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test
• Passing a physical examination
• Meeting moral and character standards

Felony Convictions and Military Enlistment

So, what happens if you have a felony conviction and want to join the military? The answer is that it’s possible, but it’s not easy. The military has a waiver process that allows individuals with certain types of felony convictions to enlist. However, the waiver process is highly competitive, and not all felons will be approved.

Types of Felony Convictions

Not all felony convictions are created equal. The military looks at the type of crime committed, the severity of the crime, and the circumstances surrounding the crime when deciding whether to grant a waiver. Some types of felony convictions that may be eligible for a waiver include:

• Non-violent crimes: Crimes such as drug possession, theft, or fraud may be eligible for a waiver.
• Non-serious crimes: Crimes such as disorderly conduct or vandalism may be eligible for a waiver.
• Older crimes: Crimes committed more than 10-15 years ago may be eligible for a waiver.

Types of Felony Convictions That May Disqualify You

On the other hand, some types of felony convictions may disqualify you from joining the military. These include:

• Violent crimes: Crimes such as murder, rape, or assault may be automatically disqualifying.
• Serious crimes: Crimes such as armed robbery or burglary may be automatically disqualifying.
• Recent crimes: Crimes committed within the past 5-10 years may be automatically disqualifying.

The Waiver Process

If you have a felony conviction and want to join the military, you’ll need to go through the waiver process. The waiver process involves submitting an application to the military and providing detailed information about your criminal history. The military will then review your application and make a decision about whether to grant a waiver.

Benefits of Joining the Military with a Felony

So, why would anyone want to join the military with a felony? Here are a few benefits:

• Job training and education: The military offers job training and education programs that can help you develop new skills and advance your career.
• Healthcare benefits: The military offers comprehensive healthcare benefits that can help you manage your physical and mental health.
• Camaraderie and sense of purpose: Joining the military can provide a sense of purpose and camaraderie that can be hard to find elsewhere.
• Potential for forgiveness: In some cases, the military may offer forgiveness for certain types of felony convictions.

Challenges of Joining the Military with a Felony

Of course, joining the military with a felony is not without its challenges. Some of the challenges you may face include:

• Stigma: There may be stigma associated with having a felony conviction, even if it’s an old or non-violent crime.
• Limited job opportunities: The military may have limited job opportunities available to individuals with felony convictions.
• Difficulty getting security clearances: Individuals with felony convictions may have difficulty getting security clearances, which can limit their job opportunities.

Conclusion

Joining the military with a felony is possible, but it’s not easy. The waiver process is highly competitive, and not all felons will be approved. However, for those who are willing to put in the effort, the benefits of joining the military can be significant. By understanding the types of felony convictions that are eligible for a waiver and the challenges that come with joining the military with a felony, you can make an informed decision about whether this path is right for you.

Table: Types of Felony Convictions and Military Enlistment

Bullets: Key Takeaways

• Not all felony convictions are eligible for a military waiver.
• The type of crime, severity of the crime, and circumstances surrounding the crime are all considered when deciding whether to grant a waiver.
• Non-violent crimes, non-serious crimes, and older crimes may be eligible for a waiver.
• Violent crimes, serious crimes, and recent crimes may disqualify you from joining the military.
• The waiver process involves submitting an application and providing detailed information about your criminal history.
• Joining the military with a felony can provide job training and education, healthcare benefits, and a sense of purpose and camaraderie.