Can You Join the Air Force with a Felony?
The dream of serving in the US Air Force can be crushed when faced with a criminal past. Can you really join the air force with a felony? The short answer is, it depends.
Types of Felonies that Disqualify You
The first thing to consider is what kind of felony you’re convicted of. The air force has strict guidelines in place for enlisting those with a felony record.
Contents
**Closely Held Felonies**
- Burglary (breaking and entering into another person’s property without consent)
- Larceny (theft, swindling, or robbery)
- Embezzlement (the fraudulent acquisition of assets)
- Assault or battery causing serious physical harm
- Arson
- Distribution or trafficking of controlled substances
Felonies falling under these categories generally disqualify individuals from joining the air force. These types of convictions can raise serious concerns about character, morals, and security clearance.
**Less Closely Held Felonies**
- Possession of illegal controlled substances (not drug-related offenses like distribution)
- Disorderly conduct or indecent exposure
- Fraudulent acts (apart from embezzlement)
- Petty larceny or shoplifting (misdemeanor-grade crimes)
For these "lesser" felonies, the air force reviews on a case-by-case basis. You may be granted a waiver, allowing you to enlist, if certain conditions are met:
• Minimum time of one year and one day spent incarcerated
• Clean records for three years (probation and parole violations aside)
• Approved by a waiver committee and the gaining unit ( squadron or squadron equivalent)
Chances of Enlistment with a Felony
The reality is that very few felony convicts are able to enlist in the air force. According to the Defense Access to Military Records system (DADT):
In 2017, only 1% of applicants with a felony record were cleared for military service.
Even if your felony is classified as a "less closely held" crime, it’s challenging to overcome the stigma.
**Paying Your Dues, One Way or Another**
Military life is all about making a commitment. If your felony conviction does prevent you from joining the air force as a regular enlisted member or officer, don’t write off your dream of service completely. Here are two possible alternatives:
• Be a Chaplain If you’ve completed theology-related studies or have already received a ministry degree, the air force chaplain candidate program may be the door you’ve been seeking. Chaplains need strong moral compasses, excellent communication skills, and commitment to a higher authority (not just the federal government).
• Pursue Civilian Job Openings within the DoD Although you cannot directly enlist with a felony conviction, some civilian DoD positions remain available for you. Roles like base contracting, healthcare, engineering, or law enforcement do exist, allowing you to support the US Air Force (and your country) indirectly.
Conclusion: No Guarantees
Don’t waste your time seeking a spot in the air force with a felony unless your conviction is relatively minor or you have a plausible pathway to joining through non-military roles. Ensure your record is clean before trying to enlist, even with a "less closely held" crime. Only genuine efforts and dedication towards turning your life around have the potential to change your outcome.
The air force strives to attract the highest calibre candidates, considering them worthy to represent our country. Don’t disregard this opportunity simply because you made a mistake in your past. Consider alternative, challenging, and rewarding experiences like those found within the armed services.
Here’s the important information:
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Closely Held Felonies | Immediate disqualification from enlisting (e.g., theft, assault, drug-related crimes) |
| Less Closely Held Felonies | Requires waiver consideration (e.g., fraud, public indecency, low-grade drug-related crimes) |
Remember that your best path forward will depend on individual circumstances, the complexity of your situation, and any mitigating factors relevant to your conviction. By examining your criminal record’s consequences and showing a tangible shift towards personal growth and reform, you may unlock possibilities for enlisting, supporting the US Air Force as a chaplain or through civilian work, and rediscovering purpose through the uniform.
