Can Someone Join the Military with a Felony?
The United States military has strict guidelines and requirements for enlistment, and one of the most significant factors that can affect a person’s eligibility is their criminal history. Specifically, having a felony conviction can significantly impact a person’s ability to join the military. In this article, we will explore the answer to the question: Can someone join the military with a felony?
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, robbery, burglary, and drug trafficking. Felonies are considered more severe than misdemeanors, which are crimes punishable by less than one year in prison.
Military Enlistment Requirements
To join the military, an individual must meet certain requirements, including:
- 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
- Meeting physical fitness and medical standards
- Passing a background check
Felony Convictions and Military Enlistment
Having a felony conviction can significantly impact a person’s ability to join the military. The military has strict guidelines regarding felony convictions, and individuals with a felony conviction may be disqualified from enlistment. The severity of the felony conviction and the length of time since the conviction can affect an individual’s eligibility.
Types of Felonies and Military Enlistment
Not all felonies are created equal, and the type of felony conviction can impact an individual’s eligibility to join the military. The military considers the following types of felonies:
- Non-narcotic drug-related felonies: These types of felonies, such as possession of marijuana, may not automatically disqualify an individual from enlistment.
- Narcotic drug-related felonies: Felonies related to the possession, distribution, or manufacture of controlled substances, such as cocaine or heroin, can significantly impact an individual’s eligibility.
- Violent felonies: Felonies involving violence, such as assault or murder, can automatically disqualify an individual from enlistment.
- Property-related felonies: Felonies involving theft, burglary, or property damage can also impact an individual’s eligibility.
Military Enlistment Waivers
In some cases, individuals with a felony conviction may be eligible for a military enlistment waiver. A waiver is a formal request to the military to overlook a disqualifying factor, such as a felony conviction. The waiver process is complex and requires a thorough review of the individual’s criminal history and other factors.
Factors Considered in Waiver Requests
When considering a waiver request, the military evaluates the following factors:
- Severity of the felony: The more severe the felony, the less likely the individual is to be granted a waiver.
- Length of time since the conviction: The longer it has been since the conviction, the more likely the individual is to be granted a waiver.
- Circumstances surrounding the conviction: The military considers the circumstances surrounding the conviction, such as whether the individual was a minor at the time of the offense or whether they were coerced into committing the crime.
- Individual’s behavior since the conviction: The military evaluates the individual’s behavior since the conviction, including any positive contributions to society or efforts to rehabilitate.
Table: Felony Conviction and Military Enlistment
| Felony Conviction | Military Enlistment Eligibility |
|---|---|
| Non-narcotic drug-related | May be eligible for waiver |
| Narcotic drug-related | May be eligible for waiver, but depends on circumstances |
| Violent felony | Automatically disqualified |
| Property-related felony | May be eligible for waiver, but depends on circumstances |
Conclusion
In conclusion, having a felony conviction can significantly impact an individual’s ability to join the military. The type of felony conviction and the length of time since the conviction can affect an individual’s eligibility. While some individuals with a felony conviction may be eligible for a military enlistment waiver, the waiver process is complex and requires a thorough review of the individual’s criminal history and other factors. It’s essential for individuals with a felony conviction to consult with a military recruiter or an attorney to determine their eligibility for military enlistment.
