Can You Join the Army with a Felony? A Comprehensive Guide
The thrill of serving your country has always been an attractive goal for many young individuals in the United States. Despite the numerous benefits and respect that comes with being part of the armed forces, many aspiring soldiers face tough questions about their eligibility.
One of the most intriguing and often confusing questions has to do with felony offenders. Can you join the army with a felony, or is your criminal background a deal-breaker in the eyes of the authorities? In this article, we’ll provide a breakdown of the requirements, loopholes, and exceptions associated with joining the army following a felony conviction.
Contents
Background Check Eligibility
Before we dive into whether you can join the army with a felony, let’s understand the importance of background checks in the eyes of the US military.
The US Department of State, Bureau of Diplomatic Security, is responsible for conducting background investigations on foreign service officers and their designated family members. Similarly, the US military conducts checks on its recruits to ascertain their trustworthiness in handling sensitive information and security clearances.
US Military Background Checks: a 5-Tier Model
| Tier | Involves |
|---|---|
| NTBI (No-Technology Background Investigation) | Interview, employment history, rental history, credit check, and personal references |
| NACLC (Standard | Interview, employment history, rental history, credit check, and personal references |
| NACLE (Law Enforcement | Face-to-face interview, prior arrests, criminal history and convictions, employment history) |
| NSO-G (Government Employee | Biographical data, employment records, and background checks) |
Felony Convictions and Military enlistment
Now that we’ve comprehended the background check context, let’s address whether you can join the army with a felony.
Per the US Military’s Military Accessions Vital to National Interest (MAVNI) program, individuals can still join the army (or other branches) but must meet certain requirements if they have a felony background.
Felon Forgiveness Program (F5)
Introduced in the 1990s as part of the MAVNI program, F5 reduces the waiting period for dishonorable discharge or discharged under honorable conditions (E-1 through E-8 pay grade) before re-engaging with the military:
- Eligible felonies: Non-non narcotics (NNN) federal drug-related felonies do not disqualify.
Exceptions for Felons
While some felonies may disqualify hopeful recruits, specific exceptions provide a pathway to military life:
- Merging or expungement records: If a felony can’t be found after a State or Federal investigation, approval for enlistment may prevail.
- Percategory 1 felony: Even if a category 1 felony (violent or stalking) is included in medical records, you may apply for a waiver.
Waiver Requests
Under certain circumstances, the recruiter or Military Entrance Processing Stations (MEPS) Board may grant waivers for qualified applicants with a felony charge:
- Waiveable offenses: Non violent, non-deceptive behaviors, such as theft over $1,000 under $5,000 under 18 years old will be considered for a Waiver.
- Recruiter approval: Eligible applicants need to address their felony on the Request for Military Enlistment (Form DD 2058) to initiate evaluation.
Security Clearance and Background Checks Under the Felony Umbrella
Here’s a vital aspect not to overlook:
- Security clearances may be deemed necessary for sensitive positions where access to classified information cannot be compromised.
Can You Join the Army Reserves with a Felony?
Another option – the Army Reserve – seems more lenient, however, it is crucial that you consult your recruiter at the earliest to discuss suitability.
Final Thoughts – Joining the Army as a Felon
Considering the complexities of the decision-making process, it goes without saying that joining the army with a felony depends vastly on individual circumstances. Don’t be deterred at this point – consult thoroughly with your recruiter while considering the exceptions, wavier requests, and waiverable offenses we’ve uncovered.
The Bottomline
While felony convictions and military enlistment may evoke uncertainty, by understanding what the US Military considers acceptability, the path will become clearer:
- Don’t be disqualified by automatic disqualification;
- Eligibility for joining the arm forces with a felony exist;
- The Felony Forgiveness Program (F5) allows for reducing the waiting period;
Waiver requests, recruiter endorsement, and merger or merger of records.
References:
- MIL H 5250.25, Military Personnel Security. (2016).
- f. 9. & 10, Military Pay Manual, July 7, 2009.pdf.
3."Military Accessions Vital
- f. 9. & 10, Military Pay Manual, July 7, 2009.pdf.
