Can You Join the Military if You Have a Felony?
Joining the military can be a rewarding and challenging career path, offering a sense of purpose, camaraderie, and personal growth. However, for individuals with a felony conviction, the process can be more complex and restrictive. In this article, we’ll explore the answer to the question: Can You Join the Military if You Have a Felony?
What is a Felony?
Before diving into the military’s policies, it’s essential to understand what constitutes a felony. A felony is a serious crime punishable by more than one year in prison. Felonies can include crimes such as murder, rape, burglary, and drug trafficking, among others.
Military Eligibility
The military has strict eligibility requirements, including a background check to ensure that recruits do not have a history of criminal activity. According to the Department of Defense (DoD), individuals with a felony conviction may be eligible for military service, but the circumstances surrounding the conviction will play a significant role in the decision-making process.
Types of Felonies
The military considers the following types of felonies when evaluating eligibility:
• Misdemeanors: Non-violent, non-serious crimes such as theft, disorderly conduct, or vandalism. These types of crimes may not disqualify an individual from military service.
• Violent felonies: Crimes that involve physical harm or the threat of physical harm, such as assault, battery, or murder. These types of crimes are more likely to disqualify an individual from military service.
• Drug-related felonies: Crimes related to drug possession, distribution, or trafficking. These types of crimes may disqualify an individual from military service.
The Military’s Disqualification Policy
The military has a five-tiered disqualification policy for individuals with a felony conviction:
| Tier | Felony Type | Disqualification Period |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Non-violent, non-drug-related | 1-2 years |
| 2 | Non-violent, drug-related | 5-10 years |
| 3 | Violent, non-drug-related | 10-15 years |
| 4 | Violent, drug-related | 15-20 years |
| 5 | Murder, sexual assault, or child pornography | Permanent disqualification |
Exceptions and Waivers
While the military has a strict disqualification policy, there are exceptions and waivers available for individuals with a felony conviction:
• Moral Character Waiver: The military may grant a waiver for individuals with a felony conviction if they can demonstrate that they have reformed and are unlikely to reoffend.
• Medical Waiver: The military may grant a waiver for individuals with a felony conviction if they have a medical condition that prevents them from reoffending.
• Special Circumstances Waiver: The military may grant a waiver for individuals with a felony conviction if they can demonstrate extraordinary circumstances that led to the conviction.
How to Get a Waiver
Individuals with a felony conviction who wish to join the military must apply for a waiver through the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS). The application process typically involves:
- Completing a background check
- Providing documentation of the felony conviction
- Submitting a personal statement explaining the circumstances surrounding the conviction
- Providing character references
- Meeting with a military recruiter to discuss the waiver process
Conclusion
Joining the military with a felony conviction is possible, but it requires careful consideration of the military’s disqualification policy and the waiver process. Individuals with a felony conviction must demonstrate that they have reformed and are unlikely to reoffend, and they must apply for a waiver through the MEPS. By understanding the military’s policies and procedures, individuals with a felony conviction can take the first step towards a successful military career.
Additional Resources
- Department of Defense (DoD) Background Check Policy
- Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) Waiver Application Process
- Military.com: Can You Join the Military with a Felony Conviction?
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Background Check FAQ
