What branch of the military accepts felons?

What Branch of the Military Accepts Felons?

Serving in the military can be a great way for individuals to turn their lives around and start anew. Despite the stigma surrounding felony convictions, many branches of the military offer opportunities for felons to serve and earn a second chance. However, the process of becoming a military recruit with a felony conviction is more challenging and requires careful consideration. In this article, we’ll explore which branch of the military accepts felons and what the requirements are for enlistment.

Federal Laws and Regulations

Before we dive into the details of each branch, it’s essential to understand the federal laws and regulations surrounding felony convictions and military service. The Military Selective Service Act (MSSA) requires all male U.S. citizens between the ages of 18 and 25 to register with the Selective Service System, regardless of their criminal history. However, the act also states that individuals convicted of a felony or certain misdemeanors may be ineligible for military service.

The Department of Defense (DoD) has its own set of regulations regarding military enlistment for individuals with felony convictions. The DoD Instruction 1322.14, "Enlistment of Individuals with Prior Felony Convictions," outlines the guidelines for the enlistment of individuals with felony convictions. According to the instruction, the DoD considers the following factors when evaluating an individual’s suitability for military service:

• Type of felony: The type of felony and its severity play a significant role in the enlistment decision. Misdemeanors and non-violent felonies are generally considered more acceptable than violent felonies.
• Time since conviction: The amount of time since the felony conviction also affects the enlistment decision. A longer period since the conviction indicates that the individual has demonstrated positive behavior and is less likely to reoffend.
• Circumstances surrounding the conviction: The circumstances surrounding the felony conviction, such as duress, coercion, or mitigating circumstances, can also impact the enlistment decision.

Which Branch Accepts Felons?

Now that we’ve covered the federal laws and regulations, let’s take a closer look at which branch of the military accepts felons. While all branches have their own set of requirements and restrictions, some are more lenient than others.

Air Force

The Air Force has a relatively lenient approach to accepting felons. According to the Air Force’s Enlistment Policy, individuals with felony convictions can be considered for enlistment if:

• The felony was committed more than 10 years ago.
• The individual has not been convicted of any crimes since the felony.
• The felony was not violent or related to drug trafficking.

The Air Force uses a felony points system to evaluate individuals with felony convictions. Points are assigned based on the type and severity of the felony, as well as the time since the conviction. The points system allows the Air Force to consider a broader range of applicants with felony convictions.

Army

The Army is another branch that accepts felons, but with some restrictions. According to the Army’s Enlistment Policy, individuals with felony convictions can be considered for enlistment if:

• The felony was committed more than 5 years ago.
• The individual has not been convicted of any crimes since the felony.
• The felony was not violent or related to drug trafficking.

The Army also uses a felony points system, similar to the Air Force, to evaluate individuals with felony convictions.

Navy

The Navy has a more restrictive approach to accepting felons. According to the Navy’s Enlistment Policy, individuals with felony convictions can be considered for enlistment if:

• The felony was committed more than 10 years ago.
• The individual has not been convicted of any crimes since the felony.
• The felony was not violent or related to drug trafficking.

The Navy is more likely to deny enlistment to individuals with felony convictions, especially those with violent or drug-related crimes.

Marine Corps

The Marine Corps has a very restrictive approach to accepting felons. According to the Marine Corps’ Enlistment Policy, individuals with felony convictions are generally not eligible for enlistment. However, there may be some exceptions for individuals with non-violent felony convictions that occurred more than 10 years ago and have not been convicted of any crimes since the felony.

Coast Guard

The Coast Guard is the only branch that does not have a formal policy regarding felony convictions. However, the Coast Guard does consider felony convictions on a case-by-case basis. According to the Coast Guard’s Enlistment Policy, individuals with felony convictions may be considered for enlistment if:

• The felony was committed more than 5 years ago.
• The individual has not been convicted of any crimes since the felony.
• The felony was not violent or related to drug trafficking.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while all branches of the military have their own set of requirements and restrictions, some are more lenient than others when it comes to accepting felons. The Air Force and Army are generally more open to considering individuals with felony convictions, while the Navy and Marine Corps are more restrictive. The Coast Guard’s approach is more case-by-case, and individuals with felony convictions may be considered for enlistment on a individual basis.

Table: Comparison of Branches’ Approaches to Felony Convictions

Final Thoughts

Serving in the military can be a great way for individuals to turn their lives around and start anew. While the process of becoming a military recruit with a felony conviction is more challenging, it’s not impossible. By understanding the eligibility criteria and restrictions for each branch, individuals with felony convictions can make informed decisions about their military service options.