Can you enlist in the military with a criminal record

Be honest about your past history when you come in for a chat, and we might be able to offer you that all-important second chance. Some convictions are forgotten — or 'spent' — after a rehabilitation period.

The length of this period depends on the offence. You should be prepared to have several letters of recommendation attesting to your character. These people should know you, but if you can get a high ranking officer to vouch for you, that will help you tremendously. But, these letters can be from a responsible community leader such as former teachers, school officials, ministers, and law enforcement officials. Actively scan device characteristics for identification.

Use precise geolocation data. Select personalised content. Create a personalised content profile. Measure ad performance. Select basic ads. Create a personalised ads profile. Armed Services depends on several factors, including the nature, number, seriousness, and circumstances of the crime or crimes forming the record and when they were committed. The services may grant moral waivers to potential enlistees who have committed some categories of felonies and misdemeanors.

But some crimes, unless expunged for example, convictions for domestic violence , are a bar to enlistment. Federal law sets some of the criteria for enlisting in the armed services; the Department of Defense DoD sets others. In practice the secretary does not review all waiver requests but they are all subject to review according to DoD policy. DoD requires enlistees to be of good moral character. The underlying purpose of the moral character enlistment standard, according to DoD, is to disqualify people likely to become disciplinary cases or security risks or disrupt good order, morale, and discipline DoD directive Sometimes judges will be a bit more lenient on you if you commit to joining the military.

But your lawyer would have to talk to the prosecutor and see if an arrangement can be made. Can not get in with pending charges. Can not have outstanding debt. You can join some branches with a simple possession but depends on what drug more than likely and how you explain it to your waiver sponsorship. If not us military join the French foreign legion they accept all who do not have felonies acts in their record and can pass the gen PT test.

Good luck. Since I know what it is like to want to serve your country but have made some dumb choices and had to take long time of my life being persistent and money and going to college but finally i was accepted. I have many years of knowing what the process was like to get through. Unfortunately every year changes on how strict they are with your character and moral standing guidelines fir acceptance.

In addition to amount of individuals they need to recruit and if we are in a war time makes a difference. Your email address will not be published. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Notify me of new posts by email. So, can you join the military if you have a felony? Author Recent Posts.

Rob V. While he never actually served in the US Military, he has a passion for writing about military related topics. His hobbies include beach volleyball, target shooting, and lifting.

Latest posts by Rob V. Military Felony Policy 4. Share on Facebook.