Can Felons Join the Army?

In general, the US Army has strict policies regarding the enlistment of individuals with criminal records, including felons. However, it’s not a straightforward answer, and there are certain circumstances under which felons may be eligible to join the army.

Automatic Disqualification

The Army has a list of automatic disqualifications, which include:

• Felonies involving moral turpitude: Crimes such as murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, and drug trafficking are considered morally reprehensible and are typically disqualifying.
• Felony convictions with confinement: If an individual has been sentenced to confinement for a felony, they are usually disqualified from joining the army.

Waiver Process

However, in some cases, the Army may grant a waiver to an individual with a felony conviction. This is typically considered case-by-case and requires a thorough review of the individual’s circumstances.

To be eligible for a waiver, the individual must:

• Meet the Army’s moral character standards: The individual must demonstrate good moral character, evaluated based on their behavior since the felony conviction.
• Provide documentation: The individual must provide detailed documentation of their conviction, including the nature of the crime, the sentence, and any rehabilitation efforts.
• Demonstrate rehabilitation: The individual must show evidence of rehabilitation, such as completing a rehabilitation program, maintaining a clean record, and demonstrating a commitment to personal growth.

Types of Felonies That May Be Waivable

While each case is unique, some types of felonies may be more likely to be waivable than others. These include:

• Non-violent felonies: Crimes such as fraud, theft, or property damage may be considered for a waiver.
• Youthful offender status: If an individual was convicted of a felony as a juvenile, they may be eligible for a waiver.
• First-time offenders: Individuals with a single, non-violent felony conviction may be considered for a waiver.

Consequences of a Felony Conviction

Even if a waiver is granted, a felony conviction can still significantly affect an individual’s military career. These may include:

• Limited job opportunities: Certain Military Occupational Specialties (MOS) may be closed to individuals with felony convictions.
• Security clearance issues: A felony conviction can make it difficult to obtain a security clearance, which is required for many military positions.
• Disciplinary actions: If a felony conviction is discovered after enlistment, the individual may face disciplinary actions, including administrative separation or court-martial.

Conclusion

While felons can join the army, the process is complex, and the Army has strict policies to ensure that only individuals of good moral character are enlisted. If you have a felony conviction and are interested in joining the army, it’s essential to understand the waiver process and the potential consequences of your conviction on your military career.

To find out for sure, contact your military recruiter nearest you here.