Intro
Explore the possibilities for felons to join the US Army despite a criminal record. Learn about the 5 ways felons can enlist, including moral waivers, expungement, and Army program exceptions. Understand the eligibility criteria, application process, and requirements for felons to join the military, including Special Forces and Army careers.
Felons who are eager to serve their country in the United States Army often face significant challenges. A felony conviction can create a barrier to joining the military, as it may be viewed as a moral or character issue. However, there are certain circumstances under which felons can still join the Army. In this article, we will explore five ways felons can join the Army, including the requirements and processes involved.
Understanding the Army's Felony Policy
Before we dive into the ways felons can join the Army, it's essential to understand the Army's felony policy. The Army has strict guidelines when it comes to accepting felons into its ranks. Typically, the Army requires that applicants have no felony convictions, or at least no convictions within a certain time frame. However, some exceptions can be made, and we will discuss these exceptions in the following sections.
Waivers and Exceptions
In some cases, the Army may grant a waiver or exception for a felon who wants to join. This typically involves a thorough review of the applicant's background and circumstances surrounding the conviction. The Army may consider factors such as the type of crime committed, the severity of the sentence, and the applicant's behavior since the conviction.
1. Receive a Moral Waiver
One way felons can join the Army is by receiving a moral waiver. A moral waiver is a special consideration granted to applicants who have a felony conviction but have demonstrated good behavior and rehabilitation since the conviction. To be eligible for a moral waiver, the applicant must meet specific requirements, such as:
- The conviction must be for a non-violent felony
- The applicant must have completed their sentence, including probation and parole
- The applicant must have a clean record since the conviction
- The applicant must provide documentation of their rehabilitation and good behavior
The moral waiver process involves a thorough review of the applicant's background and circumstances. If the waiver is approved, the applicant can proceed with the enlistment process.
2. Enlist with a GED Diploma
Felons who do not have a high school diploma can still join the Army by enlisting with a GED (General Educational Development) diploma. However, this option is only available for certain types of felonies, and the applicant must meet specific requirements, such as:
- The conviction must be for a non-violent felony
- The applicant must have a GED diploma
- The applicant must score well on the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) test
- The applicant must meet the Army's physical fitness standards
Enlisting with a GED diploma requires the applicant to meet specific academic and physical requirements. If the applicant meets these requirements, they can proceed with the enlistment process.
3. Join the Army Reserves
Another option for felons is to join the Army Reserves. The Army Reserves have more lenient requirements than the active-duty Army, and felons may be eligible to join. However, the applicant must still meet specific requirements, such as:
- The conviction must be for a non-violent felony
- The applicant must be a U.S. citizen
- The applicant must meet the Army's physical fitness standards
- The applicant must score well on the ASVAB test
Joining the Army Reserves requires the applicant to meet specific requirements and undergo a background check. If the applicant is eligible, they can proceed with the enlistment process.
4. Enlist through the Army's Job Training Program
The Army's Job Training Program is a program that allows applicants to enlist and receive job training in a specific skill or trade. Felons may be eligible to enlist through this program, but they must meet specific requirements, such as:
- The conviction must be for a non-violent felony
- The applicant must be a U.S. citizen
- The applicant must meet the Army's physical fitness standards
- The applicant must score well on the ASVAB test
Enlisting through the Job Training Program requires the applicant to meet specific requirements and undergo a background check. If the applicant is eligible, they can proceed with the enlistment process.
5. Receive a Presidential Pardon
In rare cases, a felon may receive a presidential pardon, which can restore their eligibility to join the Army. A presidential pardon is a formal forgiveness of the crime, and it can only be granted by the President of the United States. To be eligible for a presidential pardon, the applicant must meet specific requirements, such as:
- The conviction must be for a non-violent felony
- The applicant must have completed their sentence, including probation and parole
- The applicant must have demonstrated good behavior and rehabilitation since the conviction
- The applicant must provide documentation of their rehabilitation and good behavior
Receiving a presidential pardon is a rare and exceptional circumstance. If the applicant receives a pardon, they can proceed with the enlistment process.
Conclusion
Joining the Army with a felony conviction is challenging, but it's not impossible. Felons can explore various options, such as receiving a moral waiver, enlisting with a GED diploma, joining the Army Reserves, enlisting through the Job Training Program, or receiving a presidential pardon. Each option has specific requirements and processes involved, and the applicant must meet these requirements to be eligible. By understanding the Army's felony policy and exploring these options, felons can still serve their country and pursue a career in the military.
Army Felony Policy Image Gallery
We hope this article has provided valuable information on the ways felons can join the Army. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to comment below.