5 Ways Felons Can Still Join The Army

Joining the military is a significant decision that can have a lasting impact on one's life. For individuals with a felony conviction, the idea of serving in the Army may seem like a distant dream. However, there are certain circumstances under which felons can still join the Army. In this article, we will explore the five ways felons can still join the Army and discuss the requirements and processes involved.

Understanding the Army's Policy on Felons

Before we dive into the ways felons can join the Army, it's essential to understand the Army's policy on felons. The Army has a strict policy regarding felony convictions, and applicants with felony convictions are generally not eligible to join. However, there are some exceptions to this rule.

The Army uses a process called "moral waiver" to evaluate applicants with felony convictions. This process involves reviewing the applicant's entire record, including the nature of the offense, the severity of the sentence, and the applicant's behavior since the conviction.

1. Moral Waiver

A moral waiver is a formal request to the Army to consider an applicant's application despite a felony conviction. To be eligible for a moral waiver, the applicant must meet certain requirements, including:

• The felony conviction must be at least five years old.
• The applicant must have completed any required probation or parole.
• The applicant must have a good behavior record since the conviction.
• The applicant must have a compelling reason for joining the Army, such as a desire to serve their country or to gain valuable skills and experience.

The moral waiver process involves submitting an application to the Army's recruiter, who will review the applicant's record and forward it to the Army's Moral Waiver Board. The board will then review the application and make a decision.

2. Expungement

In some cases, felons may be able to join the Army if their conviction has been expunged. Expungement is a process where a court orders the removal of a conviction from an individual's record. If an applicant's conviction has been expunged, they may be eligible to join the Army without a moral waiver.

To be eligible for expungement, the applicant must meet certain requirements, including:

• The applicant must have completed any required probation or parole.
• The applicant must have a good behavior record since the conviction.
• The applicant must have a compelling reason for seeking expungement.

3. Clemency

Clemency is another way felons can join the Army. Clemency is a process where the government reduces or commutes an individual's sentence. If an applicant's sentence has been reduced or commuted, they may be eligible to join the Army without a moral waiver.

To be eligible for clemency, the applicant must meet certain requirements, including:

• The applicant must have completed any required probation or parole.
• The applicant must have a good behavior record since the conviction.
• The applicant must have a compelling reason for seeking clemency.

4. Certificate of Rehabilitation

A Certificate of Rehabilitation is a formal document issued by a court or state agency that certifies an individual's rehabilitation. If an applicant has a Certificate of Rehabilitation, they may be eligible to join the Army without a moral waiver.

To be eligible for a Certificate of Rehabilitation, the applicant must meet certain requirements, including:

• The applicant must have completed any required probation or parole.
• The applicant must have a good behavior record since the conviction.
• The applicant must have a compelling reason for seeking rehabilitation.

5. Military Service as a Form of Rehabilitation

In some cases, military service may be used as a form of rehabilitation for felons. If an applicant has a felony conviction and is seeking to join the Army as a form of rehabilitation, they may be eligible for a moral waiver.

To be eligible for military service as a form of rehabilitation, the applicant must meet certain requirements, including:

• The applicant must have a compelling reason for seeking military service as a form of rehabilitation.
• The applicant must have a good behavior record since the conviction.
• The applicant must have completed any required probation or parole.

The Application Process

If you're a felon who is interested in joining the Army, the application process involves several steps, including:

1. Meeting with an Army recruiter to discuss your eligibility and the moral waiver process.
2. Submitting an application to the Army's recruiter, which includes providing documentation of your felony conviction and any required rehabilitation.
3. Undergoing a background check and medical evaluation.
4. Completing the Army's entrance exams, including the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test.
5. Attending Basic Combat Training (BCT) if your application is approved.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can felons join the Army?

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Felons may be eligible to join the Army through a moral waiver or other exceptions to the Army's policy on felons.

What is a moral waiver?

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A moral waiver is a formal request to the Army to consider an applicant's application despite a felony conviction.

How do I apply for a moral waiver?

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To apply for a moral waiver, you must meet with an Army recruiter and submit an application, which includes providing documentation of your felony conviction and any required rehabilitation.

Conclusion

Joining the Army can be a challenging and rewarding experience, even for felons. While the Army has a strict policy on felons, there are exceptions to this rule, including moral waivers, expungement, clemency, Certificates of Rehabilitation, and military service as a form of rehabilitation. If you're a felon who is interested in joining the Army, it's essential to understand the application process and the requirements involved. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can take the first step towards a new career in the Army.