Many people dream of the honorable opportunity to serve in the military. But past mistakes can sometimes hold people back, which raises the question: Can you join the military with a criminal record? The short answer is yes, in some cases, but it really depends on your individual situation.
Military recruitment is strict because service members are expected to uphold the highest standards of discipline and responsibility. Fortunately, there’s room for people who have grown and changed, which is why certain offenses may be reconsidered through waivers.
Can You Join the Military With a Criminal Record? Types of Offenses Affecting Your Eligibility
The military doesn’t treat every crime the same way. Some offenses are much more serious than others and are handled accordingly. Each type of offense can affect your chances of joining the military in different ways.
Minor Traffic and Misconduct Offenses
If you fall into this category, you might have been charged with things like speeding, running a red light, driving without a license, or breaking curfew as a juvenile. These minor offenses usually won’t disqualify you.
However, a repeated pattern could signal irresponsible behavior, which may require a waiver. This waiver is a formal request asking the military to give you a second chance.
Misdemeanors
This is a more serious category, which includes shoplifting, trespassing, disorderly conduct, vandalism, or simple assault. You can still join the military with these, but you’ll likely need a moral waiver. The military will evaluate you based on how long ago the offense happened and if you satisfied all your court requirements promptly.
Serious Misdemeanors
Domestic violence, driving under the influence or while intoxicated, drug possession, threatening behavior, and resisting arrest are all serious misdemeanors. These are more complicated because the military will heavily take them into account. For example, the Lautenberg Amendment prohibits those convicted of domestic violence from carrying firearms. That could make you permanently ineligible.
Felonies
This is the most serious category and includes crimes like burglary, grand theft, aggravated assault, arson, major drug distribution, homicide-related offenses, and sexual assault. Most military branches don’t accept applicants with felonies, and many felonies cannot be waived. That said, in rare cases, a single non-violent felony may be considered through a felony waiver, but this is never guaranteed.
How to Improve Your Chances of Approval
If you have a criminal record, but you’re incredibly passionate about serving your country, there are a few things you can do to improve your chances of getting into the military. A great place to start is doing a search on yourself using a tool like CheckPeople.com. You’ll get instant access to online arrest records. This’ll help you understand what information is publicly available about your past and current situation.
First, gather all your legal documents. This includes court judgments, probation completion records, payment receipts for fines, certificates for any classes or programs you’ve completed, and more. The more documentation you have, the stronger your case will be. Recruiters also want to see personal growth, so include proof of rehabilitation, like your employment history or volunteer work.
Even if the offense was sealed or dismissed, it’s best to be upfront with your recruiter about the details. Honesty can work in your favor. A good recruiter will know how your offense is classified and can advise whether applying for a waiver makes sense. Work closely with them and avoid any new trouble while your application is in progress.
Can You Join the Military With a Criminal Record? Yes, but It Depends on the Offense
Ultimately, you can join the military with a criminal record, but it’s important to stay honest throughout the process and clearly show how you’ve changed. Your chances will largely depend on the type of offense, how long ago it occurred, whether you qualify for a waiver, and other factors.
Taking responsibility and showing that you’ve corrected past mistakes is important. Many people with prior offenses have gone on to have successful military careers. What matters most is your authenticity and transparency.
