Can you join the military with a criminal record?
Asked by: Devin O'Connell | Last update: September 6, 2025Score: 4.5/5 (51 votes)
Generally, felons and those with several convictions can't join the Army, but waivers are available in some cases. The offenses and moral behavior-related issues that cannot be waived include: If you are under civil restraint, including parole, confinement, or probation.
What crimes prevent you from joining the military?
- Felony offenses.
- Domestic violence charges.
- Drug-related offenses.
- Sex crimes and sexual misconduct.
- Financial misconduct.
- Traffic and non-traffic misdemeanors.
- Juvenile offenses.
What disqualifies you from enlisting in the military?
All interested individuals must clear a criminal background check and have no felony convictions. Individuals who have been convicted of a felony as an adult or juvenile for offenses involving violence, domestic violence, illegal drugs or sexual misconduct will be disqualified.
Can you join the military with a criminal record Canada?
I have a criminal record. Am I eligible to join the Forces? Yes. If you have a conviction under the Criminal Code of Canada or the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, you may still apply to the Forces, as long as you have served your sentence and no longer have any legal obligations.
What disqualifies you from the military background check?
Credit history: A poor credit score or outstanding debts can raise concerns about an individual's financial responsibility. Education: Inaccurate or incomplete education information can lead to disqualification. Employment history: A history of job hopping or dishonesty about employment can be a red flag.
HOW I JOINED THE MILITARY WITH A CRIMINAL RECORD | Nick Koumalatsos
What fails a military background check?
You may be disqualified from a high security clearance job if your record contains any of the following: a single serious crime, a series of lesser offenses, embezzlement, income tax evasion (or other financial crimes), sexual offenses, crimes related to excessive alcohol or drug consumption, a history of personality ...
Does joining the military clear your criminal record?
Most branches of the military will require a criminal record waiver. When undergoing the process for military enlistment, the military waives some previous criminal offenses. Felony (aggravated assault, burglary, manslaughter, robbery, narcotics possession, etc.)
Do military crimes show up on background checks?
Does Your Military Record Show Up on Background Check? Your military record will not automatically appear in a general background check unless your potential employer requests it. Employers will need to get your permission to request your military record.
Can you own a gun in Canada if you have a criminal record?
The fact that someone has a criminal record is not an automatic bar to obtaining a firearms licence. However, the existence of a criminal record is something that individual will have to disclose and is a factor taken into consideration when one applies for their Possession and Acquisition (PAL) licence.
Can you join the military if you have bad credit?
Unpaid loans, overdue bills or a history of bad credit could impact your ability to serve in the military because you must be eligible for security clearance. In certain cases, you must prove you can meet your current financial obligations before joining.
What does a military background check look for?
The investigation focuses on character and conduct, emphasizing factors like honesty, trustworthiness, reliability, financial responsibility, credit, criminal activity, emotional stability, and other pertinent areas.
What STDs disqualify you from the military?
For sti it states: “current or history of genital infection or ulceration, including, but not limited to herpes genitalis or condyloma acuminatum, if of sufficient severity to require frequent intervention or to interfere with normal function, is disqualifying.” also disqualifying is current untreated syphilis.
What military branch accepts felons?
In general, it's easier to join the Army or Navy if you have a criminal record. The most challenging military branch to get into with a criminal background is the Marine Corps.
What are the most common disqualifiers for the military?
Un-united fractures, history of instability of a major joint, certain retained orthopedic fixation devices, severe scoliosis, or any condition that could interfere with daily participation in rigorous physical training or athletic programs, wearing of military equipment, or detract from military bearing and appearance ...
Which military branch is most lenient on criminal records?
1. U.S. Army: Sometimes considered more lenient because they may allow more waivers for misdemeanors and minor non-traffic offence charges. 2. U.S. Navy: May allow waivers for enlistment based on minor non-traffic offences and misdemeanors, dependent on individual assessment.
Does the military look at your driving record?
Arrest records may appear to military agencies conducting a background check. However, misdemeanor and especially felony records are of greater importance. Civil infractions and non-criminal citations, such as traffic tickets, usually won't appear in these checks.
Can you shoot on your own land in Canada?
Yes, no legislation places blanket restrictions on the required distance from a property line or on the calibre of the ammunition discharged on private property.
Can you own a gun with PTSD?
A Veteran's gun ownership is not restricted simply because he or she receives a higher PTSD disability rating, and Veterans with 100% PTSD ratings typically retain their gun rights.
Why is 25 caliber prohibited?
25 cartridges, but the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms banned these truncated-cone bullets for their ability to pierce armor. The . 25 ultimately became a last-resort caliber. That means it was used only when larger guns were not available or in conditions where bigger guns couldn't be carried easily.
Can you still join the military with a criminal record?
If I have a previous felony or a conviction, can I still join? Generally, felons and those with several convictions can't join the Army, but waivers are available in some cases.
Does the military call your past jobs?
Yes, during the military enlistment process, there will be a comprehensive background check which typically includes scrutiny of your employment history.
Do dishonorable discharges show up on background checks?
A dishonorable discharge will appear on a background check and can prohibit someone from obtaining employment or housing. A person that has a dishonorable discharge on their record cannot own firearms or vote.
How far back does military background check go?
Security Clearance Adjudicative Process
The clearance process for Secret level access uses an investigation called the National Agency Check with Law and Credit that goes back five years, while the clearance process for Top Secret uses a Single Scope Background Investigation that goes back ten years.
Does the military check your records?
The military can now pull your pharmacy records and see what prescriptions the doctor had you take for what reason and for how long. By doing so, it quickly uncovers any serious issues the recruit may have not submitted in the initial questionnaire.
Can you join the military with an open case?
The Army/Military will not likely look at you with a pending case. Not only will they not let you begin the process of enlisting while you have an open court case, but they will also want the case completely closed before they commit to anything more than an initial consultation with you.