What branches of the military accept felons?
Asked by: Tia Harber MD | Last update: January 24, 2026Score: 4.4/5 (23 votes)
What Is The Easiest Military Branch To Get Into With A Criminal Record? 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.
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.
Will the navy accept felons?
Generally, felons and those with several convictions can't join the Navy, but moral waivers or felony waivers are available in some cases. The waiver procedure is not automatic, and approval is based on each individual case.
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.
What will permanently disqualify you from 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 ...
War for Profit: Private Militaries in History
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 ...
What military branch pays the most?
When it comes to your basic pay, the military branches are all the same. A look at military pay charts shows that military pay is based on a pay grade, or rank, and years of service. In terms of your base pay, there is no fundamental advantage to opting for one branch of service over another.
What disqualifies you from MEPS?
What can disqualify you at MEPS? Any disqualifications that appear during your MEPS physical exam or interview may prevent you from joining the Army. These disqualifications can include illegal drug use, alcohol dependence, not meeting height and weight requirements, having certain contagious diseases, among others.
Do the Marines hire felons?
Eligibility Requirements
To commission as a Marine Officer, you must be a United States citizen between 20 and 28 and have obtained both a high school diploma and a bachelor's degree. Both enlisted and officer candidates must pass a criminal background check and have no felony convictions.
What is the hardest military branch to get into?
Marine Corps - The Marine Corps is often considered the toughest branch of the military both physically and mentally. It has the most rigorous basic training, known as boot camp, which lasts 13 weeks. Marines are trained not only physically but also mentally, to have a "first to fight" mindset.
How to get a felony waiver for the military?
Waivers must be approved by an officer who is ranked as a brigadier general or above, and recruits must have written recommendations and endorsements from community leaders illustrating they would be a good candidate for military service.
What branch is least likely to deploy?
The frequency of deployment can vary quite a bit depending on the specific career field and the current global situation, but generally speaking, the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Coast Guard typically have lower rates of deployment compared to other branches.
Can felons join the military in 2024?
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.
Who cannot join the military?
Felons and individuals with multiple convictions cannot join, but waivers are available on a case-by-case basis. All interested individuals must clear a criminal background check and have no felony convictions.
Can a convicted felon get a passport?
Who can and cannot get a passport? According to USA Today, most felons can get a passport without a problem. This is assuming a person is not currently awaiting trial, on probation or parole or otherwise banned from leaving the country.
Why do most people fail MEPs?
Common Reasons for Failing MEPS. Medical, physical fitness, and administrative errors frequently result in failing MEPS. Understanding these issues helps you prepare better.
What is the duck walk at MEPS?
The duck walk is used to test feet and ankle balance, flexibility, agility and range of motion. It is just one of many medical tests performed at MEPS along with audiology, eye exams, blood screenings and full physical exams.
Will MEPS disqualify me for anxiety?
Current or a history of anxiety disorders, including panic disorder, agoraphobia, social phobia, simple phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder, acute reactions to stress, and posttraumatic disorder are disqualifying conditions.
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 military branch is easiest to get into?
Air Force: The Air Force often tops the list of "easiest" military branches due to its emphasis on technology and intelligence. Basic Military Training (BMT) lasts seven and a half weeks, which includes physical training but also involves subjects like military customs, life-saving skills, and weapon use.
Do you get paid during basic training?
Do you get paid in Basic Training? Yes, you do get paid in Basic Training on the first and fifteenth of every month. The amount depends on your rank.
How far back do military background checks go?
All investigations cover the last 10 years of an individuals' background and consist of checks of national records and credit checks. They can also include interviews with individuals who know the candidate.
What looks bad on a background check?
Warning signs on a background check include multiple periods of unexplained unemployment, inconsistent information, short periods of employment, minimal relevant job experience, no required education or training, professional license issues, dangerous criminal convictions, job-related criminal convictions, bad ...
What are the disqualifying offenses for background checks?
INTERIM DISQUALIFYING CRIMINAL OFFENSES
Extortion. Dishonesty, fraud, or misrepresentation, including identity fraud and money laundering, where the money laundering is related to a crime listed in Parts A or B (except welfare fraud and passing bad checks). Bribery. Smuggling.