What military branch accepts felons?
Asked by: Ulices Daniel | Last update: December 12, 2025Score: 4.2/5 (3 votes)
According to 10 U.S.C. 504, any person who is a convicted felon is prohibited from enlisting in any military service. However, you may still enlist for military service if you secure a felony waiver. The waiver request is not automatic, and approval depends on a case-by-case basis.
What is the easiest military branch to get into with a criminal record?
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 take 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 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.
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Will the Marines take 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.
Can you join the military instead of going to jail?
A great amount of anecdotal evidence exists that suggests a number of people have performed military service instead of doing time in prison, but from a legal perspective, this is prohibited.
How to get a felony waiver for the Army?
These waivers are granted for non-medical reasons, such as a felony conviction. To be eligible for a moral waiver, you must: Have a felony conviction that is eligible for a waiver. Provide documentation, such as court records and police reports.
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.
Does Space Force accept felons?
There are two types of disqualifying convictions: term and lifetime. Conviction for any felony will result in a term disqualification (typically 7 years), as will repeated misdemeanor convictions.
What is the easiest US military branch to join?
1. 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.
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.
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.
Can you join the military with an expunged felony?
Fortunately, there is a way in which individuals who have acquired a criminal record (whether convictions and charges have been expunged or sealed) can still enlist. Interested applicants must obtain a criminal record waiver.
What will disqualify you from joining 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 ...
At what age will the military not accept you?
The Army and Navy accept applicants up to age 35; the Air Force accepts recruits prior to their 28th birthday, and the Marine Corps age limit is 29.
Do you get kicked out of the military if you go to jail?
Criminal Offenses Under Civilian Law
Committing a crime outside the military jurisdiction, whether it be DUI, theft, assault, or any other offense, can lead to military discharge. The armed forces expect their members to abide by the law both in and out of uniform.
What is the lowest paid military branch?
E-1: $20,340. E-1 is the lowest enlisted rank in the US military: Airman Basic (Air Force), Private (Army/Marine Corps), Seaman Recruit (Navy). Service members usually hold this rank through basic training, and automatically promote to the next rank after six months of service.
What is the most feared branch of the military?
That said, people often consider the Marine Corps to be one of the most dangerous branches, primarily because it's typically at the front lines during combat operations. Marines often engage closely in ground combat, which can present heightened risks. Similarly, the Army can also be considered dangerous.
Which military branch gives the most waivers?
Different branches have different personnel needs and may approve of your waiver. In general, the Army has the reputation of approving the most moral waivers, while the Air Force and Coast Guard approve the fewest. The Navy and the Marines fall somewhere in the middle. However, this is not always the case.
Which military branch is the best?
Air Force: Often recognized for its advanced technology, the Air Force is great for those interested in aviation, cybersecurity, or technology-based roles. It's generally considered to have a better quality of life compared to other branches with its superior living conditions and emphasis on education.
Can felons hold federal jobs?
An individual can work for the Federal Government if they have a criminal record. This is true even if they were formerly incarcerated.
How long is boot camp for the Marines?
HOW LONG IS MARINE CORPS RECRUIT TRAINING? Marine Corps recruit training is approximately 13 weeks long. Receiving is the first week and actual training takes place for 12 weeks after that.