Will the navy accept felons?

Asked by: Scottie Leannon  |  Last update: November 15, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (23 votes)

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 OFFENSES OR MORAL BEHAVIOR-RELATED ISSUES CAN'T BE WAIVED?

Can you join the Navy if you're a felon?

Some states may downgrade certain felony convictions to misdemeanor offenses. If you've got a felony conviction on your record, you will find it nearly impossible to join the military. Felony convictions include aggravated assault, arson, burglary, narcotics possession, and manslaughter.

What disqualifies you from joining the Navy?

Disqualifiers. Potential recruits can be disqualified for a variety of reasons, including drug use, weight, aptitude, conduct, and dependency.

Can you have a criminal record in the Navy?

Disqualifying Fitness Determination Standards

Felony Convictions **other than Rape, Child Molestation, Trafficking in Humans, Espionage, Sabotage, Treason or Terrorism** within the past ten years with the exception of those registered in the NSOR Database, or two or more misdemeanors in the past three years.

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.

Can You Join The Navy With A Felony? - CountyOffice.org

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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.

Does the Navy do background checks?

The Navy has employed several methods for obtaining pre-service arrest histories, depending on security clearance level and criminal waiver status of the enlistee. (1) An FBI name search of the Interstate Identification Index (Triple-I). This Entrance National Agency Check (ENTNAC) is conducted on all enlistees.

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 are females in the Navy called?

There is no difference in title or term used for female sailors compared to male sailors in the U.S. Navy or most other navies around the world. All sailors, regardless of gender, are referred to by their rank or rating, such as Seaman, Petty Officer, Chief Petty Officer, Ensign, Lieutenant, etc.

What are 3 requirements to join the Navy?

To join the Navy, you must:
  • Be a U.S. citizen; or Legal Permanent Resident (Enlisted)
  • Be between the ages of 17 and 41 for Enlisted programs. ...
  • Have a high school diploma or GED equivalent (Enlisted) or have a four-year degree from an accredited university (Officer)

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 ...

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.

Can a felon get a passport?

Yes, a convicted felon can usually get a passport, but it depends on the felony and other factors: Felony typeSome felonies can automatically disqualify you from getting a passport, including: International drug trafficking Trafficking minors "Sex tourism" offenses Treason.

What 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.

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.

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 disqualifies you from a federal background check?

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.

Does Navy Federal do a background check?

Background Check: Navy Federal Credit Union will run a background check prior to making an offer. 6. Employment Offer: You will receive an offer if the background check is successful. You may have to sign a contract and complete additional paperwork before the job is finalized.

What will disqualify you from joining 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.

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.

Are prisoners allowed to enlist?

Presently, all branches of the U.S. military forbid the acceptance of convicts, both after sentencing and as an alternative to imprisonment (except the U.S. Navy, which does not have specific prohibitions but still strongly discourages it as a protocol), and do not maintain any penal formations, though ex-convicts with ...