Posted on Sep 26, 2018
How can one join the Army with an extensive criminal record?
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My brother went to a recruiter yesterday and was told it would not be possible to join, due to (roughly) 7 years ago where he had a year or two run of multiple DUI's, burglary/larceny charge's downgraded to a deferred punishment. I know it is possible to get a waiver, but is there actually a limit to what is waiverable? I would not even ask if I didn't believe in his character. He has been forced to make significant changes in his life, but he cannot professionally grow in any way currently and would do anything to be able to join.
I am wondering if anyone with some recruiting experience can give me insight to possible solutions to his problem, such as expunging his record via court/lawyer, simply talking to a different recruiter, etc.?
I am wondering if anyone with some recruiting experience can give me insight to possible solutions to his problem, such as expunging his record via court/lawyer, simply talking to a different recruiter, etc.?
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79S: Career Counselor
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Posted >1 y ago
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Just based on what you have stated, the burglary is a felony, and the larceny may be too depending on the value (based on AR 601-210, not local statutes). Even if the charges were downgraded conditionally based on a deferred punishment, the Army still considers it an "other adverse disposition" and the felony(s) still stands. Add in the 2 DUI's, he is disqualified, no waiver considered. Applicants must declare all charges, and expunged charges still count. As SSG Yax said, his record will show on FBI background checks when his fingerprints are ran, regardless if expunged by local courts or was a juvenile record. The only difference with talking to another recruiter is maybe getting one that will string him along for awhile with false hope that a waiver is "possible", but he still isn't getting in.
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SFC Joseph Weber
Unless they changed the rules there was no waivers for two felonies. And no matter what a State considers alcohol related convictions any two were treated as a felony and three were un-waiverable. So a minor in possession and two DUIs would make him permanently DQ'd not even considering any burglary or larceny felonies.
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There's always the French Foreign Legion if he's looking for a life change by joining a military.
- No pun intended and I am serious.
He better tell them the turth.
If they accept him, it will be because he did tell the true story - about everything.
- No pun intended and I am serious.
He better tell them the turth.
If they accept him, it will be because he did tell the true story - about everything.
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CW2 (Join to see)
Interesting suggestion. I've never really considered the realistic suggestion of that to anyone. I'll keep it in the back of my head.
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SFC Ralph E Kelley
Joining | French Foreign Legion Information Joining the French Foreign Legion – French Foreign...
How to join the French Foreign Legion. Entry requirements, recruiting centers. Entry tests. Pay - salary, Career in the Legion. Where to join the Legion, what to take with you.
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CW2 (Join to see)
SFC Ralph E Kelley
Hopefully he can find another alternative as I'm pretty sure that wouldn't be a very family friendly option for his wife and children.
Hopefully he can find another alternative as I'm pretty sure that wouldn't be a very family friendly option for his wife and children.
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SFC Ralph E Kelley
CW2 (Join to see) - True. I was unaware he was married and that stops that option. Legionnaires can marry but not at junior ranks or 1st enlistment. Their wife is the Legion. Sorry.
"During the first five years of service, a legionnaire is banned from marrying. This makes sure there are no problems with adultery, jealousy and/or divorce.
"During the first five years of service, a legionnaire is banned from marrying. This makes sure there are no problems with adultery, jealousy and/or divorce.
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Anything and everything can be waived... even a serious criminal history... all depends on the needs of the military and how much work the recruiting station is willing to do
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SFC J Fullerton
False. Enlistment standards for criminal history and what can be considered for a moral waiver is clearly defined in AR 601-210.
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SFC (Join to see)
SFC J Fullerton
You seemed to have glossed over the “needs of the army” comment, and yes, even with current regs things can be waived, again, it all depends on the station, and also WHO is influencing the waiver.
You seemed to have glossed over the “needs of the army” comment, and yes, even with current regs things can be waived, again, it all depends on the station, and also WHO is influencing the waiver.
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SFC J Fullerton
SFC (Join to see) - I didn't gloss over it. Sure, "needs of the Army" does play a part with open/closed categories and waivers, dictated by DA and USAREC. But "Anything and everything can be waived...even serious criminal history"? That is not true. Anything and everything is a pretty broad spectrum of disqualifications. Even in the height of the surge, there was still limitations on what could be waived. What do you mean "it all depends on the station"? Last time I checked, all of USAREC is governed by the same regulation and messages. You probably mean that some recruiters/stations will spend time and energy working disqualified applicants, while others make mission without having to put in the extra time and work on waivers. I am only pointing out that there is a difference between what can be considered for a waiver, and what cannot, based on AR 601-210 and current USAREC Messages. There is disqualified, waiver may be considered, and then there is straight up DQ. Its not, and never will be, "anything and everything".
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