Felons can get a Fresh Start in the Military

If you are a convicted felon between the ages of 17 and 35 the military may be the perfect opportunity to put your past behind you.

There are many benefits to a career in the military:

Pay and benefits

An enlisted person's salary starts at around $20,000 a year plus full benefits, not including monthly allowances of up to $1,500 depending on where he or she is stationed.

There are enlistment and re-enlistment bonuses can be over $20,000. If you find that the military is a good career, you can get a full pension after serving 20 years or more. You will still be a young man when you retire. You can get a job or start a new career while collecting a full military pension.

Full medical coverage for you and your family.

When you join the military, you are immediately eligible for full health care benefits for yourself and your immediate family members and if you stay through until retirement, you and your family can take these benefits with you when you leave the military. These health benefits also apply to spouses and children.

Skills and training

The military is a great place to get training in basically any field. You may also qualify for college or vocational training that can translate into a career after you leave the service

Education opportunities after you leave the military

The GI Bill pays veterans who served at least 36 months a monthly living allowance and full tuition to pay for college after they leave the military. Depending on how long the service member commits, this benefit can be used by spouses and children of veterans.

You can buy a home with no money down

By serving in the military, you will qualify for loans to purchase a home with no money down. This benefit will be available to you even after you leave active service

No Unemployment

There is no unemployment in the military. While other Americans struggle with unemployment, rising cost of living and other economic difficulties, the military provides employment and benefits for all who are eligible to serve.

The military will ask about any records of arrest, charges, juvenile court adjudications, traffic violations, probation periods, dismissed or pending charges or convictions, including those which have been expunged or sealed. All government agencies including the armed services have access to all records.

Having a criminal record will not automatically disqualify you from joining the military. An applicant with a criminal record may obtain a something called a “Moral Waiver." You can find more about Moral Waivers and criminal records from a military recruiter.

In the past, the Army has been the most lenient branch of the military and have a better record of granting Moral Waivers.

Law Violations (Trouble) Prior to Military Service

Felons can get a Fresh Start in the Military

Felon wants to join the military

Hey my name is Dylan. I have recently gained interest in joining the army. I’m from Illinois and I was charged with a class 1 felony in November, 2016 when I was 17 years old and was charged as an adult. I’m 18 years old now. By law I’m suppose to serve prison time, however I was granted a strict probation sentence. I’m still going through the motions of court, but upon completion of probation the felonies will be expunged. I want to enlist and get things started as soon as possible! Please help me out! Let me know what I can do! Thank You!

Dylan

Felon wants to join the military

Hello Dylan,

The military is often an option for ex-offenders looking for jobs. Once your probation is finished, I suggest you speak to a recruiter. Even if your charge is expunged, it will still be visible to the military. It will always be visible to the court system, law enforcement and any government agency. The recruiter will be able to help you establish your eligibility. I don't know which branch of the military you are interested in but the Army has a record of being more lenient than the others. I know of felons who have joined the military and turned service in careers. You can learn a useful trade in the military and also gain military status that will give you an edge when applying for jobs after your service is completed.

If recruitment numbers are down, you will have a better chance. The Army has been known to grant waivers to convicted felons who have finished their sentences. Waivers are considers on a case by case basis so your particular offense will be considered.

I hope this helps.

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