Felons can get a Fresh Start in the Military ~ Jobs for Felons: How felons can get jobs

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.