Can a Felon Join the Military in 2025?

According to the United States Department of Justice, more than 19 million people in the U.S. have felony convictions on their record as of 2024. That’s roughly 1 in every 13 Americans. For many of them, the military offers a shot at redemption, discipline, and a fresh start.

Can a felon join the military in 2025?

Yes, but it’s complicated. It depends on several things—like the nature of the felony, how long ago it happened, whether you’ve turned your life around, and whether the military branch you’re applying to is granting waivers.

Basic Military Enlistment Requirements

Before we talk felonies, let’s cover the baseline stuff every recruit must meet:

• Age: 17–34 years old (varies slightly by branch)
• Education: High school diploma or GED (preferred)
• Citizenship: U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• Physical fitness: Must pass a Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) physical exam
• ASVAB Test: Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery score requirements vary by branch
• Moral standards: No history of serious criminal conduct

So where does a felony come in? That last bullet—moral standards—is where things get tricky.

What Is Considered a Felony by the Military?

The U.S. military uses the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) and Army Regulation 601-210 to determine criminal standards. But they don’t directly use civilian terms like “felony” or “misdemeanor.” Instead, they classify offenses based on their civilian equivalent and severity.

“Offenses punishable by confinement of one year or more are typically viewed as felonies.” — Army Regulation 601-210, Chapter 4, Moral and Administrative Disqualifications

So, yes—if a civilian court labels it a felony, the military usually will too.

Common felonies that often come up:

• Aggravated assault
• Burglary
• Grand theft
• Drug trafficking
• Manslaughter
• Armed robbery
• Sexual assault

Each case is reviewed individually. And the branch you’re applying to may see things differently.

More Opportunities: Can a Convicted Felon Own Property?

Can a Felon Join the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, or Coast Guard?

Here’s a breakdown of how each branch handles felons:

U.S. Army

The Army has historically been the most flexible in granting waivers.

• In times of high demand, they’re more likely to approve waivers.
• In 2023, they granted over 1,200 moral waivers—some to individuals with felony records.

U.S. Navy

The Navy is stricter but still open to granting moral waivers on a case-by-case basis.

• Violent crimes are rarely waived.
• Non-violent drug-related offenses may be considered.

U.S. Air Force

One of the strictest branches when it comes to past criminal behavior.

• Felony waivers are rare and must be approved at the headquarters level.
• They look closely at rehabilitation and time since conviction.

U.S. Marine Corps

The Marines expect the highest standards.

• Waivers for felony convictions are very limited.
• They emphasize “conduct becoming of a Marine.”

U.S. Coast Guard

Very selective and competitive.

• Felony convictions almost always lead to automatic disqualification.
• They accept fewer waivers than other branches.

What Are Military Moral Character Standards?

“Moral character” is a broad term, but in the military, it comes down to:

• Criminal history
• Honesty during the application process
• Drug use
• Domestic abuse or violent tendencies
• Gang affiliations

Lying about your record can result in permanent disqualification. Even if your felony is eligible for a waiver, honesty is non-negotiable.

How Does the Waiver Process Work?

If your felony is not automatically disqualifying, you’ll need a Moral Waiver. Here’s how that usually works:

1. Recruiter Review – You’ll disclose your full criminal history.
2. Documentation – You’ll need court records, sentencing details, and proof of rehabilitation.
3. Command Recommendation – Your recruiter submits your case for a moral waiver.
4. Chain of Command Approval – Final decision lies with a senior authority (e.g., Commanding Officer).
5. Wait Period – This can take anywhere from 3 weeks to 6 months.

Letters of recommendation, community service, employment records, and rehab program completion can all improve your chances.

Types of Felonies That May Be Waived

Some felonies stand a better chance of getting a waiver, such as:

• Drug possession (non-trafficking)
• Petty theft
• Check fraud
• Auto theft
• Burglary without a weapon
• Juvenile offenses (if sealed or old)

Felony Convictions That Are Automatically Disqualifying

Certain felonies are a hard no across all branches:

• Rape or sexual assault
• Child abuse or molestation
• Homicide or murder
• Terrorism or treason
• Arson
• Drug trafficking (especially involving minors)
• Human trafficking

These offenses typically have no path forward, regardless of time passed or rehab.

Juvenile Offenses vs. Adult Felony Records

You’re not doomed for life if your conviction happened when you were under 18.

• Juvenile records may be sealed or expunged.
• You must still disclose them, but the military often treats them more leniently.
• Waivers for juvenile offenses are more commonly approved—especially if you’ve stayed clean since.

Expunged Records & Sealed Cases

Even if your felony has been expunged, you must disclose it during enlistment. The military performs FBI-level background checks that can uncover sealed cases.

Failure to disclose can result in:

• Immediate disqualification
• Dishonorable discharge if discovered after enlistment

Real Stories: Felons Who Enlisted

Plenty of people have turned their lives around through military service.

• John P. (Texas) – Convicted of auto theft at 17, joined the Army at 21 with a waiver, served two tours in Afghanistan.
• Maria L. (California) – Had a drug possession charge sealed, joined the Navy, and became a logistics specialist.
• Darnell W. (Florida) – Juvenile robbery conviction, now a Marine Corps sergeant after receiving a waiver.

These aren’t unicorn stories—they’re proof that redemption is real when you’re committed.

Tips to Improve Your Odds of Joining

1. Be 100% Honest – Transparency is key.
2. Gather Documentation – Court records, probation documents, etc.
3. Build Your Case – Show employment history, volunteer work, and personal growth.
4. Find the Right Recruiter – Some are more experienced in handling waivers.
5. Stay Fit and Focused – Pass the ASVAB and MEPS without issues.
6. Wait It Out – Time since the conviction matters. Five years clean looks a lot better than one year.

Final Thoughts

While it’s not easy—and certainly not guaranteed—many felons have joined the military and built successful lives. The waiver process is your biggest hurdle, but with honesty, documentation, and persistence, the odds can tip in your favor.

“The military isn’t looking for perfect people—it’s looking for people committed to change.” — Retired Sgt. Maj. Douglas Wright

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