Felony Convictions and Military Service: Can You Join the National Guard or Active Duty?

Historically, being convicted of a felony was a significant barrier to joining the U.S. military, including the National Guard. However, as the military struggles to meet recruitment goals, regulations have become somewhat more lenient. This article explores the current landscape and determines if felons can serve in the National Guard or on active duty.

State of Current Regulations in the U.S. Military

Until recently, a felony conviction was a definitive disqualifier for enlistment in the U.S. Armed Forces. The mindset behind this was that those who had been convicted of felonies demonstrated criminal activities and were likely to continue committing crimes. Exceptions to this rule were rare and typically involved less serious felonies, such as absurd cases like “conspiring to kill a bald eagle.”

Pardons and Conditional Service

In some cases, state governors may grant pardons, providing a pathway to enlistment. However, this is not a common occurrence, and the process can be complex. Even with a pardon, joining the military, including the National Guard, still faces other challenges, such as handling firearms and background checks.

The Pitfalls of Joining the Military with a Felony Conviction

The process of joining the National Guard without any prior military experience involves several stringent requirements. Age must be between 17 and 35, U.S. citizenship or permanent residency, and a high school diploma or GED. These initial requirements are more straightforward; however, the moral requirements can be challenging for individuals with a criminal record.

The primary hurdle for felons is the moral requirement, which disqualifies them from joining. Serious crimes, including a wide range of violent misdemeanors and drug-related offenses, are also barriers to enlistment. Notably, even less serious crimes such as the aforementioned “conspiring to kill a bald eagle” can prevent enrollment.

Waivers and Opportunities

There is, however, a glimmer of hope for felons seeking to serve their country. The Army National Guard has a provision that allows for up to one felony conviction to be waived, provided the circumstances of the crime align with the needs of the National Guard at the time. This provision is situational and often depends on the nature of the felony and the unit's needs.

While the possibility of joining the National Guard with a felony conviction remains, it remains a daunting task. The likelihood of success with such a disqualification is low, much like finding employment after a felony conviction.

Conclusion

The journey for felons to join the National Guard or serve on active duty is challenging but not impossible. While many doors are closed due to felony convictions, there are opportunities available through waivers and the support of recruiters. However, the journey is fraught with difficulties and requires a multifaceted approach.

For those seeking to serve, it is crucial to explore all possible avenues and understand the specific requirements and potential waivers. The road may be long, but it is not entirely impassable.