Can a felon join the military? Here’s what really happens

It’s not a simple yes or no. If you have a felony on your record, joining the military isn’t impossible-but it’s far from guaranteed. The military doesn’t automatically reject everyone with a criminal past, but it does have strict rules, and the chances depend on what you did, when you did it, and how you’ve changed since.

What counts as a felony in the military’s eyes?

The military doesn’t use the same definitions as civilian courts. A felony is any crime punishable by more than one year in prison, but the military cares more about the nature of the offense than the label. Violent crimes like assault, robbery, or sexual offenses are almost always automatic disqualifiers. Drug trafficking, weapons charges, and fraud involving large sums of money are also red flags.

But not all felonies are treated the same. A single non-violent drug possession charge from five years ago? That’s different than multiple convictions for theft or arson. The military looks at patterns, not just single events. One mistake might be overlooked. Three? Almost certainly not.

How does the military find out about your record?

You can’t hide it. Every applicant goes through a full FBI background check. That includes fingerprinting, criminal history databases, and interviews with references. If you lie on your application, you’ll be caught-and you’ll be discharged if you somehow slip through. Dishonorable discharge is worse than never joining at all.

Even if your record was sealed or expunged in your state, the military still sees it. Federal law doesn’t recognize state expungements for military purposes. So don’t assume your past is gone just because a judge said so.

Waivers: the only path forward

If you have a felony, your only real chance is a moral waiver. This isn’t a form you fill out and get approved. It’s a long, messy process that requires someone in the military to fight for you.

Each branch has its own waiver rules:

• Army: Most likely to approve waivers, especially for non-violent offenses. They’ve been more open since 2020 due to recruitment shortages.
• Navy: Less flexible. Waivers are rare for drug-related felonies unless it was a single possession charge years ago.
• Air Force: Very strict. Even one felony makes approval unlikely unless it’s minor and old.
• Marine Corps: Rarely grants waivers. They prioritize discipline and moral character above all.
• Coast Guard: Almost never approves waivers. They handle national security and law enforcement duties, so their standards are the highest.

Waivers aren’t automatic. You need to show proof of rehabilitation: steady employment, college courses, community service, letters from employers or counselors, and no arrests since your conviction. The more time that’s passed, the better your chances.

What if you were convicted as a minor?

Being a teenager when you made a mistake changes things. The military treats juvenile offenses differently than adult ones. If your felony was committed before you turned 18, it’s considered a juvenile record-and may not count against you at all, depending on the offense and your behavior since.

For example, a 16-year-old convicted of armed robbery? Still a red flag. But a 17-year-old charged with possession of marijuana and later earned a college scholarship and worked full-time for three years? That’s a story recruiters will listen to.

Even juvenile records must be disclosed. But the military knows people grow up. They’re more willing to give second chances if you’ve shown real change.

What jobs can you actually get?

Even if you get a waiver, your felony will limit your options. You won’t be allowed to work in intelligence, cybersecurity, or any role that requires a security clearance. Jobs involving weapons, explosives, or sensitive data are off-limits.

That leaves you with roles like:

• Military police (but not investigative units)
• Logistics and supply
• Heavy equipment operation
• Food service
• Construction and maintenance

You can still rise through the ranks, earn promotions, and build a career-but your path will be narrower than someone without a record.

How long do you have to wait?

There’s no official waiting period, but the military expects you to have stayed clean for at least two to five years after your conviction. Three years is the sweet spot. If you’ve been out of jail for six months and apply, you’re almost certainly going to be rejected.

Also, if you’re still on probation or parole, you’re not eligible. You must be fully released, with no court-ordered restrictions left.

What about state-specific laws?

They don’t matter. Whether you were convicted in California, Texas, or New Zealand, the military uses federal standards. Your state’s pardon or expungement laws won’t override their rules. The U.S. military doesn’t care if your state considers you rehabilitated-they make their own call.

And yes, even if you’re a New Zealand citizen living in Auckland, if you’re applying to join the U.S. military, you’re held to U.S. standards. The same goes for dual citizens or permanent residents.

Real stories: who made it in?

There are real people who got waivers. One guy in Ohio was convicted of burglary at 19. He spent two years in prison, then worked as a carpenter, went to night school, and volunteered at a youth center. He applied to the Army five years after his release. They approved his waiver. He’s now a sergeant.

Another woman in Florida had a drug trafficking conviction at 22. She got clean, earned a nursing assistant certificate, and worked in a hospice for four years. The Navy turned her down twice. On the third try, with letters from her employer and counselor, they gave her a waiver. She’s now a hospital corpsman.

These aren’t outliers. They’re people who didn’t just say they changed-they proved it.

What if you’re already in the military and get charged?

If you’re already serving and get arrested for a felony, you’re facing a court-martial. Discharge is almost certain. You won’t get a waiver-you’ll get a discharge under other than honorable conditions. That means losing VA benefits, housing assistance, and any chance of future federal jobs.

Once you’re in, the military expects you to stay clean. One mistake can end everything.

What should you do next?

If you have a felony and want to join:

1. Get your full criminal record from the FBI. Know exactly what’s on it.
2. Wait at least two years after your last arrest or release from supervision.
3. Build a clean record: work, volunteer, take classes.
4. Get letters from employers, teachers, or counselors who can vouch for your character.
5. Go to a recruiter-not online, not over the phone. Walk in with your documents.
6. Be honest. Don’t try to hide anything. They’ll find out anyway.

There’s no magic formula. It’s not about luck. It’s about showing you’ve turned your life around-and proving it in ways the military can’t ignore.

What if you can’t join?

Not everyone gets in. And that’s okay. The military isn’t the only path forward. Many veterans’ organizations, government agencies, and even private employers hire people with criminal records-especially if they’ve shown growth.

Consider becoming a firefighter, EMT, or corrections officer. Some states allow felons to work in these roles after a waiting period. You can still serve your community, even if you can’t wear a uniform.

And if you’re still young, think about education. A college degree can open doors the military won’t. Many employers care more about your skills now than your past.

Final thought

The military isn’t a second chance factory. It’s a high-standard organization that needs people who can be trusted with weapons, secrets, and lives. But it’s not a machine that crushes every person who’s ever made a mistake. If you’ve truly changed-if you’ve worked, learned, and served your community-you might still get in. But you’ll have to prove it, over and over, until they believe you.