Am i eligible to join the military?

[jasper]

Hey guys, so ive been interested in joining the military all my life (literally since i can remember), but when i was 16 i got into some trouble with the law. I was convicted with a mild, non violent, non drug related felony. you know what, ill just say it, the charge was Attempted Residential Burglary. I know every one says this, but dam is that charge blown way out of proportion for what really went down that night. No one lived in the house, they moved away, nothing inside the house at all. Never even got inside the house. (they were my neighbors). but anyways, i tryed joining the Marines when i was 19, and passed all the tests, physicals and requirements except this. Recruiter told me that i have to get a waiver because of my past, but it was declined and could not join at that time. I was told that i should get some schooling and put some more time between that incident and now before i reapply. I am now 23 and still wanting to join the Marines and everyone is telling me that they are being extremely picky with recruits right now, and i fear ill never be able to join. I know my record is sealed because i was a juvenile when this all happened, but the military is federal, they can see sealed records, so please dont tell me that i can join because i was a juvenile and my record is sealed.

Any feedback or help would be greatly appreciated from anyone with knowledge in this field.

[dubh35]

Contact your local recruiter.

[wakeley58]

Because of the drawdowns in all branches, it is in fact more difficult to join now. I have seen on here that very few, if any, waivers are being granted. This does not mean you CAN'T get a waiver. The only way to know is to contact a recruiter and talk it all out. My suggestion, tho....hope for the best but expect the worst.

Good luck.

[jocheved]

As far as current regulation goes, you are authorized to join the Army. However, a juvenile "felony" (the Army calles it a Major Misconduct) you will require a moral waiver. Moral waivers are not easy to get approved, but it can't hurt to try. As long as you don't have any other law violations on your record, I would talk to a local recruiter, and be up front about your past. The following are the steps you need to take to apply for a waiver.

1. Take the ASVAB
2. Take the MEPS physical
3. Complete your enlistment paperwork: Applicant statement, ect.
4. Get 3 GOOD reference letters (the recruiter has the specific form)
5. Interview with the recruiting station's Company Commander
6. Interview with the recruiting Battalions Executive Officer
7. Wait patiently as the approval authority is the Commanding General of recruiting command.

The waiver process is long, so patience is a must. The Army will look at the "whole person" concept when considering a moral waiver. Since the offense occured what have you done to "better yourself", ie college, community work, ect.

Good luck

[denys]

Your best bet is to try the army or the national guard I highly doubt the Marines will take you I've seen guys in my station get denied for simple things like tattoos