July 7, 2005

    2005-R-0556

You asked if someone with a misdemeanor record may enlist in the U. S. Armed Forces.

SUMMARY

Whether someone with a misdemeanor record may enlist in the U. S. Armed Services depends on several factors, including the nature, number, seriousness, and circumstances of the crime or crimes forming the record and when they were committed. The services may grant moral waivers to potential enlistees who have committed some categories of felonies and misdemeanors. But some crimes, unless expunged (for example, convictions for domestic violence), are a bar to enlistment.

• Crime and Military Enlistment

• Waivers to get into the military

• Domestic Violence Crimes and the Lautenberg Amendment