Can an American with 2 felonies join the Navy?

Question

I have a friend who has committed 2 felonies, but wants to join the Navy with all his heart. He's had a DUI, and driving while suspended. He's 33, but has always wanted to be in the Navy, but has always thought he would not be accepted. I ask on his behalf now, if he could get in? Also, if not the Navy, would any other branch of the Military except him? He's almost off probabtion. I, myself was thinking the Military might knock some sense into him? (although he doesn't know yet, that I typed this part) LOL! Can you help please?

Thanks!

Answer 1

Harry, two felonies can never work--so recommending the army becomes irrelevant.  The waivers are intended to give one law violation a chance, committing two always ends in a denied enlistment.

Never in my career did I see anyone get in with two felonies.  I will never say it's impossible, but d**n near.

...and if I'm not mistaken, AR 601-210 ch4, totally denounces ones chance of enlisting with two felonies.

edit:  I just reread the posters question.  I can say, without a doubt that you can't join with that felony on record.  I'm telling you from experience and I even checked the reg one more time for $hits and giggle.  I'm sorry. :(

Answer 2

Almost no chance at all, unless they were committed as a juvenile.  Otherwise, it's just not going to happen.  

Answer 3

He needs to try the Army they are taking men/women up to the age of 45, he will need waviers but call the Army recruiter it can only help you and answer your questions, good luck!

Answer 4

Theorectically possible but highly unlikely.

Answer 5

The chances are not good at all if, as another respondent said, the acts were committed as an adult. The Navy will waive acts committed as a juvenile if they are not severe, but generally not for an adult. The Military considers all crimes in their review of a candidate, and regards them as serious issues.

If his ASVAB scores are unbelievably high, his physical shape outstanding and the crimes not severe, the chances of getting in are better.

For some reason the Army is the most lenient branch in allowing exceptions to the rule, but you've got a bad situation here with the DUI and driving while suspended.

Your friend should talk to a recruiter and bring in the court records before applying. If your friend applies without giving advance notice, the issue will surface when they do their background check.

To be completely candid, your friend's chances are less than 50-50, but, with current enlistment down, it might make their chances a little better.

Good luck and don't count it out until you've tried.

Nothing gets done without at least putting your best foot forward.

Best of luck to your friend. It's great that they want to serve their country too, whether they get in. or not.

Thanks for providing the detail on when the violations were committed. It doesn't really change my answer, but it is helpful to know. If the acts were committed before age 17, it would make a difference, but after that, he's considered an adult and responsible, in full, for all of his actions.

But... once again... never go down without a fight. Have him bring in the real court records, if he doesn't have them, he can get them from the court for a small fee, and bring them with to the recruiter. Strange things happen all the time and there's no guarantee either way.

Also, in your previous question: I meant to say San Diego, I don't know what I was thinking when I said Frisco.

Best of luck to you both!

Answer 6

Uhhh... if he committed his last felony at age 26 and he's now 33 and is still on probation?  You're not telling the whole story.  There are either misdemeanors you haven't mentioned or he's violated probation so many times he's still working on a grant of probation that happened seven years ago.

The military is looking for younger men and women, and upstanding men and women.  He's not one of them.

Answer 7

no disrespect,but 33 is as little old to be "starting over". and the fact is the military doesn't want to make your friend their problem. I wish him luck anyway.

Answer 8

No way!  They will not even look at him.  It shows he is not mature or responsible enough to be in the military.  The Navy does not take people with a criminal record.