When someone is trying to fix their life after having committed felonies, isn't the military the best way?

Question

Dang! Isn't the military better than a life of misery, and prison. Can't the military knock sense into a small time criminal, change their attitude to become a stronger person? My friend wants this, to be a part of you, even though he has committed crimes like drinking, and driving. He didn't commit murder, rape, or beating anyone up. Why won't the Military help someone to change their lives, for pities sake? Do you, as members of the Military think that people can change their lives, and become good people if they were allowed to be a part of saving their country, and loving it, like you?

Do you, as Military personnel think this law should be changed so some folks can be rescued, as it were?

Answer 1

Some change but some don't.  

Answer 2

it can't hurt, it could only help

Answer 3

The "Join the Army or go to Jail" military is a half-century dead.

If your 'friend' is truly contrite, and truly wants to make a change, he should prostrate himself before the nearest MEPS commander and beg forgiveness.  There are a small number of felony waivers granted each year, but usually only in very exceptional circumstances.  The last time I looked, the Navy was the most liberal with them, then the Marines, then the Army.  The Air Force was the least willing to accept felons -- taking exactly zero of them.

Understand that everything is waiverable, but also understand that the field grade officer that signs that waiver is putting his career and his annual OER at stake on that one recruit.  Their better be exceptional circumstances or there better be a serious commitment on the part of the felon to turn things around.

The military can indeed 'knock some sense' into someone, but that isn't their job.  Your 'friend' might find that a 4 year gig in a **** job is worse than 4 years in prison.  If he takes an attitude and ends up a chapter case, it will reflect poorly on the (wo)man that signed his waiver.

That said, if your 'friend' is truly contrite, find that MEPS command and humbly beg for a second chance.  Your 'friend' might get it, so he should make the most of it.

Answer 4

well h**l, I was sent to France by my father and ..pretty much the entire Soth African Police Force, didnt hurt me thats for sure

Answer 5

The Military is very good way to straighten rough shods out. They learn respect and responsibility.

The most important thing they need though, the first thing they need is accepting Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. That's what's important, because whether someone dies from old age, sickness, or have committed a crime and have to pay the penalty, after that last breath, then we stand before the Judge....Talk about Fear!!! People will fear then, but we must give an answer and I believe with all of my heart that Jesus will change those who ask Him for forgiveness and grant them riches in Glory. O death, where is they sting?

God bless!

Answer 6

that is a horrible idea

if someone cant follow the simple laws of the United States

what makes you think they would be willing to follow orders in the military

Answer 7

Actually, the military is the best way to guarantee an eternity in h**l.  All decent people (nonjews) know murdering Iraqi women and kids to steal their oil is wrong.  The only 'people' who think it's okay are the ones benefitting from it.  And who are too chickenshit to do their own dirty work, as they have been FOR CENTURIES!

Thankfully, the LORD is soon to destroy the sons of esau as He promised in Isaiah.

Answer 8

ha ha ha

"Don't kill people, you idiot! Now here's a gun...KILL!"

My best friend wen into the Airforce.  Was very prim and proper and now she burps and curses and...well no, I don't think the military can solve anyone else's problems...especially when it can't solve it's own...

Answer 9

The military is not a welfare or jobs program for felons. The DoD is not interested in rehabilitating people who make significant mistakes just for that person's benefit. If he has tried to join and it has been determined that he cannot be of positive service to the armed forces then tell him to move on.  

Answer 10

The military is ran by our government, it's corrupt. I am divorced from a man in the military and family, as they say is their number one priority IS NOT.

Although it might help your friend out, why would he/she want to join the military which is ran by the same government that won't let your friend let go of the past and try and start over?

Answer 11

Drinking and driving or a single DUI is hardly the life of a career criminal and does not make him a mass murderer.  I have known senior enlisted and senior officers that have got a DUI.  If however your friend has a long term history of trouble and criminal activity the military is not the place for him like it might have been fifty years ago.  Most of the menial type jobs, low in responsibility don't exist anymore or are done by civilians.  I worked in a classified facility for about ten years and the janitors where part time people with a security clearance or that could pass a background check.  The lawns outside were mowed and maintained by a civilian lawn care company and if I went to the dinning hall the cooks and serving personnel were ninety percent civilian as well.  In today's military you are giving people access to weapons systems, information, and costly pieces of equipment, as well as huge responsibilities.  To give a career type criminal access to some of these things or expect them to handle a job involving them is like turning a child lose in a candy store and telling him don't eat or take any.

Answer 12

Simple answer is no.

How do you expect someone who can't follow the rules of society, to follow the rules in the military? Not a very good idea........

Answer 13

No, the military wants young professionals who are going places.  It is not a rehabilitation program. Serving in the modern military takes significant technical skills as well as discipline and a tremendous sense of personal motivation.  Plus, felons can rarely get in anymore.

Answer 14

   Sorry, but the Military is not in the business of running  a rehab  They have other things to do.

While,. yes,. people do make mistakes,, but then you have to show you are willing to try to overcome your weaknesses and have learned the law is to be respected,.

Tell him to change his attitude, THEN see a recruiter.

Answer 15

First You can get a waiver for 1 DUI so something else is stopping it.

Second the honest answer is NO.

IF you are a dirt bag then military training makes you a highly trained, smarter, more capable, and self confident dirt bag.

We cannot teach you the things your parents neglected, IF you had good parents who raised you right but you just made a few dumb mistakes than maybe the military would help. Otherwise NO.

Answer 16

h**l no!!!My husband is in the army, risks his life, do you really think he wants to do that while having to depend on someone who doesn't know how to act right?Do you know how many soldiers get kicked out because they can't follow rules?That is a ridiculous idea. Serving our country is a privelege, not something used to make people "behave".

Answer 17

It can depending on the person. If they really want to change. But see the Military is getting VERY Picky. They even hold Juvenile Offenses against you now. If it's Juvenile your friend may be able to get a waiver. If it's an adult(especially Adult Felony) then he is more a less screwed. But...talk to a recruiter. Dont bank on the Air Force,Navy,Especially not the Coast Guard(Any little small crime they wont accept), but the Army may do something with him. Just thats not the best of branches to join at this time, nor are the Marines.

I wish him the best of luck, try Air Force anyways, if it dont work out, the Navy gets VERY Desperate at times.

Answer 18

Simple.....the US military is the action arm of our nations foreign policy..... It is NOT a rehab program for societies misfits.....

We are not here to create good citizens.....just protect them.

Your friend made some mistakes.... as a result certain doors are closed to him.... that is it.... life is hard.... Maybe he could give talks at local high schools and keep other kids from s******g up their lives..... Maybe he could write a book.....

I am no saint.... I made a lot of mistakes in my life..... but you need to STOP blaming society .....take charge of your life and overcome your barriers....

I ran with a street gang.....got into the military because a judge thought it was a good alternative ....The first year I had 9 Art 15 ( Company Punishment) and a Summary Court Martial..... I was headed toward the exit door at full speed.... my future was being a bum on the street.... I turned myself around..... I set goals.... found ways to achieve those goals.... no matter what.....

EVERYTHING bad in my life I created; EVERYTHING good in my life I also created....  Quit whinning and get to work..... not all doors will be open..... and you will need to knock on some doors more than once

Answer 19

Can people change their lives around certainly.  Should the rules be changed...nope.  I could careless who wants to enlist and who thinks life isn't fair.  Your friend made his decisions just like anyone else in his position.  I had to get a waiver for assualt and battery charge (from when I was 15) when I enlisted so I do know what it's like to make mistakes, not that I regret kicking the **** out of that kid, however there are rules in place for a reason.  

As a Sgt I had enough to do training and keeping my Marines in line then be part of some self help program.    

Answer 20

I think so, but their choices should be limited according to the level of crime.   Serving in the military is  great way one can pay a debt to society while serving their country.

Answer 21

Who told him he can't join. I can only speak for the Army but if you shoot me an email and explain the charges I can give you an exact answer. He will probably require a waiver but that really isn't a big deal. But what most people need to know is the military is only interested in highly qualified young men and women to fill their ranks. We don't need to worry about the moral decision making abilities of the common criminal.regardless of charges and convictions. You see the military is based on good moral character and doing the right thing even when someone isn't looking. Because of this the regulation pertaining to qualifications is very direct in it's answers. Be sure to email me and I'll let you know if he has a shot in the U.S. Army. Hope this helps.