The U.S. Army runs rigorous background checks on every potential new recruit. While it’s true that a criminal record does not immediately disqualify one from serving, issues such as domestic violence, substance abuse, financial difficulties, and unpardoned felonies will all prevent candidates from being able to sign up.
How difficult is it for a recruit to get a waiver for any misdemeanours on their record?
In short: very difficult.
While it is possible to go through the military trial defenders in order to secure a waiver for mistakes that were made earlier in life, it is a difficult process. A waiver generally depends on a potential recruit having someone who is willing to attest to his or her good character – be it a priest, a doctor, a sponsor, or someone else – to the point where the good character of the recruit outweighs his or her felony or misdemeanour.
Since waivers are decided on a case-by-case basis, the time is taken to decide whether they should be approved can vary as well. The court which decides whether a waiver should be granted takes into account the severity of the felony, the ability to reform, and whether or not the potential recruit has adjusted to living properly once the debt has been paid.
Information from: http://www.beforejoiningthemilitary.com/can-you-join-the-military-with-a-felony-andor-misdemeanor/
http://www.militaryauthority.com/wiki/joining-the-military/military-law-disqualifications.html
Does the military look into sealed records?
When it comes to the military, there is no such thing as a sealed or expunged record. The staff who run background checks for the army have access to the FBI’s records, as well as those that exist at the local or state level. Everything which has left a footprint in a potential recruit’s past is available to the army.
The military takes itself into some of the most dangerous places on Earth. Soldiers need to know that they can rely on their fellow soldiers, and the army does its best to ensure that its recruits are of the best moral fiber.
Information from: http://usmilitary.about.com/od/joiningthemilitary/a/enlcriminal.htm
What is a suitability determination, and how is it different from security clearance?
Suitability determination is different from a security clearance – and also general competency – in that it determines whether or not someone’s personality is an ideal fit for the work they are about to undertake.
Security clearances are passed, which allow employees access to privileged information and are normally handled by the military trial defenders as part of their day to day duties. There are varying levels of security clearance for different types of work and employee, but they all require either their own specific background checks or a decision made by any administrative staff that the employee in question is trustworthy.
Information from: https://www.cbp.gov/careers/join-cbp/which-career/apply/background-investigation
The army’s background checks are extremely thorough, taking all existing records into account. While waivers can be granted for some felonies which involve alcohol and drugs, these are difficult to obtain, and acquiring one depends on the goals of a potential recruit when they apply to the army, since it can affect security clearances and available promotions further through the career path.
