Felons In Military

[Crosstimbers Okie]

More felons serving in military - CNN.com

More felons serving in military

* Story Highlights
* More felons are being allowed to join Army and Marine Corps
* Most were convicted of theft and drug charges, but some involve sex crimes
* One official blames the strain of the Iraq war on troop recruitment

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Under pressure to increase their numbers, the Army and Marine Corps have sharply raised the number of recruits with felony convictions they are admitting to the services.

Data released by a congressional committee shows that the number of soldiers admitted to the Army with felony records jumped from 249 in 2006 to 511 in 2007. And the number of Marines with felonies rose from 208 to 350.

The bulk of the crimes involved were burglaries, other thefts and drug offenses, but nine involved sex crimes and six involved manslaughter or vehicular homicide convictions. Several dozen Army and Marine recruits had aggravated assault or robbery convictions, including incidents involving weapons.

House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman Henry Waxman, who released the data, noted that there may be valid reasons for granting the waivers and giving individuals a second chance.

"Concerns have been raised that the significant increase in the recruitment of persons with criminal records is a result of the strain put on the military by the Iraq war and may be undermining military readiness," Waxman said.

The services use a waiver process to let in recruits with felony convictions, and many of the crimes were committed when the service members were juveniles.

[Kebemt]

there was a time when you got the choice jail or the army... if they want to serve why not... I dont see a big problem with that.... I dont know how i feel about the war and dont want to be the one to fire the first shot on what im sure will be a major fight on here (i am sure its coming soon) but I will say that I suport our troops and hope that they all make it home safe and sound !

[Custodian]

On one hand... this could be a redeeming mark for an would-be or ex-convict. It could prove them to be a selfless citizen, a benefit to society. However, on the other hand, they could take this training they get and make it available in part or whole to their criminal pals. Only time shall tell of their deeds.

[Cory]

This is horse ****.. I had a felony arrest at 19 (No conviction, charges dismissed) and just the fact I got arrest almost kept me out of the Army Guard. I had to go through a 4 month waiver process and STILL almost got separated. And this is just an arrest... not a conviction.

[Crosstimbers Okie]

Man, that's a story I would love to hear!

[BOPCO87]

Speaking from experience (from the Marine Corps. side of the house), if you do have a felony conviction it is no cake walk to get into my beloved Corps. The Clinton News Network I mean CNN makes it seem like they just sign up and off they go... Truth is the waiver process for these recruits at times is quite lengthy and may take up to 4 years. The military basically makes the applicant (or possible recruit) undergo polygraphs, interviews, and puts together detailed packages almost like a PSI. After all this, the final decision is put before a board, consisting of 1 flag officer( usually a colonel or brig. general) , naval pshycologist, and some high paid DOD official. If this board grants the waiver the recruit is made to sign a contract agreeing to reimburse the government for all salaries, and training expenses if they fail to complete the required enlistment due to disciplinary reasons and a whole bunch of other legal mumbo jumbo.

[tcurtis76]

Originally Posted by Kebemt

there was a time when you got the choice jail or the army... if they want to serve why not... I dont see a big problem with that.... I dont know how i feel about the war and dont want to be the one to fire the first shot on what im sure will be a major fight on here (i am sure its coming soon) but I will say that I suport our troops and hope that they all make it home safe and sound !

I saw a episode of gangland that was devoted to gang members who join the military many of them are felons and then they go get the training and use it for no good i am all about somebody changing if thats what they do but many are not its onlly making them smarter and stronger

[shakedownshorti]

Originally Posted by Cory

This is horse ****.. I had a felony arrest at 19 (No conviction, charges dismissed) and just the fact I got arrest almost kept me out of the Army Guard. I had to go through a 4 month waiver process and STILL almost got separated. And this is just an arrest... not a conviction.

Wow Cory, I didn't know you were all like Gangsta too!!??!!

[Cory]

My situation was the true definition of "Guilt by Association"

[Prison Cop]

I don't like this idea for the simple fact that the military will be training "gang" members valuble skills. Skills like how to handle different weapons, urban and close combat training. So now when they finish their enlistment they can go back to their old ways and use that training against my brother and sisters who patrol the streets everyday.

Its too bad that its going to take a few of these guys to go out and cause some havoc on the streets when they get back and then they will get coddled by the system once again. Blaming their criminal acts on the war instead of pining the responsiblity on the individual causing the havoc.

Time will only tell..........