What This Article Is
This article explains which criminal records block military enlistment. It covers records that rarely receive waivers. It explains why certain charges create permanent barriers. This is not legal advice. This is screening reality.
How the Military Screens Criminal Records
The military uses FBI background checks and court records. Recruiters enter your information into federal databases. Every arrest appears, even if charges were dropped. Sealed records still show in military screening systems. The military does not rely on what you disclose. They verify everything independently.
Felony Records That Disqualify You
Most felony convictions create permanent disqualification. Murder, manslaughter, and kidnapping are never waived. Sexual assault and rape block all enlistment paths. Armed robbery and aggravated assault block enlistment. Arson and explosive-related charges create permanent bars. Multiple felonies eliminate waiver consideration regardless of time passed.
The military assesses felonies as high liability risks. Federal law restricts firearm access for convicted felons. Military service requires weapon qualification and access. These two requirements cannot coexist with felony records.
Misdemeanors That Still Block Enlistment
Multiple misdemeanors matter more than single charges. Three or more misdemeanors trigger automatic review. Theft-related charges show pattern behavior the military rejects. Assault charges, even without conviction, raise red flags. DUI convictions, especially multiple, block most enlistment attempts.
The military views patterns as predictors. One mistake may receive consideration. Repeated mistakes show behavioral trends.
Domestic Violence and Firearm Restrictions
Federal law prohibits firearm possession after domestic violence convictions. This is the Lautenberg Amendment. It applies to misdemeanors and felonies equally. Military service requires weapon access. These laws create absolute conflicts.
Any domestic violence conviction blocks enlistment permanently. Restraining orders also trigger federal firearm restrictions. The military cannot waive federal law.
Drug Charges and Distribution Records
Possession charges may receive limited waiver consideration. Distribution, trafficking, and manufacturing charges do not. Manufacturing methamphetamine creates permanent disqualification. Selling any controlled substance blocks enlistment permanently. Intent to distribute, even without conviction, ends most applications.
The military separates users from dealers in policy. Dealers represent trafficking risk and judgment failure.
Sex-Related Offenses
Any sex offense requiring registration disqualifies all applicants. Rape, sexual assault, and child pornography create permanent bars. Indecent exposure and public lewdness block most enlistment paths. These charges carry federal reporting requirements. Military installations cannot accommodate registered offenders.
Juvenile Records and Sealed Cases
Juvenile records appear in military background checks. Sealed cases show in FBI databases. Expunged records still flag during screening. The military uses broader access than civilian employers. Juvenile felonies receive the same review as adult charges.
Why “Minor” Charges Still Matter
The military screens for patterns, not just severity. Multiple dismissed charges show behavioral trends. Arrest records without conviction still appear in reviews. The military assesses judgment and reliability over legal outcomes. Your record shows decision patterns over time. That pattern determines eligibility more than individual charge severity.