Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 12/16/2009

Question
My husband is a convicted felon. He's actually been to a recruiting office, asked if he could join with his record & tattoos, but was told no. I spoke with a friend who also had a serious record & tattoos. Said that he had gone through specific steps to show how determined he was to join. Is this true & can my husband maybe still have a chance?  

Answer
Dear Maria --

The military is not having trouble recruiting, at the moment, so few waivers are available.

Felonies are very rarely waivered, but when recruiting is poor a few felonies can be waivered.  Some felonies are not waiverable under any circumstances.

Some tattoos can be waivered.  However, tattoos that can be seen while wearing the military dress uniform may not be waivered.  Tattoos on the face, neck, and hands may not be waivered.  Further, tattoos that indicate gang membership, racial hatred, religious hatred, gender hatred, or intent to overthrow the US government may not be waivered.

If the job market improves, there may be more waivers available.  However, whether your husband qualifies to apply for those waivers depends on the felony for which he was convicted, and the location and nature of his tattoos.

Good luck to both of you.