Expert: Stan McElya - 3/11/2009

Question
QUESTION: I was convicted of a felony in 2005.is there any place for me in the military?

ANSWER: Hello Eric
  Good Question. Once upon a time the answer would of been no, but lots of things have changed in the last few years. I'm not a recruiter but I have heard that it is now possible to get a waiver for felonies depending on the felony. I would need to know what kind of felony to give you a better idea. My best advice would be to speak to a recruiter. What do you have to lose? All they could say is no, in which case you have lost nothing. Give them a call and find out for sure.
         Best of luck
         Snake

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: My charges are cocaine,& a fire arm

Answer
Hello Eric;
  When you do it, you do it all the way, dont you? That is not good in this case. I admire anyone who wants to change their life for the better. Hooyah for you. Okay, to the point. Remember, I was never a recruiter, just an old SEAL. So my word is not by any means law. But I have a feeling that you wont be able to join up because of the severity of your crimes. It still wont hurt anything to talk with a recruiter and find out for sure. Ask about a waiver for the crimes and who knows, maybe you will get lucky. But no matter what they say, you are on the right path for changing your life. And no matter what they tell you, hold your head up high and don't give up. Get a good education and find a good job. You are doing the right thing.
         Fair seas and following winds
         Snake