Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 8/15/2007

Question
Who can go over the enlistment manual, to allow someone with white-collar crimes to get into the army?

Answer
Dear Rob --

Depending on the nature of the crime, the disposition of the charges in court or other judicial hearing, and the disposition of any fines, rehabilitation or other compensation to society for any convictions, a waiver can be requested by the candidate.  This waiver request goes before a board which determines whether the recruit candidate should be considered eligible to enlist despite past behavioral issues that would normally prohibit enlistment.

Otherwise high quality recruits who may have had a period of rebellious behavior in their past, but can show strong evidence of a personality and behavior change, will be advised by their recruiter to apply for such a waiver.

There is no guarantee that such a waiver will be approved.  Any recruiter promising that all waivers will be approved is providing misleading guidance to potential recruits.

If you wish to chat with a recruiter on-line concerning the specifics of your charges and convictions, and whether there is any hope of receiving a waiver for them, please go to http://www.goarmy.com/ChatIndex.do?redirect=true

Good luck.