Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 10/28/2005

Question
I was recently arrested and i was woundering if i could still join the marines. I am only 17 and am aware I would not be able to join until I was 18. Also can I join with a G.E.D.

Answer
Trevor --

You can join the service with a GED as long as you also pass the military aptitude battery.

However, getting arrested and convicted of a crime make your odds of getting accepted by the Marines very slim.  The Marine have very high standards, if you have a criminal record, you will not meet those standards.

You can always check with a Marine recruiter.  He will be able to help you determine if your transgression was minor, and waiverable, or serious and unwaiverable.

Good luck to you.