Army Recruits with Criminal Records Exceed 11%

[Ian David]

Army Recruits with Criminal Records Exceed 11%

There's a disturbing trend in military recruiting, with 11.6% percent of Army recruits receiving "moral waivers" of criminal records.

Moral waivers must be approved by an officer of the rank of lieutenant colonel or higher and are required when an Army applicant has been found guilty of committing four or more minor offenses such as littering or disorderly conduct -- or two to four misdemeanors such as larcency, trespassing, or vandalism.

Applicants who have committed a single felony such as arson, burglary, aggravated assault, breaking and entering, or marijuana possession must also receive a moral waiver to join. Applicants with more than one felony -- or with a single conviction for a more serious crime such as homicide, sexual violence, or drug trafficking -- are not eligible.

While Our Nation has a long tradition of many fine young people straightening themselves out through the discipline of military service, and going on to remain productive citizens after their return to civilian life, one cannot help but consider that the pressure on our Army to enlist 80,000 patriots every year means that "moral waivers" are being approved now that would not have been approved as late as 2004.

More:
http://operationyellowelephant.blogspot.com/2007/07/army-recruits-with-criminal-records.html

[lazer47]

1. If a man/or woman that has a record, puts their life on the line to

redeem themselves, then I call for more to do the same, if one can turn his or her life around, it should be commended not condemned

[Ian David]

3. Unfortunately, there are street gangs and white supremacists...

joining the armed forces, just so they can learn to kill.

There are now gang signs and nazi slogans all over Baghdad.

[NMMNG]

2. Interesting

A person can get a "moral waiver" for a criminal record but not for being gay. (Of course I don't consider being gay a moral issue, but Peter Pace and a bunch of other idiots do.)