Reviewing criminal history is a part of the enlistment process for all branches of the military.
Each branch of service has different standards for what constitutes a disqualification from service based on criminal history. All branches of services are able to approve waivers for most minor offenses that have been committed in the recruit’s past.
Waivers for major offenses vary by service. If a waiver is denied, the decision is generally final and cannot be appealed.
The first step of the criminal history is during an interview with the recruiter. The recruit will be asked specific questions as well as to provide information on any criminal history that is specifically asked about during the interview. The recruit is expected to provide all past criminal history including from records that have been sealed or expunged and from events that occurred when the recruit was a juvenile.
The military has access to all criminal records including those that a normal employer would not have access to, such as sealed and expunged records as well as juvenile records.
Even if it isn’t revealed during the enlistment process, it is likely to be revealed during a security clearance background check that most jobs in the military will require.
If a recruit lies about or otherwise misrepresents his/her criminal history, they can face serious consequences for their actions upon discovery. They may be charged with a felony and tried by either a civilian or military court for the omission.
t is important that the recruit is completely honest and upfront about any criminal history which includes minor traffic violations.
If a criminal past is revealed or otherwise suspected, a thorough criminal history from all agencies can be requested.
As stated previously, there is no such thing as the ability to have certain events hidden from military view. The military can have access to all criminal records if necessary in the enlistment or security clearance process.