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PrintMore convicted felons allowed to enlist in Army, Marines
Mon Apr 21, 2008 12:01 PM EDT
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WASHINGTON — Under pressure to meet combat needs, the Army and Marine Corps brought in significantly more recruits with felony convictions last year than in 2006, including some with manslaughter and sex crime convictions.
Data released by a congressional committee shows the number of soldiers admitted to the Army with felony records jumped from 249 in 2006 to 511 in 2007. And the number of Marines with felonies rose from 208 to 350.
Those numbers represent a fraction of the more than 180,000 recruits brought in by the active duty Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines during the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2007. But they highlight a trend that has raised concerns both within the military and on Capitol Hill.
The bulk of the crimes involved were burglaries, other thefts, and drug offenses, but nine involved sex crimes and six involved manslaughter or vehicular homicide convictions. Several dozen Army and Marine recruits had aggravated assault or robbery convictions, including incidents involving weapons.
Both the Army and Marine Corps have been struggling to increase their numbers as part of a broader effort to meet the combat needs of a military fighting wars on two fronts. As a result, the number of recruits needing waivers for crimes or other bad conduct has grown in recent years, as well as those needing medical or aptitude waivers.
House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman Henry Waxman, who released the data, noted that there may be valid reasons for granting the waivers and giving individuals a second chance.
But he added, "Concerns have been raised that the significant increase in the recruitment of persons with criminal records is a result of the strain put on the military by the Iraq war and may be undermining military readiness."
The services use a waiver process to let in recruits with felony convictions, and many of the crimes were committed when the service members were juveniles.
For example, in several of the Marine sex crime cases, the offender was a teenager involved in consensual sex with another underage teen. In one Army case, a 13-year-old who threw a match into his school locker was charged with arson and had to receive a felony waiver six years later.
"Waivers are used judiciously and granted only after a thorough review," said Pentagon spokesman Lt. Col. Jonathan Withington.
He added that "low unemployment, a protracted war on terror, a decline in propensity to serve," and the growing reluctance of parents, teachers and other adults to recommend young people go into the military, has made recruiting a challenge.
According to the Army, 18 percent of the recruits needed conduct waivers in the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2007, compared to 15 percent in the 12-month period ending in Sept. 30, 2006.
"We are growing the Army fast and there are some waivers; we know that," said Army Lt. Gen. James D. Thurman, deputy chief of staff for operations. "It hasn't alarmed us yet."
He added that "the better part of making soldiers is about leadership. Somebody invested in me, you know. That's the beauty of the United States Army. It's about leadership ... You've got to give people an opportunity to serve."
Late last fall, the Pentagon quietly began looking for ways to make it easier for people with minor criminal records to join the military. The goal of that review is to make cumbersome waiver requirements consistent across the services — the Army, Marine Corps, Navy and Air Force — and reduce the number of petty crimes that now trigger the process.
According to the data released Monday, a bit more than half of the Army's 511 convictions in 2007 were for various types of thefts, ranging from burglaries to bad checks and stolen cars. Another 130 were for drug offenses.
The remainder, however, included two in 2007 for manslaughter, compared to one in 2006; five for sexual crimes (which can include rape, incest or sexual assaults) compared to two in 2006; and three for negligent or vehicular homicide, compared to two in 2006. Two received waivers for terrorist threats including bomb threats in 2007, compared to one in 2006.
At least 235 of the Marine Corps' 350 waivers were for various types of thefts in 2007, and another 63 were for assaults or robberies that may also have included use of a weapon. The remainder included one for manslaughter in 2007, compared to none in 2006; four for sex crimes, compared to one in 2006; and five for terror threats, including bomb threats, compared to two in 2006.
The total number of sailors who received felony waivers dipped from 48 in 2006 to 42 in 2007. Most were for a variety of thefts or drug and drunk driving convictions. Two in 2007 were for terror or bomb threats compared to three in 2006.
There were no Air Force recruits with waivers for felony convictions in 2007.
Waivers must be approved by an officer who is ranked as a brigadier general or above, and recruits must have written recommendations and endorsements from community leaders showing they would be a good bet for the military.
___
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 | U.S. Military Waivers for Ex-Convicts Increase | The Washington Post | Wed Apr 23 | 3 |
| More convicted felons enlisting in Army, Marines | USA Today | Mon Apr 21 | 0 |
| Army, Marines give waivers to more felons | CNN | Wed Apr 23 | 0 |
| Double number of ex-cons join the US army | Guardian Unlimited | Wed Apr 23 | 0 |
| US army increases use of moral waivers to meet demand for troops | Guardian Unlimited | Mon Apr 21 | 4 |
- Public Discussion (18)
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{"commentId":1717336,"authorDomain":"harshpaul"}
That is the worst policy anyone could come up with.
{"commentId":1717336,"threadId":"253445","contentId":"1443858","authorDomain":"harshpaul"}
- 4 votes
#1 - Mon Apr 21, 2008 2:23 PM EDT{"commentId":1718806,"authorDomain":"DanLS"}
Clearly, not the best was to deal with the inherent limitations of an all-volunteer military.
{"commentId":1718806,"threadId":"253445","contentId":"1443858","authorDomain":"DanLS"}
- 2 votes
{"commentId":1718368,"authorDomain":"Wheel"}
This is what we need instead of the draft. Let's train a bunch of thugs in the latest weapons and turn them loose in society and see how that turns out. < / sarcasm>
{"commentId":1718368,"threadId":"253445","contentId":"1443858","authorDomain":"Wheel"}
- 4 votes
#2 - Mon Apr 21, 2008 6:17 PM EDT{"commentId":1718491,"authorDomain":"vas"}
So we don't have a problem with convicted sex criminals serving, but we do have a problem with homosexuals. Why? Because some in the military couldn't care less that whether the lives and dignity of foreign civilians are put at risk by deploying troops with weak morals, but are totally freaked out at the notion that they might be showering with a homosexual.
{"commentId":1718491,"threadId":"253445","contentId":"1443858","authorDomain":"vas"}
- 7 votes
#3 - Mon Apr 21, 2008 6:51 PM EDT{"commentId":1718495,"authorDomain":"PamelaDrew"}
According to the Army, 18 percent of the recruits needed conduct waivers in the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2007, compared to 15 percent in the 12-month period ending in Sept. 30, 2006.
"We are growing the Army fast and there are some waivers; we know that," said Army Lt. Gen. James D. Thurman, deputy chief of staff for operations. "It hasn't alarmed us yet."
He added that "the better part of making soldiers is about leadership. Somebody invested in me, you know. That's the beauty of the United States Army. It's about leadership ... You've got to give people an opportunity to serve."
If you're busted for marijuana you can't get a Federal loan for a college education but convicted of homicide we'll give you a gun and put you in a uniform to spread Democracy. Got it! Give people opportunity.
{"commentId":1718495,"threadId":"253445","contentId":"1443858","authorDomain":"PamelaDrew"}
- 6 votes
#4 - Mon Apr 21, 2008 6:51 PM EDT{"commentId":1718572,"authorDomain":"cls-usf"}
I only read the first paragraph and stopped, these statistics seem so pointless to me, so the number of 250 felons increased to 500 (army alone), there is 300 million Americans, and it said 180,000 recruits, so there is a couple hundred recruits for every felon. This is a pointless thing to analyze, why be mad at the people giving them a second opportunity.
{"commentId":1718572,"threadId":"253445","contentId":"1443858","authorDomain":"cls-usf"}
- 1 vote
#5 - Mon Apr 21, 2008 7:11 PM EDT{"commentId":1718595,"authorDomain":"juli54green"}
Right, let's make sure we put this article right in 'Top News'. Making the military look bad and fragging Christianity is so in vogue today, isn't it?
" This is a pointless thing to analyze, why be mad at the people giving them a second opportunity. "
Sure, and if these people were not in the military, the media would be hailing them as 'trying to make a fresh start'. Hmmmm....
{"commentId":1718595,"threadId":"253445","contentId":"1443858","authorDomain":"juli54green"}
{"commentId":1718621,"authorDomain":"rel3vant"}
I have no problem giving these people a second opportunity. I'm just not so sure about giving them weapons and combat training.
It seems a little odd that the same folks who thought petty criminals needed to be locked up for life after three strikes now think violent criminals should be handed big guns and turned loose in foreign countries.
{"commentId":1718621,"threadId":"253445","contentId":"1443858","authorDomain":"rel3vant"}
- 6 votes
{"commentId":1718633,"authorDomain":"rel3vant"}
juli54, this has nothing to do with fragging Christianity unless you actually see our army as a bunch of Christian crusaders. I'm sorry, you're not being persecuted today.
As for the suggestion that this is about bashing the military or denying convicted felons- some violent- a second chance, please refer to #5.2.
{"commentId":1718633,"threadId":"253445","contentId":"1443858","authorDomain":"rel3vant"}
- 3 votes
{"commentId":1718643,"authorDomain":"jimdent"}
This is a pointless thing to analyze, why be mad at the people giving them a second opportunity.
Fair enough. How do you feel about giving gays a "first" opportunity to serve? After all, if a sex offender can wear a uniform....
{"commentId":1718643,"threadId":"253445","contentId":"1443858","authorDomain":"jimdent"}
- 7 votes
{"commentId":1718637,"authorDomain":"DeathOrLiberty"}
War on terror, War on Drugs, War on Poverty; most of these recruits are coming into one war from another. Have you ever heard of redemption and forgiveness. Why is it less valid for these people to risk their lives and hopefully re-acclimate into society, than to sit in prison, or accept some low wage job that encourages them to fall into the same crimes they were initially accused. The revolving door of justice.
{"commentId":1718637,"threadId":"253445","contentId":"1443858","authorDomain":"DeathOrLiberty"}
#6 - Mon Apr 21, 2008 7:31 PM EDT{"commentId":1718668,"authorDomain":"juli54green"}
Badkungfu, I am not feeling persecuted. I merely pointed out that these days, the military and Christianity's foibles are always highlighted. Perhaps I should have not mentioned Christianity. My mistake.
{"commentId":1718668,"threadId":"253445","contentId":"1443858","authorDomain":"juli54green"}
{"commentId":1718691,"authorDomain":"rel3vant"}
I merely pointed out that these days, the military and Christianity's foibles are always highlighted.
Perhaps. I think it's because in recent years, the military and Christianity (certain brands of christianity, at least) exert a lot of influence on the decisions our leaders make. A lot of people aren't thrilled with those decisions.
My personal feeling is that if we can't trust people enough to let them vote, we shouldn't trust them enough to carry weapons on our behalf. Although I oppose the draft in general, I think that all citizens should suffer alike when our volunteer army is stretched thin. So I would prefer a draft to teaching criminals better weapons skills. A positive side effect of a draft is that it would ensure we don't stay any longer than the citizens feel is absolutely necessary.
{"commentId":1718691,"threadId":"253445","contentId":"1443858","authorDomain":"rel3vant"}
- 3 votes
{"commentId":1718761,"authorDomain":"PamelaDrew"}
Why is it less valid for these people to risk their lives and hopefully re-acclimate into society, than to sit in prison,
Why is going to war their only option? In my view many shouldn't be locked up in the first place and it serves as a way to force the poorest into service no matter what. The day America's leaders in Washington care what happens to prisoners, beyond the money the vendors and jailers can make keeping slave labor at pennies a day eating swill billed at top buck we'll talk about chances. This is about exploitation, not helping.
{"commentId":1718761,"threadId":"253445","contentId":"1443858","authorDomain":"PamelaDrew"}
- 2 votes
{"commentId":1719671,"authorDomain":"quixiotic"}
Atleast they wont be getting security clearances. That's all I have to say. Might have a felonious past, but I wont worry until they waiver 1st degree murders to enlist.
As a side note, I'm glad I'm in the Air Force... no convicted felons here. LOL
{"commentId":1719671,"threadId":"253445","contentId":"1443858","authorDomain":"quixiotic"}
- 2 votes
{"commentId":1720963,"authorDomain":"pmags"}
LTG Thurman is quoted as saying that the Army is aware of the jump in waivers and that they are not
alarmed...yet. Man, somethin' like the Iraqui Army today, huh? You don't really know what they're gonna do until you order them to do somethin'.
{"commentId":1720963,"threadId":"253445","contentId":"1443858","authorDomain":"pmags"}
- 1 vote
#7 - Tue Apr 22, 2008 1:10 PM EDT{"commentId":1721719,"authorDomain":"juli54green"}
Re #6.3. Pamela, they are not forced to enlist. We have a volunteer force. When they enlist they are made aware of the rules, and are also made aware that being deployed to a war zone is a possibility.
{"commentId":1721719,"threadId":"253445","contentId":"1443858","authorDomain":"juli54green"}
{"commentId":3710616,"authorDomain":"eddiel985"}
The notion of 'giving these criminals a gun and letting them loose' is so ridiculous. Military training is HARD. It tests character. Just because you don't agree with the war on terror doesn't mean you right on your 'assumtions'. Everyone likes to share their opinion, but rarely do they take the time to understand what they lash out at. Instead of acting out on your emotions, use wisdom and search for all info and P.O.V's on this issue. Everyone deserves compassion for a second chance. Don't think for a moment that these criminals aren't getting their world's rocked. True, some will find a way to go back to their lifestyles of crime, but most make it. Most never had a father/mother figure in their lives. If there's anything that can change a person is the military. I'd search for results of this program. How many people actually changed their life around.
Yes, question your government. That's healthy. But back up your claims and criticisms with FACTS, not emotional filled rants.
Ed.
{"commentId":3710616,"threadId":"253445","contentId":"1443858","authorDomain":"eddiel985"}
#8 - Sun Oct 26, 2008 10:47 PM EDT{"commentId":4891839,"authorDomain":"joe8ersrr"}
You guys are a joke, felons does not mean all are murders and rapists. People with child support problems can become felons. We have people with felony convictions over 20 years old you ignorance says they should still continue to suffer because those who havent got caught should have it all. THose who have felonies can't get gainful employment or housing so what happens to them? THey are living in your back yard forced to have to commit crimes and your tax dollars will have to pay for their welfare. If your ignorance had a hint of intelligence you would want them to have a job so your taxes wouldnt have to continue to pay for them beyond incarceration. Now who's got the wrong end of the deal?
{"commentId":4891839,"threadId":"253445","contentId":"1443858","authorDomain":"joe8ersrr"}
#9 - Mon Jan 19, 2009 11:30 PM EST{"commentId":5252910,"authorDomain":"pearson123456"}
I am an ex felon,At the age of 17 i was convected of a violent crime rob 2 to be precise.I served my time 70 months, I did every day of my sentence.Does it matter to any that i stopped it in the middle appologized to my victims and carried on a decent conversation with them?I plead guilty and didnt ask for any releife from my punishment,not to mention there statments on the stand encluded, That young man is one of the nicest young men i ever meet. The day i committed my crime i was to be picked up be my recruiting officer,to enlist in the Oregion National Gaurd.I dropped out of high school and completed my G.E.D for that very resoan. I been back in sociaty for 3 years and that charge is the only one i have or will ever have. And still to this day i dream of jioning the army,always have and i guess i allways will.I could go on and on about how ones upbringing and immidiate sircomstances plays a dramatic roll in a teens choices,would the general public care or fully understand why one makes theses choices.To stop my rambling let me say this i made a verry wrong choice and even though i served my punishment now at age 26 the only education i got is a Ged, no job training, no experaince in life, no rights, I dont qaulify for any programs like itt tech and many more like them.oh wait i do get somthing out of all this a crimenal background that no employer worth a spit will hire me with lol.I am not saying every one that has a felony is like me trust me there is some verry bad people out there too, I am just trying to say that some of us deserve a chance to prove we are not all bad people and the militarey could provide use with the oppertunity to just that.If u are worried about weapons being placed in are hands i think u should focuse on the places we get them out side of a structured enviroment like your local gun store!!!!!
{"commentId":5252910,"threadId":"253445","contentId":"1443858","authorDomain":"pearson123456"}
#10 - Sun Feb 8, 2009 8:15 PM EST{"canLink":false,"threadId":"253445","isPrivate":false}
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