U.S. Military Accepts More Ex-Felons

From arsonists, to burglars to car thieves, each branch of the military saw a rise in waivers extended to convicted felons in an effort to meet the needs of war.

Last year Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Calif.), chair of the Oversight Committee sent a letter to Under Secretary of Defense David Chu that requested documentation on the sharp increase in personnel conduct waivers, which allow the enlistment of U.S. service members who would otherwise be precluded by recruitment standards.

Congressman Waxman requested the number of waivers granted for specific criminal felonies in FY 2006 and FY 2007. In his follow up letter after the data was received he expressed his concerns about the variety of felonies committed such as rape, sexual abuse, sexual assault, criminal sexual abuse, incest, or other sex crimes, indecent acts or liberties with a child, molestation, and terrorist threats including bomb threats.

Rep Waxman said that 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.

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