As of this writing you can not join the U.S. military if you are convicted of a DUI. There are however, some situations where you may still be able to join. The military adheres to a policy to not take recruits with a DUI because they:
- The U.S. military has a long tradition of not accepting citizens with substance abuse problems. Even though a DUI is not considered in mainstream society as having a drinking problem usually, in the military, a DUI is seen as having a close correlation to a substance abuse problem.
- Citizens with criminal backgrounds including DUI’s might find it difficult to be accepted by the branches because of the need for certain clearances.
What Does Uncle Sam Consider a DUI? (Military DUI)
Uncle Sam Does Not Like If Your DUI Resulted IN:
- A Conviction
- Any Pleas Not Containing The Words “Innocent Your Honor”
- A Conviction & A Subsequent Expungement
Uncle Sam Will Welcome You To The Team With Open Arms If:
- You Were Innocent
- A Reversal Occurred
- You Can Show Evidence Of Rehab
You should speak to a recruiter if you are in any of these situations.
What About An Exception AKA A Waiver? (Military DUI)
This tends to happen when the military needs additional troops. However, lately troop numbers as of this writing have not been an issue. Thus, the military has less need for troops and has started rejecting applications for waivers. But, with the ramping up of hostilities with North Korea it is possible that the military will again start distributing waivers.
A Waiver Is Possible If:
- You satisfy all your DUI dismissal requirements
- A felony…your DUI was not
- No person sustained any damages during your incident
Have a conversation with a recruiter and ask what they suggest, as some of these basic elements tend to change in the military from time to time. In some instances a recruiter will attempt to help you out and get you approved. Anything you tell your recruiter is considered confidential.
Truly, there are two words. Military DUI that do not go together. Please be advised that you need to be smart of your actions, especially if you plan on being in the military. You should of course speak to an attorney before making any huge decisions. We have information regarding what your DUI attorney will actually do for you. Moreover if you’re looking for what you should ever do after you are pulled over for a DUI our people have that covered as well.
