Can the Military Access All Criminal History Records?
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 acces
