Army and Marine Corps Felony Waivers

While looking through the New York Times today, I was surprised to read that there has been a considerable increase in waivers for military recruitment of convicted felons. According to the statistics, the number of issued waivers for the Army jumped from 249 in 2006, to 511 in 2007, while the number for Marines rose from 208 to 350. Their crimes committed include armed robbery, arson, burglary, and possession of narcotics. In retrospect these numbers only represent less than one percent of the 115,000 recruited this year; however, this increase raises a certain level of concern. I understand the fact that the Army is having a difficult time finding capable men and women for recruitment. It has suffered eminence causalities in a war that is incredibly un-favored by the American public. However, if this trend continues to increase it could become a big problem. Our nation has always prided itself on its military and the above average men and women who are a part of it. If we continue to increase the amount of recruits with felonies it could have a very negative effect on the already diminishing reputation of our military. While I think that some of these people probably made one bad mistake when they were young, on the other hand some could be career criminals, and whose knows what underlying intentions they have for joining the military? This raises an interesting question. How would you feel fighting next to a guy who robbed a liquor store or lit a church on fire? I know I would feel a little uncomfortable. Although this is not a major issue, I think it needs to be closely watched and has the potential to add to the continuous list of military screw ups.