I post this because I think it is making a big deal out of something that is not. Didn't we used to give criminals a choice between jail time or army time back in 'Nam?

I think it can possibly be better rehabilitation for criminals than jail.

Exactly, it is all a matter of which bias the editor/clientèles have. It could be swung as a good thing or a bad thing.

If the felons were denied the option of enlisting there would be complaints that the government is being unfair and racist.

[why racist? Heck if I know, but a Florida law that states felons lose their right to vote until they jump through some hoops is labeled racist, so ...]

Or complaints about rising crime levels >_>

When I was in the Navy had a waiver for "Baby Felonies" they were Felonies committed prior to turning 18. the Submarine Service has higher standards though and wouldnt let you serve on a Sub if you had more then one misdemeanor conviction.

The Marine Corps will give you a waiver for just about anything.

They get more/less picky when numbers of active service members are in play. When George (the first) was in office, numbers sharply decreased. If you admitted to smoking the ganja you were told "thanks but no thanks." If you were already in on said waiver, you could not get a clearance to do anything.

Now apparently they are in need of more people; thus they're less picky.

I'm not sure why they're making a big deal out of it. Would the writer rather have the draft?

i definitely think the army is what some criminals need... the structure and dicisipline offered there could be what some people were lacking and what turned them into criminals in the first place

Yeah the structure will help. What could go wrong with training felons in urban warfare? Maybe I should stop watching all those shows about MS-13 and whistle a sunny tune.

I heard this story on the radio...they said that convict recruits had in general a higher instance of both medals for valor AND desertions...so a mixed bag. And yes, a big to-do over naught.

I could see boot camp being good for felons. Could be what turns them around. Or... make them worse. Who knows?

Better to sacrifice them than a law-abider?? :P

As a law abiding military spouse, I'd like to say 'gee thanks'.

At many bases, most of the military live on base. One of the 'nice' things about this is that there's lower crime rates, and safer communities. Up the enlistment of criminals, and that goes out the door.

Well I guess as long as they're not offering military positions to mental patients or serial killers, I don't think it should have to negative of effects.

I'd rather fight along side a volunteer, regardless of his criminal record, than someone picked up in a draft who didn't want to be there.

But I still appreciate your point. Hopefully the MP's are badasses.

Ah yes ... Amerika: We export our "problems" to your country!