Felons in the U.S. Army?

On Monday, June 17, a television station in Kansas City (my old home town) carried a story about volunteers placing sandbags in a flood endangered area. In interviewing the volunteers, they encountered one young man who, in the course of the interview, revealed that he wanted to join the U.S. Army, but was barred because he was a convicted felon.

The station picked up on this and explored the story in more detail, reporting that the Army considers enlistment by convicted felons on a case-by-case basis. The station then went on to post the story on their web site (http://www.kmbc.com/) and even included a survey asking for opinions on the question: Should a convicted felon be permitted to enlist in the U.S. Army?

As of Wednesday, June 18, the results are 35% Yes; 17% No; 48% It depends on the nature of the crime. I say Yes. My wife opted for the third choice, asking if someone who raped and murdered a person should be permitted to enlist in the Armed Forces.

Well, here's my opinion. First, a convicted rapist/murderer is probably a part of the very smallest segment of the population. If ever actually released from prison after being convicted of that crime, they would probably be too old for the Armed Services. So, let's consider lesser crimes.

In the case cited above, the "felon" was involved with marijuana - actually convicted of involvement is some sort of minor drug sale. He was convicted, sentenced to prison and served two years. Thus, in popular jargon, he has "paid his debt to society". Now let's consider his "debt". He is just one of many millions of Americans who have made a bad choice by experimenting with drugs... that list includes such luminaries as former president Bill Clinton and president wannabe Barack Obama. Do they also owe a debt to society? Will they make payment? (Excuse me: Ha! Ha! Ha!)

First, consider there is no big money to be made in the military. There is no easy money! It is hard, dangerous work and the pay is low. There are hard, dangerous jobs which pay very well. The military is not one of them.

So, why would a young man who had served a prison term want to join the military? It appears to me that perhaps he wants to prove his worth as a citizen, maybe he wants to give something to society... something in the way of a meaningful gift... not just the fact that he received and survived the punishment. Isn't that the exact kind of character trait we would like to see in our soldiers? Someone who, for their own very personal reason, wants to serve his fellow Americans?

Finally, remember, the Army is not usually looking for someone to be a school teacher or librarian... they are looking for warriors!

I think they've found one in this young man. I hope he is accepted before despair overrides his patriotic fervor!