US Marine Corps Hiring Overview For 2023

Founded 1775

Type Private

Headquarters Arlington County, VA

Size Large Corporation

Industry Military

People want to know ifs the United States Marine Corps hires felons and those with misdemeanors? Just because you’ve served time doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t serve in the military.

If you’re interested in being on the front lines, whether by land, air or water, this article will show you how to get a job at the United States Marine Corps with a felony. We’ll look at the following questions, and more:

  • Do the United States Marine Corps hire people with misdemeanors?
  • How do I apply?
  • Does the United States Marine Corps do background checks?
  • Will my felony automatically disqualify me?

That’s why Relaunch Pad directly contacted the Marines to ask them about their hiring policies for former felons. We do the research and answer the hard questions so you can dedicate your time to what’s important: Achieving a normal, productive life — despite a conviction. And we’ve done this at more than 1,000 businesses across the US. We know what we’re doing and how to help.

On top of that, we employ people with felony convictions ourselves so we can give you bettter tips. The staff here know what it’s like to look for work with a criminal record in tow.

Let us make it easier on you by showing you how to get hired at the United States Marine Corps with a record.

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Does the US Marine Corps hire felons?

Confirmed felon employer

the US Marine Corps logo
Official company policy for hiring felons

As promised, we tried reaching out to the United States Marine Corps, a Division of the US Navy, but haven’t been able to get a response. The Navy itself has the following to say about its hiring practices, though it doesn’t directly address criminal records:

“Our workforce is our greatest resource. As the Secretary of the Navy, I am strongly committed to capitalizing on and retaining our exceptional talent, enhancing performance through improved training, and ensuring that assigned tasks and missions are accomplished with the highest ethical standards. All Department of the Navy (DON) employees must have the freedom to compete on a fair and level playing field with equal opportunities.

It is the DON’s policy to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) throughout all of its personnel/employment programs, management practices, and civilian workforce decisions, including, but not limited to, recruitment, hiring, appraisals, merit promotions, transfers, reassignments, training and career development, separations, benefits, and award and recognition programs.

The DON ensures that EEO protections are in place for all civilian employees and applicants against all forms of discrimination, regardless of their race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, genetic information (including family medical history), or disability. All DON employees are free to exercise their rights under the civil rights statutes. Reprisal for engagement in protected EEO activity will not be tolerated.”

Has the US Marine Corps hired felons in the past?

According to our sources, The United States Marine Corps will hire felons with a waiver, granting the military special permission to recruit you with a felony.

Does the US Marine Corps hire people with misdemeanors?

They will hire people with misdemeanors. Again, you may need to obtain a waiver. You can find the initial recruiting requirements on their webpage. The good news is that these requirements don’t mention anything about convictions.

Will the US Marine Corps hire you with pending charges?

This might be charge dependent for the Marine Corps, but they should.

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What are the chances of the US Marine Corps hiring a felon?

Is the US Marine Corps on the Ban the Box list?

Ban the Box removes the checkbox from applications asking if you’ve been convicted of a crime. The United States Marine Corps isn’t on this list.

They also haven’t signed the Fair Chance Business Pledge. This pledge encourages employers to give you a fair chance, despite your criminal record.

Even though they don’t participate in these programs, depending on the crime, you may still be eligible by way of a felony waiver.

Does the US Marine Corps have special programs for hiring felons?

They don’t offer these types of programs at this time. If this interests you, contact your local workforce development agency or careers office.

What are the odds that someone with a felony will get hired?

Average likelihood of hiring felons

Our team has done extensive research and gives your odds of getting hired at the United States Marine Corps as average. While they aren’t on the Ban the Box list, it’s possible to receive a felony waiver. Your specific background will have some influence on whether or not you get hired too.

Lucky for you, the Marine Corps has increased the number of waivers approved in recent years! This will work in your favor too.

How to get hired at the US Marine Corps with a felony

What are some entry-level jobs?

The main entry-level position is a Junior Enlisted Marine. This is the rank while in basic training. After basic training is completed, you’ll earn the rank of Private.

Tips to get hired here with a felony

There are several requirements you’ll need to satisfy if you want to get hired at the United States Marine Corps with a felony.

You must be at least 17 years old at the time of enlistment and have not reached your 29th birthday by the time you start recruit training. You’ll also need to provide proof of legal residency, pass a physical examination and have a high school diploma.

Next, you’ll want to create a great resume. Be sure to have someone look over it to check for errors. If you need help, check out our guide designed to help ex-felons or contact your local job placement agency.

Once you have all of this together, it’s time to contact a Marine to explore your options.

You’ve made contact with a recruiter and have your interview scheduled? Great. There are a few things to keep in mind if you want to nail the interview with the United States Marine Corps:

Be prepared early. 10-15 minutes, at least. It’s up to you to show them that you’re punctual.

Tell the recruiter about any special talents, skills or experience you have. This will help them find an appropriate MOS (military occupational service code), or job, for you.

Be honest and upfront about your record with the recruiter. They’ll be able to tell you if you’ll need a waiver and walk you through the process.

Does the US Marine Corps do background checks?

Yes, the United States Marine Corps will conduct a background check.

Here’s what you need to know about background checks:

Background checks vary state-to-state. The good news is that if you live in one of these states, they only go back seven years:

  • California
  • Colorado*
  • Kansas*
  • Maryland*
  • Massachusetts
  • Montana
  • Nevada
  • New Hampshire*
  • New York*
  • Texas*
  • Washington*

(* sometimes certain pay or salary bracket positions require one.)

And the eight states on this list aren’t concerned with any not guilty verdicts:

  • Alaska
  • California
  • Hawaii
  • Indiana (limited check)
  • Kentucky
  • Massachusetts
  • Michigan
  • New York

However, be aware if you live in one of the states on this list. They can and will see your entire record, including any cases where you were found not guilty:

  • Alabama
  • Arizona
  • Arkansas
  • Connecticut
  • DC
  • Delaware
  • Florida
  • Idaho
  • Indiana (extensive check)
  • Iowa
  • Louisiana
  • Maine
  • Mississippi
  • Missouri
  • Nebraska
  • New Jersey
  • North Carolina
  • North Dakota
  • Ohio
  • Oregon
  • Rhode Island
  • South Carolina
  • Tennessee
  • Utah
  • Vermont
  • Virginia
  • West Virginia
  • Wisconsin
  • Wyoming

Company ratings

We did some due diligence in finding out their ratings. Glassdoor.com gives them 4 out of 5 stars. The best part of the job is the education that comes from serving in the military. The drawbacks are that it can be physically demanding with long deployments.

What felonies the US Marine Corps will not hire

They never told us what charges would cause them to turn you away before an interview. The next section has more details.

What felony convictions might have a hard time getting hired here?

Does the United States Marine Corps hire felons? It looks like they do, with a signed waiver. Without one, you don’t have your gun rights — essential for the military. That waiver will be required before you can get a job here.

However, there are certain felonies even a waiver won’t cover. Sex crimes, embezzlement, extortion, grand theft and involuntary manslaughter are examples of crimes that may not be covered.

Driving convictions such as a DUI may also disqualify you from jobs that require you to drive military vehicles.

Does the US Marine Corps hire sex offenders?

We don’t know, but it will be more difficult to get on with them if you have one.

Does the US Marine Corps drug test?

Yes, reports show they will perform drug testing.

Have you applied for a job or worked here? Share your experiences!

Were you able to get a job at the United States Marine Corps with a felony? Was this article instrumental in helping with that? We want to hear all the details below. It’s your chance to help someone else like you!

If you’re not sure the Marine Corps is for you, try another branch:

Other companies that hire felons