More entering Army with criminal records

Boston Globe ^ | July 13, 2007 | Bryan Bender

[fontman]

Half of my platoon at MCRD SDiego in 1970 were criminals, also!

Semper Fidelis,
fontman

[TheTruthAintPretty]

More and more police departments are hiring men and women with unsavory past.

One thing that caught my eye about this story is the tale of my friend's little brother. Growing up, he wasn't exactly what one would call a model young man. Several run-ins with authority, he finally ended up in a youth center. Fell down some steps and ended up in the hospital for quite a while with a closed-head injury.

When he got out of the hospital, he went to live with his momn's ex-boyfriend. Quit school, got busted for MJ, spent 90 days. Got out, bounced around a few jobs. Last year, him and his gf had a baby boy.

He went in the Army about 3 months ago. Not sure if he is -in- Germany, or on his way. He doesn't communicate with family too much - his brother is holding a grudge about how his mom was treated.

I'm hoping he has dropped his whole "anti-authoritarian" schtick (I like the kid and want him to succeed). If anybody can squeeze the uppity out of a young man, the military can do it!

[Dante3]

I agree with the last part of your statement that a number of legal immigrants are more patriotic than many natives. However, to give automatic citizenship for having served in the Army it wrong - it would provide an extra perk for terrorists, drug dealers, and other undesirables to infiltrate our armed forces. The Rome experience comes to mind.

Another option might be to use foreign mercenaries for foreign operations without bringing them into this country.

[Non-Sequitur]

I’m sure that just about every guy can relate a story from their teenage years that ends “So then they decided not to press charges.” The fact that people are allowed into the military with minor, and the story does make it clear we’re talking about minor, offenses doesn’t concern me. If a study is done on these recruits after their enlistment is up I’ve no doubt it will show that the overwhelming majority completed their service honorably.

[Thombo2]

Talk about disinformation.This is not new.Yrs ago(mid 80’s)during summer break i worked for the state of Fla in a locked facility housing juvenile males-with criminal records.On a couple ocassions recruiters from the USMC came in and tested,interviewed,and recruited a few of our “clients”.Many young men(esp those from broken/abusive homes)get into trouble with the law.

[xarmydog]

Some of the best soldiers I ever served with were men who had been in trouble with the law.Many went on to retire.Sometimes getting a break in life was all that was needed to see that there is a life out there.Being given a second chance to acquire some sense of honor and self respect was what many found.Yes we had washouts,but not to any serious degree of concern.There will always be a few bad seeds.

[christopher2008]

To: TheTruthAintPretty

I tried to enlist the day (September 11th) the World Trade Center was attacked by terrorists. I was 2 or 3 years in college at the time. I was willing to lay down my life for my country. The Marines said no. Too bad I had 2 felonies on my record. I know of people who did not try to enlist, with no felonies. Maybe my persistence will pay off. A job by the State of Texas has been offered. Maybe God wants me to save lives instead. I will try to enlist again, if we are attacked. I will be here for my country. With my 2 felonies. I finished my degeree with my tax dollars I earned. Did you try to join the day we were attacked? Do felonies truly matter for some? I have been known run 9 miles a day. By the way I was born on September 11th 1969.

Posted on 09/30/2007 7:51:36 PM PDT by christopher2008

[xarmydog]

Governor can issue pardon wiping out your past misdeeds.But you will have to know someone who is a big shot.All politicians need their hands greased.Or,the President who is tight with pardons.Best of luck.