Can you still get into the military if you've had a past bankruptcy?

Answer 1

Absolutely yes. Federal law prohibits official discrinination on account of bankruptcy: 11 U.S.C. § 525(a) http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode11/usc_sec_11_00000525----000-.html

You may, however, be required to explain the reasons for your bankruptcy: http://usmilitary.about.com/od/joiningthemilitary/a/enlstandards_3.htm
Typically bankruptcies are due to family tragedy, divorce, unpayable medical bills, unemployment, etc.; if the bankruptcy is due solely to credit card abuse you may have to wait, or explain the underlying causes simply because insolvency is such a problem to begin with at low-paid ranks. (On the other hand, the military is so desperate for recruits that if you are otherwise qualified I doubt past bankruptcy will be an impediment.)

Explanation is most likely to be needed in the matter of a security clearance because the Government wants to know that you are not likely to be subject to extortion (blackmail) etc., and that the problem won't repeat itself. This is quite similar to what the state Bars do when a lawyer applies for admission after having filed bankruptcy. They simply want to know that his or her clients' money will be safe with him or her.

There's quite a bit of advice available on line about this. See also the GAO report on bankruptcy filings by active-duty service personnel: www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-04-465R (PDT)
And a Senate bill to relieve service personnel from some of the more draconian rules of the recent Bankruptcy Code amendments http://www.mailtribune.com/archive/2005/0302/biz/stories/03biz.htm

Other general legal info on military bankruptcy: http://bankruptcy.findlaw.com/bankruptcy/more-bankruptcy-topics/military-bankruptcy.html

Answer 2

Yes, the military will accept you based on a past bankruptcy but keep in mind it will certainly play a factor in you getting a job with a security clearance! Bankruptcy are not viewed in a favorable light if you want to work in Intelligence.

Answer 3

Yes, though it may affect the job you are hoping to get in the military. Some positions require different levels of security clearance. If you wanted a position with a high level of security clearance, you probably wouldn't get it. Civilian life, or military, if you have money problems in the not to distant past, the higher ups believe that you would be more tempted to take a bribe, or do something for extra money.

Answer 4

Of course you can. The only things the Military will NOT let you join for is weight requirements (but they will help you to lose the weight if you're that persistant.), age (they had boosted the limit to 42 now.), and handicaps (past mental issues they may bypass unless of course you are currently suicidal.).
But other than that they are willing to accept pretty much anyone 18-42 (or 17 with parental consent.)

Answer 5

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RE Can you still get into the military if you've had a past bankruptcy?

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Answer 6

Absolutely. As a matter of fact, the military is a sure-fire way to keep a steady income, being a guarantee that your bills will be paid. And you can't just 'quit', so it would make since.

Answer 7

Yes

Answer 8

Yes, you could, as long u are a discharged bankrupt. But its best the check with the military recruiter for more detail on what is their entry criteria

Answer 9

Yes, but you will have a rough time getting a security clearance because you could be considered a liability because your past money handling.

Answer 10

Yes, easily because the military currently has a severe shortage. No one really wants to be kill in Iraqi. As a result, the military is now allowing drug users, age up to 35 years old, mentally disable, tatoos, and other criminal activites just to meet the year number of people enroll, which they still couldn't meet.