For instance: The percentage of Army recruits receiving "moral conduct" waivers jumped from 4.6 percent in 2003 to 11.2 percent in 2007. Many of them in this group have criminal backgrounds, yet are still allowed in the military, to carry a gun and engage in what is essentially "police work" in Iraq.
Not surprisingly, trouble often follows them in the service. Their rate of misconduct, at 6%, is almost twice the average.
In 2007, almost 10,000 recruits were granted waivers for past misdemeanors. over 2100 for "serious criminal misconduct" -- over four times the 2003 rate - -and almost 1500 for drug or alcohol abuse.

Go to Full Article