Will a Military Conviction Show up on a Background Check? (Full Answer)

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Background Checks | May 17, 2024

Will a military conviction show up on a background check a man wonders as a military judge strikes a gavel in front of a military court martial jury and a military army background check document is on the right.

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Former service members whose tenure ended under unfavorable conditions may wonder, “Will a military conviction show up on a background check?”

This is a complex issue with many factors to consider, and this article provides the full answer to this important question.

Since all kinds of background checks are increasing in use, everything from employment and tenant background checks to military visitor base background checks, knowing exactly what will appear on any given type of background screening can be crucial.

For military members who have a military conviction and are entering civilian life, the two key things to know are:

  • What type of check is being performed?
  • What was the severity of the military conviction?
  • How long ago did the conviction occur?

These three factors impact whether a military conviction will show up on a background check.

Continue reading to find out the information seen in background check reports for the military and if and when military convictions show up on a background check.

Do Military Background Checks (Military Background Investigations) Show up for a Civilian Job?

Individuals asking “Will a military conviction show up on a background check?” may also be curious whether military background checks show up when applying for civilian jobs.

For enlisted service members, the military will conduct a fingerprint background check which will examine the most recent seven to ten years of an individual’s history. A civilian job post-military may use the same background check process, and it will also show the most recent seven to ten years’ history. If there is an overlap between the two-time frames, the information will appear on the civilian background check as well. However, a record of a military background check being performed is unlikely to show up on a future background check for a civilian job.

It is a bit different for higher-ranking military members, particularly those requiring security clearance. Individuals seeking security clearance must undergo a more stringent background check looking back at least ten years, with periodic re-investigations thereafter. There are three levels of security clearance:3

  • Confidential – reinvestigation every fifteen years
  • Secret – reinvestigation every ten years
  • Top Secret – reinvestigation every five years

While the investigations themselves will not show up on background checks for a civilian job, individuals who have held or currently hold security clearance have an advantage when applying for jobs and will appear more appealing, particularly for government jobs or other high-sensitivity positions.19

Types of Background Checks: Does a Military Conviction Go on Civilian Criminal Record?

Because background check types are varied, whether or not a military conviction will show up depends on the type of check being run.

Typically, a name-based background check (level 1 background check) won’t show disciplinary actions for minor offenses, however, according to federal law, the DD 214 Form falls under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Therefore, if consent is authorized for the background check, an employer has the right to request that form and see the information contained that is permissible. This means that medical history and discharge information will not be included.

However, for level 2 background checks (fingerprints used to check national databases) and higher (level 3 and level 4 background checks), military convictions will show up on these criminal history screenings.

In addition, a military conviction regarding a sex offense, that requires the offender to register on the sex offender registry will also show up on any background check.

How Far Back Does a Background Check Go?

When wondering will a military conviction show up on a background check, how long ago the conviction occurred will play a role. If the conviction was over 10 years ago, it will probably not show up.

However, if the conviction was less than seven years ago, it will be present if the conviction resulted from a court martial.

Can an Employer Ask About Military Service? (Are Court Martial Records Public?)

Employers may ask an applicant about their military experience and skills related to the job applied for, but they are barred from asking an applicant directly about the reason for discharge. If an individual discloses military experience to an employer, the background check will seek to verify the dates of service, rank, duties, training, and work experience.

The military may direct the employer or background check company to the DD-214 discharge papers for relevant information.

The DD-214 form contains a record of any court-martial and the associated discharge status. This form is available to employers upon request. While employers are prohibited by Equal Employment Opportunity laws from discriminating against an applicant because of medical issues, disabilities, or individual preferences, they may take into account any criminal charges.

Because a conviction from a court-martial goes on an individual’s record like a civilian criminal conviction, it shows up on a federal or fingerprint background check.5 16

Does a Background Check Show Military History? (Will a Military Conviction Show Up on a Background Check?)

Former service members with military convictions are actively searching for suitable jobs all the time and agonizing over the question of will a military conviction show up on a background check.

There are various reasons why an individual may choose not to disclose their military history, and if there is no associated criminal conviction, the background check will not show military history. Military records for self or next-of-kin can be obtained through the U.S. Government26 website.

A background check will verify the reported employment history. Therefore, if an individual reports military service on an application, the company conducting the background check will validate that information through the specified military branch or institution and will likely request a DD-214 form for verification of skills and experience.

If an individual chooses not to divulge military history, it is unlikely that a typical background check will show it. However, there are exceptions to this. If an individual is seeking a government or federal job or one requiring security clearance, a higher level background check will likely uncover military history.18

Furthermore, it should be assumed that any military conviction tried by court-martial will show up on an individual’s criminal record.10

Does a MEPS Background Check Show up for a Government Job? (MEPS FBI Background Check)

Government jobs often require varying levels of security clearance and as such require a security clearance background check. This type of background check looks back further and is more stringent than a typical military background check. It is likely to show the action and outcome of a previous MEPS background check. Read more about federal jobs and security clearances at USAJOBS.25

Do You Lose VA Benefits If Convicted of a Crime?

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs,27 veterans must receive an “other than dishonorable” discharge to be eligible for most veterans’ benefits. This means that a military conviction sentenced through a court-martial will render most individuals ineligible for benefits.  The VA may make specific determinations or exceptions on a case-by-case basis for bad conduct and dishonorable discharges.

What Disqualifies You From VA Benefits?

There are various reasons for which an individual may be disqualified from VA benefits. The following list details reasons concurrent with military service time.7

  • The veteran was dishonorably discharged
  • The veteran’s injury was caused by misconduct
  • The veteran injury occurred while the individual was detained for court-martial or civil court felony

Furthermore, a veteran may also lose access to benefits for incidents transpiring after military discharge.4

  • Benefit reduction for felony incarceration
  • Benefit discontinuation for a felony fugitive
StateState Departments of Veterans Affairs
AlabamaAlabama Department of Veterans Affairs28
AlaskaAlaska Department of Military and Veterans Affairs29
ArizonaArizona Department of Veterans Services30
ArkansasArkansas Department of Veterans Affairs31
CaliforniaCalifornia Department of Veterans Affairs32
ColoradoColorado Department of Military and Veterans Affairs33
ConnecticutConnecticut State Department of Veterans Affairs34
DelawareDelaware Commission of Veterans Affairs35
District of ColumbiaMayor’s Office of Veterans Affairs36
FloridaFlorida Veterans Affairs37
GeorgiaGeorgia Department of Veterans Service38
HawaiiHawaii Office of Veterans Services39
IdahoIdaho Division of Veterans Services40
IllinoisIllinois Department of Veterans Affairs41
IndianaIndiana Department of Veterans Affairs42
IowaIowa Department of Veterans Affairs43
KansasKansas Commission on Veterans Affairs Office44
KentuckyKentucky Department of Veterans Affairs45
LouisianaLouisiana Department of Veterans Affairs46
MaineMaine Bureau of Veterans Services47
MarylandMaryland Department of Veterans Affairs46
MassachusettsMassachusetts Department of Veterans Services48
MichiganMichigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs49
MinnesotaMinnesota Department of Veterans Affairs50
MississippiMississippi Department of Veterans Affairs51
MissouriMissouri Veterans Commission52
MontanaMontana Department of Military Affairs51
NebraskaNebraska Department of Veterans Affairs53
NevadaNevada Department of Veterans Services54
New HampshireNew Hampshire Department of Military Affairs and Veterans Services55
New JerseyNew Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs56
New MexicoNew Mexico Department of Veterans Services
New YorkNew York State Division of Veterans Services57
North CarolinaNorth Carolina Department of Military & Veterans Affairs58
North DakotaNorth Dakota Veterans Affairs59
OhioOhio Department of Veterans Services60
OklahomaOklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs61
OregonOregon Department of Veterans Affairs62
PennsylvaniaPennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs63
Rhode IslandRhode Island Veterans Services64
South CarolinaSouth Carolina Department of Veterans Affairs65
South DakotaSouth Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs65
TennesseeTennessee Department of Veterans Services66
TexasTexas Veterans Commission67
UtahUtah Department of Veterans & Military Affairs68
VermontVermont Office of Veterans Affairs69
VirginiaVirginia Department of Veterans Services70
WashingtonWashington State Department of Veterans Affairs71
West VirginiaWest Virginia Department of Veterans Assistance72
WisconsinWisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs73
WyomingWyoming Veterans Commission74

How Thorough Are Military Background Checks? (What All Shows Up on a Military Background Check?)

The military’s recruitment and vetting process are extensive and involved. There are some common steps that are consistent across all branches of the military.

Individuals begin by completing questionnaires about themselves and any criminal background they may have. Recruits are processed through a Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS), where they undergo physical, moral, and aptitude evaluations.[23] This is also where a background check is initiated. Federal employees, military included, are required to undergo an FBI fingerprint background check to search for local, state, and federal-level crimes.12,15

A military background check will produce the following information:8

  • Identity and SSN verification
  • Personal information (marital status, residential status, etc)
  • Employment and work history
  • Financial history (bankruptcies, excessive debt, tax evasion)
  • Driving history
  • Prior military history
  • Social media information
  • Local, state, and federal criminal history

This background check will disclose an individual’s criminal history for at least the most recent seven years. If an individual is anxious about the results of the background check they can explore the steps of getting a background check done on themselves before the military check is conducted.

An individual who is honest about criminal history at the outset may be granted the opportunity to file a waiver of admittance for a criminal record, depending on the severity of the crime.21 Some felony-level crimes, such as drug distribution or sexual assault are unlikely to be eligible for a waiver of admittance.20

Recruits must also complete the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB), a timed test to measure an individual’s aptitude and fitness for various military occupations. An Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT) score is generated from four subtests:1

  • Mathematics knowledge
  • Arithmetic reasoning
  • Paragraph comprehension
  • Word knowledge

Each military branch has varying score requirements, as do various positions and ranks.

Recruits also undergo a medical evaluation through the MEPS to determine if their health is consistent with military standards. This exam looks at:

  • Weight and Height
  • Vision and Hearing
  • Urine and Blood Tests
  • Pregnancy Tests
  • Drug and Alcohol Tests

Individuals are fingerprinted for a criminal background check, and a Pre-Enlistment Interview (PEI) is conducted to ensure that an individual has the integrity and values consistent with military standards.

Some military positions require a security clearance, and the process to obtain a security clearance is more lengthy and involved. While a typical military background check may take up to a few weeks, security clearance background checks regularly take as long as two months.3,15

While there are some similarities across all branches of the military, there are also aspects that are unique to each. The sections and tables below detail the recruitment and background check process and expectations for each military branch.

United States Army Background Check

The first step to joining the U.S. Army is speaking with an Army recruiter to find out if the decision is the best fit. Recruiters guide individuals through the various steps of enlistment and training.

After completing the initial questionnaires, individuals report to a Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) for the next steps. A recruit can expect to spend one to two days at the MEPS completing the entrance processing.17

At the MEPS, recruits complete:

  • The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB)
  • A medical evaluation
  • A physical examination
  • An FBI background check
  • The Pre-Enlistment Interview (PEI)

Browse the table below for specifics in each of these areas.

Army Background Check ItemDescription
Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) TestThe ASVAB measures an individual’s abilities in specific areas, such as mathematics, comprehension, science, and electronics, to gauge the testee’s aptitude for various military occupations and careers.1

An Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT) score is generated from four subtests:

  • Mathematics knowledge
  • Arithmetic reasoning
  • Paragraph comprehension
  • Word knowledge

A minimum AFQT of 31 is required for enlistment in the U.S. Army. Other areas of the ASVAB are explored for strengths that make a recruit a good candidate for various positions.22

Medical EvaluationAt the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS), recruits undergo a medical evaluation to determine general health. The medical evaluation includes:9
  • Height and weight
  • Hearing and vision
  • Urine test
  • Blood test
  • Drug test
  • Alcohol test
  • Pregnancy test
Physical EvaluationThe physical evaluation requires recruits to do various exercises to measure physical ability and determine if a recruit’s health is up for the rigor of Basic Training and service.
FBI Background CheckRecruits are fingerprinted for an FBI background check.
Pre-Enlistment Interview (PEI)This interview is used to establish an individual’s integrity and trustworthiness.

United States Marine Corps Background Check

The first step to joining the United States Marine Corps is speaking with a Marine Recruiter to determine eligibility and suitability. Recruiters guide individuals through the various steps of enlistment and training.

After completing the initial questionnaires, individuals report to a Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) for the next steps. A recruit can expect to spend one to two days at the MEPS completing the entrance processing.17

At the MEPS, recruits complete:

  • The Initial Strength Test (IST)
  • The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB)
  • A medical evaluation
  • An FBI background check
  • The Pre-Enlistment Interview (PEI)
  • The Physical Fitness Test (PFT)
  • The Combat Fitness Test (CFT)

Browse the table below for specifics in each of these areas.

Marines Background Check ItemDescription
Initial Strength Test (IST)The IST is a test involving various exercises which demonstrate a recruit’s physical fitness. Exercises may include:14
  • Push-ups
  • Pull-ups
  • Planks
  • Crunches
  • A 1.5-mile timed run
Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) TestThe ASVAB measures an individual’s abilities in specific areas, such as mathematics, comprehension, science, and electronics, to gauge the testee’s aptitude for various military occupations and careers.1

An Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT) score is generated from four subtests:

  • Mathematics knowledge
  • Arithmetic reasoning
  • Paragraph comprehension
  • Word knowledge

A minimum AFQT of 31 is required for enlistment in the United States Marine Corps. Other areas of the ASVAB are explored for strengths which make a recruit a good candidate for various positions.22

Medical EvaluationAt the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS), recruits undergo a medical evaluation to determine general health. The medical evaluation includes:
  • Height and weight
  • Hearing and vision
  • Urine test
  • Blood test
  • Drug test
  • Alcohol test
  • Pregnancy test
FBI Background CheckRecruits are fingerprinted for a criminal background check.
Pre-Enlistment Interview (PEI)This interview is used to establish an individual’s integrity and trustworthiness.
Physical Fitness Test (PFT)The PFT evaluates physical conditioning and includes:
  • Push-ups or pull-ups
  • Planks or crunches
  • Three-mile timed run
Combat Fitness Test (CFT)The CFT evaluates functional fitness, testing recruits in combat uniforms. It includes three parts:
  • The movement to Contact (880-yard sprint)
  • Ammunition Lift (30-pound ammunition can overhead lift)
  • Maneuver Under Fire (300-yard obstacle course)

United States Navy Background Check

The first step to joining the United States Navy is contacting a naval recruiter to determine eligibility and suitability. Recruiters guide individuals through the various steps of enlistment and training.

After completing the initial questionnaires, individuals report to a Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) for the next steps. A recruit can expect to spend one to two days at the MEPS completing the entrance processing.17

At the MEPS, recruits complete:

  • The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB)
  • A medical evaluation
  • The Navy Physical Readiness Test (PRT)
  • An FBI background check
  • The Pre-Enlistment Interview (PEI)

Browse the table below for specifics in each of these areas.

Navy Background Check ItemDescription
Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) TestThe ASVAB measures an individual’s abilities in specific areas, such as mathematics, comprehension, science, and electronics, to gauge the testee’s aptitude for various military occupations and careers.1

An Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT) score is generated from four subtests:

  • Mathematics knowledge
  • Arithmetic reasoning
  • Paragraph comprehension
  • Word knowledge

A minimum AFQT of 35 is required for enlistment in the U.S. Navy. Reserve enlistees may have a minimum score of 31.   Other areas of the ASVAB are explored for strengths that make a recruit a good candidate for various positions.22

Medical EvaluationAt the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS), recruits undergo a medical evaluation to determine general health. The medical evaluation includes:
  • Height and weight
  • Hearing and vision
  • Urine test
  • Blood test
  • Drug test
  • Alcohol test
  • Pregnancy test
Navy Physical Readiness Test (PRT)The PRT is a physical fitness test that includes:
  • Push-ups
  • Sit-ups
  • Running

An overall score of 60 points is required for enlistment.

FBI Background CheckRecruits are fingerprinted for an FBI background check.
Pre-Enlistment Interview (PEI)This interview is used to establish an individual’s integrity and trustworthiness.

U.S. Air Force Background Check

The first step to joining the U.S. Air Force is contacting an Air Force recruiter to determine eligibility and suitability. Recruiters guide individuals through the various steps of enlistment and training.

After completing the initial questionnaires, individuals report to a Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) for the next steps. A recruit can expect to spend one to two days at the MEPS completing the entrance processing.17

At the MEPS, recruits complete:

  • The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB)
  • A medical evaluation
  • A physical evaluation
  • An FBI background check
  • The Pre-Enlistment Interview (PEI)

Browse the table below for specifics in each of these areas.

Air Force Background Check ItemDescription
Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) TestThe ASVAB measures an individual’s abilities in specific areas, such as mathematics, comprehension, science, and electronics, to gauge the testee’s aptitude for various military occupations and careers.1

An Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT) score is generated from four subtests:

  • Mathematics knowledge
  • Arithmetic reasoning
  • Paragraph comprehension
  • Word knowledge

A minimum AFQT of 36 is required for enlistment in the U.S. Air Force. Other areas of the ASVAB are explored for strengths that make a recruit a good candidate for various positions.22

Medical EvaluationAt the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS), recruits undergo a medical evaluation to determine general health. The medical evaluation includes:
  • Height and weight
  • Hearing and vision
  • Urine test
  • Blood test
  • Drug test
  • Alcohol test
  • Pregnancy test
Physical EvaluationThe physical evaluation requires recruits to do various exercises to measure physical ability and determine if a recruit’s health is up for the rigor of Basic Military Training and service.
FBI Background CheckRecruits are fingerprinted for an FBI background check.
Pre-Enlistment Interview (PEI)This interview is used to establish an individual’s integrity and trustworthiness.

United States Coast Guard Background Check

The first step to joining the United States Coast Guard is contacting a Coast Guard recruiter to determine eligibility and suitability. Recruiters guide individuals through the various steps of enlistment and training.

After completing the initial questionnaires, individuals report to a Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) for the next steps. A recruit can expect to spend one to two days at the MEPS completing the entrance processing.17

At the MEPS, recruits complete:

  • The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB)
  • A military entrance medical exam
  • A physical evaluation
  • An FBI background check
  • The Pre-Enlistment Interview (PEI)
  • The Whole Person Evaluation

Browse the table below for specifics in each of these areas.

Coast Guard Background Check ItemDescription
Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) TestThe ASVAB measures an individual’s abilities in specific areas, such as mathematics, comprehension, science, and electronics, to gauge the testee’s aptitude for various military occupations and careers.1

An Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT) score is generated from four subtests:

  • Mathematics knowledge
  • Arithmetic reasoning
  • Paragraph comprehension
  • Word knowledge

A minimum AFQT of 40 is required for enlistment in the U.S. Coast Guard. Other areas of the ASVAB are explored for strengths that make a recruit a good candidate for various positions.22

Military Entrance Medical ExamAt the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS), recruits undergo a medical evaluation to determine general health. The medical evaluation includes:
  • Height and weight
  • Hearing and vision
  • Urine test
  • Blood test
  • Drug test
  • Alcohol test
  • Pregnancy test
Physical EvaluationThe physical evaluation requires recruits to do various exercises to measure physical ability and determine if a recruit’s health is up for the rigor of training and service.
FBI Background CheckRecruits are fingerprinted for an FBI background check.
Pre-Enlistment Interview (PEI)This interview is used to establish an individual’s integrity and trustworthiness.
Whole Person EvaluationThis evaluation combines information gathered from all other areas and considers an individual’s overall demeanor, values, and work ethic.

Space Force Background Check

The first step to joining the U.S. Space Force is speaking with an Air Force recruiter to determine eligibility and suitability. Recruiters guide individuals through the various steps of enlistment and training.

After completing the initial questionnaires, individuals report to a Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) for the next steps. A recruit can expect to spend one to two days at the MEPS completing the entrance processing.17

At the MEPS, recruits complete:

  • The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB)
  • A medical evaluation
  • A physical evaluation
  • An FBI background check
  • The Pre-Enlistment Interview (PEI)

Browse the table below for specifics in each of these areas.

Space Force Background Check ItemDescription
Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) TestThe ASVAB measures an individual’s abilities in specific areas, such as mathematics, comprehension, science, and electronics, to gauge the testee’s aptitude for various military occupations and careers.1

An Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT) score is generated from four subtests:

  • Mathematics knowledge
  • Arithmetic reasoning
  • Paragraph comprehension
  • Word knowledge

An AFQT score is generated and other areas of the ASVAB are explored for individual strengths which make a recruit a good candidate for various positions.22

Medical EvaluationAt the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS), recruits undergo a medical evaluation to determine general health. The medical evaluation includes:
  • Height and weight
  • Hearing and vision
  • Urine test
  • Blood test
  • Drug test
  • Alcohol test
  • Pregnancy test
Physical EvaluationThe physical evaluation requires recruits to do various exercises to measure physical ability and determine if a recruit’s health is up for the rigor of Basic Military Training and service.
FBI Background CheckRecruits are fingerprinted for an FBI background check.
Pre-Enlistment Interview (PEI)This interview is used to establish an individual’s integrity and trustworthiness.

How Far Back Does the Military Do a Background Check?

The military’s background check is a federal-level fingerprint check which will look back at least seven years for enlisted members and at least ten years for officers or security clearance positions.11

However, depending on the branch of service involved, the background check may examine further than 10 years.

Whether or not a military conviction will show up on a civilian background check depends on the type of check being run, how long ago the conviction was, and whether it was the result of a court martial. The bottom line is that if the court-martial conviction occurred less than 10 years ago, it will likely show up.

The military is a complex system with many regulations and procedures, and sometimes individuals find themselves on the wrong side of this system due to some form of misconduct. Former military members anxious about finding a job following a military conviction can know the answer to “Will a military conviction show up on a background check?” by determining the level of the crime and the type of the check being performed.

Frequently Asked Questions About Will a Military Conviction Show Up on a Background Check?

Do You Have To Tell Employers You Were in the Military?

There is no law requiring an individual to disclose military experience or history when applying for jobs. However, depending on the situation, withholding that information can work either for or against an applicant.

For example, if an individual was only in the service for a short period of time and was not discharged honorably, disclosing military association is not likely to benefit their application.

However, an individual who served for a long period of time and has the skills and experience to wield would likely benefit from disclosing military service, regardless of discharge status. An individual who chooses to disclose military experience will need to consent to the release of the DD-214 form to the employer.13

Additionally, withholding information about extended military service will likely leave a noticeable gap in employment history that is going to raise a flag. Furthermore, any military convictions will show up on a criminal record, anyway, so honesty at the outset will look more honorable.16

The short answer is “NO,” individuals are not required to disclose military affiliation, but they should weigh the costs against the benefits carefully before deciding.

Does a Background Check Show Military Discharge?

Most background checks will not show military discharge, though related convictions will pop up. Government employers or applications for security clearance will be able to access discharge information.18,24

Does a DD214 Show Up on a Background Check?

A DD-214 Form is provided to service members upon discharge. It provides details from the dates of service and service experience to the conditions of discharge. Though the DD-214 is not available for public records, these discharge papers are part of military records.

Whether the DD-214 shows up on a background check depends on whether or not an individual reports military service. An individual who reports military service must consent to release of the DD-214 for background check purposes. If an individual does not disclose military service, it is unlikely that the DD-214 would show up on a regular background check.

Furthermore, the background check company should omit medical information and discharge information from the report to the employer.5

An individual applying for veteran preference must provide the full DD-214 to the employer for review. Veterans applying for higher-level government jobs can also expect a a complete DD-214 to show up on a background check.13

Does AWOL Show Up on a Background Check?

If an individual is tried and sentenced for AWOL in a court-martial, it is likely that the conviction will show up on a criminal background check.

Does Military Service Show Up on a Background Check?

An individual wondering “Will a military conviction show up on a background check?” may also be interested to know whether general military service will show up on a background check. The short answer is “Yes if an individual reports military service.” When an individual responds affirmatively that they were in the military, the background check company will obtain the DD-214 from the military branch to confirm service dates and experience.

If an individual does not report military service, most background checks will not show it. Civil service positions and higher-level government jobs are potential exceptions.6

Will Not Disclosing Military Service Affect My Chances of Employment?

Former military members are not required by law to disclose their service. However, this can work to an individual’s disadvantage if the absence of military service leaves a noticeable gap in work and experience history.

Is Military Discharge Included in a Background Check?

A military discharge is not included in most background checks. Even when individuals report military service, the background check company will not report discharge information from the DD-214 to the employer.

However, if an individual was convicted through a court-martial, the associated conviction will appear on criminal records.

How Long Does an Other Than Honorable Discharge Stay on Your Record?

An Other Than Honorable Discharge remains on an individual’s military record permanently unless the individual successfully applies for an upgrade.24

Does Entry Level Separation Show Up Background Check?

If an individual reports military service, the employer will obtain the DD-214 as part of the background check and subsequently see the ELS designation. Otherwise, ELS should not show up on a typical background check.2

Can a Military Court Martial Be Erased (Expunged) from the Record?

No. A military court martial conviction cannot be removed from the record.


References

1ASVAB. (2022). Understanding Your ASVAB Results. Career Exploration Program. Retrieved June 1, 2022, from <https://www.asvabprogram.com/media-center-article/103#:~:text=The%20ASVAB%2C%20Armed%20Services%20Vocational,future%20academic%20and%20occupational%20success>

2Avvo. (2013). Can an Entry Level Separation Be Classified as Dishonorable? Avvo. Retrieved June 2, 2022, from <https://www.avvo.com/legal-answers/can-an-entry-level-separation-be-classified-as-dis-1083744.html#:~:text=Yes%2C%20an%20employer%20can%20find,up%20on%20a%20background%20check>

3Bartell, B. (2022, June 2). How Long Does a Military Background Check Take? The Soldiers Project. Retrieved June 3, 2022, from <https://www.thesoldiersproject.org/how-long-does-a-military-background-check-take/>

4Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick LTD. (2022). When and If VA Can Stop a Veteran’s Benefits. Veterans Law. Retrieved June 3, 2022, from <https://cck-law.com/blog/when-and-if-va-can-stop-a-veterans-benefits/>

5Corporate Compliance Department. (2020, April 2). The Legalities in Considering Military Records For Pre-employment Screening. True Screen. Retrieved June 1, 2022, from <https://www.truescreen.com/resource-center/background-screening/the-legalities-in-considering-military-records-for-pre-employment-screening/>

6Cyburbia. (2013, November 27). Chances of Obtaining a Local, State, or Federal Job With an Other Than Honorable Military Discharge? Cyburbia Urban Planning Community. Retrieved June 3, 2022, from <https://www.cyburbia.org/forums/threads/chances-of-obtaining-a-local-state-or-federal-job-with-an-other-than-honorable-military-discharge.49889/>

7Darras Law. (2022). Why Are Veteran Disability Claims Delayed and Denied. DarrasLaw America’s Top Disability Firm. Retrieved June 4, 2022, from <https://www.longtermdisabilitylawyer.com/2016/11/why-are-veteran-disability-claims-delayed-and-denied/>

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