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Army Waivers Linked to Suspect Soldiers

Criminals allowed to fight in US wars likely to continue troubles

By Dustin Lushing,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 13, 2008 7:17 PM CDT
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(Newser) – Dozens of US criminals who were granted Army waivers to fight in Iraq and Afghanistan have been linked to in-service problems, the Sacramento Bee reports. In a year-long study, the paper connected "suspect soldiers"—accused of beating prisoners, stealing weapons, and more—to troubles back home. Of 18 with felony arrest or mental health records, eight were involved in Iraq incidents and a ninth killed himself.

"Criminal history is the best predictor of future behavior," one expert said. "Any time you lower your standards, you're going to raise the risk. No question about it." And the Army has lowered standards: Recruits receiving "moral conduct" waivers increased from from 4.6% in 2003 to 11.2% in 2007. The military defended its policy, saying the waivers reflected "standards in our society" that "have changed over the years."

A U.S. Army soldier rides inside a mine-resistant vehicle in Iraq on Friday, June 27, 2008.
A U.S. Army soldier rides inside a mine-resistant vehicle in Iraq on Friday, June 27, 2008.   (AP Photo)
A U.S. soldier of the 101st Airborne division is seen during a patrol in Khost, Afghanistan.
A U.S. soldier of the 101st Airborne division is seen during a patrol in Khost, Afghanistan.   (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
A youth looks at a U.S. army soldier as he takes position while on patrol in Baghdad's Shiite enclave of Sadr City, Iraq, Thursday, July 3, 2008.
A youth looks at a U.S. army soldier as he takes position while on patrol in Baghdad's Shiite enclave of Sadr City, Iraq, Thursday, July 3, 2008.   (AP Photo)
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Washington sets standard for waivers
Watertown Daily Times

Army also discharging fewer soldiers
Orlando Sentinel

 
Iraq • military • US troops • Iraq war • waivers

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