Army Leans on Drug Waivers to Recruit

(Fall 2018) Pressured to grow its numbers, the Army is increasing the number of waivers given for past drug use or bad conduct by potential soldiers. In fact, almost one-third of all waivers issued by the Army during the first half of the fiscal year were for conduct and drug problems, mostly related to marijuana. This amount is markedly above that of the other three military branches and shows a moderate rise over the past three years.

Army representatives note that enlistment guidelines remain consistent and have not been lowered to reach targeted recruitment numbers.

For many years waivers have given the armed services a means of bringing in those who otherwise may not pass screening for military duty because of a legal record, physical shortcomings, or other issues. In the past, most waivers granted by all branches of the military were health-related.

Analysis of the Army’s numbers indicates that it has steadily recruited more individuals that require drug or conduct waivers. Just two years ago, these types comprised approximately 19% of waivers issued. In 2017 that number rose to almost 25%, and from January through June of this year, it crossed the 30% mark.

The director of military personnel management, Major General Joe Calloway, said this year’s recruiting target is 76,500. This is 8,000 more than last year’s goal. The Army now stands at approximately 992,000 and will be enlarged to over 1.03 million by the end of 2019.

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