text: united states army? i am trying to get into the u.s. army, i'm waiting on a combo waiver and hoping it goes through. i've thought of going before a judge here and asking if they will expounge (don't know if that's spelled right) my criminal history. how does a person go about doing this and do you have any tips on how i can "pull some strings" to help get in. i would also like to know if m.e.p. is strict, as far as teeth and eyes, what do they check there? a criminal history is not necessarily a disqualifier when trying to join the military although as you said it will require a waiver.  technically even if your history is expunged you are required by law to disclose it on the military application papers.  your best bet is to work with a recruiter although obviously some serious offenses are disqualifying.  also if any of your offenses are related to domestic violence they are disqualifying.  the meps station does not do a very thorough job checking your teeth.  they do a vision screening although i am not sure what the situations are where they would disqualify someone.  as a side note i would encourage you to ignore frank_ramirez_81.  clearly he is ignorant as to the army/military and how it works.  the majority of troops are middle class and indeed lower class.  he would probably reserect that tired argument that lower class minorities are forced by their situation to join the military.  as someone from that background (lower class) i can say unequivocally that this is false.  there are opportunities out there for anyone who wants them.  i attended college before joining the military for example.  there are dozens if not hundreds of programs out there for those who wish to succeed.  the military is just one option.  as to his statement, "you know that by joining you will be sent to iraq right?"  that is possible but increasingly less likely.  i've been in for a while now and have tried on numerous occassions to volunteer to go down range.  foolish perhaps but something many of us in the military want to do.  the long and the short of it is that despite my efforts i've not met with success.  of course if you were to pick a combat arms branch (infantry, armour, calvary etc.) the likelyhood is much greater.  anyone ignore frank and people like him.  talk to a recruiter if you want to get in they will likely find a way.