You Want to Serve. But Your Past Is Holding You Back.

If you’re reading this, you probably have a dream of serving your country. But maybe you have a criminal conviction, arrest, or other moral disqualification in your past, and now you’re stuck in limbo, wondering: Can I still join the military? How long will the waiver process take? What if they say no? The uncertainty is stressful. You may feel like your whole future is on hold.

At National Security Law Firm (NSLF), we help people like you take back control. If you need a moral conduct waiver, our team of former military officers, prosecutors, and adjudicators can guide you through the process—step by step. We can help you understand what to expect, how to avoid the top mistakes, and how to increase your chances of success. We know the rules. We know the system. We know how to win.

This blog will walk you through one of the most common questions we hear: How long does it actually take to get a moral waiver approved? The answer depends on several factors, but we’ll explain the typical timeline and what you can do to speed things up.

Average Timeline: How Long Does a Moral Conduct Waiver Take?

There is no universal answer, but the average time frame for a moral conduct waiver decision is between 1 to 6 months. The timeline varies based on:

  • Branch of service (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard)
  • Severity and number of offenses
  • Completeness and quality of your waiver package
  • Backlog or processing delays within the recruiting command
  • Whether the waiver requires approval from higher command levels (e.g., General Officer-level review)

According to DoD Instruction 1304.26, certain offenses automatically require higher-level moral waiver approvals. The more serious your offense, the more likely your waiver will be delayed by layers of bureaucratic review.

Step-by-Step Breakdown of the Waiver Timeline

Here’s a general timeline of what to expect:

  1. Initial Recruiter Screening (1-2 weeks)
    • Recruiter identifies the disqualifying conduct
    • You gather court records, police reports, letters of recommendation, etc.
  2. Waiver Package Preparation (2-4 weeks)
    • This step is often underestimated. A strong legal argument is critical.
    • At NSLF, we help you assemble a compelling waiver with every required document and persuasive legal analysis.
  3. Submission to Command/Processing (2-8 weeks)
    • The waiver is submitted through your branch’s chain of command
    • Depending on the level of approval required, this can take a few weeks to several months
  4. Waiver Decision (2-12 weeks)
    • Final approval or denial is issued
    • If approved, you proceed to enlistment or commissioning
    • If denied, there may be options to appeal or reapply later

Bottom line: The earlier you start and the better your application, the faster the process moves. Having an experienced attorney prepare your waiver is often the key to faster and more favorable outcomes.

Flat Fee: $5,000 with Legal Financing Available

We charge a flat fee of $5,000 for moral conduct waiver representation. This includes everything from initial analysis to final submission and communications with military reviewers.

Need help paying up front? We offer legal financing through Pay Later by Affirm. You can break your fee into manageable monthly payments. Learn more here: https://www.nationalsecuritylawfirm.com/financing/

Why Choose NSLF?

We are the nation’s trusted law firm for moral conduct waivers. Our 4.9-star Google rating and client testimonials speak for themselves.

Here’s what sets us apart:

  • Former military prosecutors, judges, adjudicators, and officers
  • Deep knowledge of DoD accessions policies
  • Founded by disabled veterans
  • Decades of experience with military waiver cases
  • We handle cases nationwide
  • Personalized, aggressive, and results-driven representation
  • Legal strategies designed to maximize value and outcome

When you hire NSLF, you get a mission-focused team who knows what it takes to help you get cleared and move forward.

Additional Resources

Want to learn more about navigating your waiver case? Check out our other articles:

For a full list of resources and insights, visit our Moral Conduct Waivers Practice Page.

Take the First Step Toward Serving Your Country

Your future shouldn’t be on pause. The waiver process is complicated, but with the right legal help, you can take confident steps forward. Every day you wait could mean a delay in your enlistment, graduation, income, or career. We’ll tell you exactly what to do next to get the best possible outcome.

The quicker you act, the better your chances of success. Schedule a free consultation today. No calls, no waiting—just visit our website and book a time that works for you. We’ll create a personalized legal plan and give you the clarity and peace of mind you need.

Book Your Consultation Now

Get in front of the problem. Go to sleep tonight knowing that you’ve finally taken control. We’re here to help you win.