Midwest Joint Regional Correctional Facility (JRCF) - Fort Leavenworth

Frequently Asked Questions

Midwest Joint Regional Correctional Facility (JRCF) - Fort Leavenworth - FAQs

Military prisons, also known as military correctional facilities, house service members convicted of offenses under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). These facilities are operated by the Department of Defense (DoD) and serve as correctional institutions for those sentenced by court-martial, as well as for pretrial detainees awaiting trial. Unlike civilian prisons, military correctional facilities maintain strict discipline, offer rehabilitative programs, and, in some cases, allow inmates to reintegrate into military service after completing their sentences. Below are 16 frequently asked questions regarding military prisons, detailing how they operate and what service members can expect while incarcerated.

• What is a military prison?
  A military prison is a correctional facility operated by the United States Department of Defense (DoD) that houses military personnel convicted of violations under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). These facilities are designed to maintain discipline, security, and rehabilitation for service members sentenced by court-martial.

• Who is incarcerated in military prisons?
  Military prisons house active-duty, reserve, and National Guard personnel who have been convicted of military crimes, including desertion, espionage, murder, sexual assault, and other violations of military law. Some facilities also hold pretrial detainees awaiting court-martial.

• What are the different types of military correctional facilities?
  Military correctional facilities are divided into three levels:

  • Level I: Short-term facilities for inmates serving less than a year, often with a focus on rehabilitation and reintegration.
  • Level II: Medium-security facilities for inmates serving longer sentences who do not pose a high-security risk.
  • Level III: High-security facilities like the United States Disciplinary Barracks (USDB) at Fort Leavenworth, which house inmates serving lengthy or life sentences.

• What happens when a service member is sentenced to military prison?
  After a conviction at court-martial, the service member undergoes processing, classification, and transfer to the appropriate correctional facility based on their sentence and security risk. Some may serve their sentence at a regional military brig, while those with longer sentences may be transferred to the USDB or another Level III facility.

• Can a service member be dishonorably discharged and still serve time in a military prison?
  Yes. Some inmates receive a dishonorable or bad conduct discharge but still serve part of their sentence in a military facility before being transferred to a federal prison to complete their time.

• How do military prisons differ from civilian prisons?
  Military prisons operate under strict discipline and structure, with a focus on maintaining order, security, and potential rehabilitation. Unlike civilian prisons, military correctional facilities enforce military training, work programs, and vocational rehabilitation tailored to service members.

• Do inmates in military prisons wear uniforms?
  Yes. Inmates in military prisons wear standard-issue uniforms that distinguish them from active-duty personnel. The uniforms vary depending on the facility and security classification of the inmate.

• Can inmates in military prisons receive visitors?
  Yes, but visitation rules vary by facility and security level. All visitors must undergo security screening and approval, and visits may be limited to certain days and times. Some inmates may be eligible for contact visits, while others may only have non-contact or video visitation.

• Do military prison inmates have access to legal representation?
  Yes. Inmates have the right to legal counsel, appeals, and post-conviction representation. Some may also seek assistance from the Military Clemency and Parole Board or request sentence reductions and clemency reviews.

• What kind of rehabilitation programs are available in military prisons?
  Many military correctional facilities offer vocational training, education, substance abuse counseling, and behavioral therapy to help inmates reintegrate into society. Some lower-security facilities provide job placement assistance and work release programs for those nearing the end of their sentence.

• Are inmates required to work while in a military prison?
  Yes. Many military prisons implement work programs that require inmates to perform maintenance, administrative duties, or vocational training. The goal is to instill discipline and provide job skills that may benefit them after release.

• Can inmates in military prisons earn parole?
  Yes. Some inmates may qualify for parole or early release based on good behavior, program participation, and a review by the Military Clemency and Parole Board. However, those convicted of serious crimes may be ineligible for parole.

• What happens when an inmate completes their sentence?
  Upon release, inmates who were dishonorably discharged are no longer part of the military and may receive assistance with reentry into civilian life. Those without a dishonorable discharge may, in rare cases, be allowed to reintegrate into the military if approved by a special review board.

• Can civilians be held in military prisons?
  In rare cases, civilians accused of crimes related to military operations or spies may be detained in military correctional facilities. However, most civilian offenders are transferred to federal or state prisons.

• What is the most well-known military prison in the U.S.?
  The United States Disciplinary Barracks (USDB) at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, is the only maximum-security military prison in the country. It houses service members serving long-term sentences, including life and capital punishment cases.

• Are military prisons subject to the same human rights and correctional standards as civilian prisons?
  Yes. Military prisons must comply with federal and international standards for humane treatment, including provisions under the Geneva Conventions, U.S. Military Code, and Department of Defense regulations. However, the military maintains additional disciplinary and operational structures unique to its correctional system.