The number of ex-convicts recruited by the US Army and Marine Corps has been significantly higher last year, compared to 2006.

According to statistics released by Rep. Henry Waxman, a California Democrat who chairs the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, 861 people were granted waivers to enlist in 2007, up from 457 in 2006.

Among the crimes which led to the convictions were assault, sex crimes, manslaughter, burglary and stealing. More exactly, three people convicted of manslaughter, nine guilty of sex crimes, and nine convicted of making terror threats were granted waivers.

"We're digging deeper into the barrel than we were before," an official told the Washington Post.

However, the Army said that this recruiting measure was taken so they could deal with the pressure to meet combat needs. Army officials underlined the fact that waivers are only granted after careful review.

"The significant increase in the recruitment of persons with criminal records is a result of the strain put on the military by the Iraq war," said Waxman.

Although 861 is a small number compared to approximately 180,000 people who entered active duty in the Army in 2007, the higher number of ex-convicts is perceived as a lowering of standards - a matter of concern in some quarters.

The figures released by the Department of Defense show that the US Army recruited 511 ex-convicts in 2007, up from 249 the year before. The Marine Corps granted 350 felony waivers up from 208 a year before.

On the other hand, the Navy recruited fewer ex-cons, down from 48 to 42, while the Air Force didn’t recruit any person with a felony conviction.