Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/Military disqualification

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Expert: - 12/10/2008


Question
Dear John,

I am a 17 year old male and I'm currently a high school junior. I would like to join the Marines and start with joining the Delayed Enlistment Program. I have had OCD since 2003. I no longer take medication for it as of Oct. 2008. I really want to join the Marines and I need to know if I'll have a chance of getting in with this condition( it has never effect my job, school, and social performance). How likely is it for me to get a waiver for it or will I have to say anything about it at all when I talk to a recruiter? Please help, I really need some guidance from an experienced recruiter such as yourself.

Thanks

Answer
You will need to wait at least another year before you will be considered due to being on medication.  After that, you will have a chance to be considered.  The military is very strict on applicants who took medications for behavioral issues.

You got time,  good luck.

Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard

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John L

Expertise

I am a National Guard recruiter , been doing it for seven years and am a subject matter expert on qualifications for National Guard and I keep up to date on Regular Army regs and programs. I was in the Navy for 4 years and have 13 years in the Guard. I will not sugar coat my answers to you. They are usually short and to the point. If you need more in depth, ask me. Because each situation is different, alot of times you need to actually talk to a recruiter and let them evaluate your situation in person, by looking at your documents, issues etc. If I suggest this, it would be in your best interest to do so. Finally...thank you for your interest in serving this great nation of ours. Very few people can actually make the cut to serve let alone choose to do so. So thank you for wanting to and hopefully you will get a chance. Whatever branch you choose, thank you and good luck.

Experience

13 years Guard experince, combat missions and homeland missions. 7 years recruiting. I have been a platoon sergeant and squad leader. Mentor to new recruiters and recruits.

Education/Credentials
Recruiters course and advanced courses in recruiting

Awards and Honors
Top recruiter in district for FY 2008. Nominated for recruiter of the year for 2010.

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