Expert: Jason Grabill - 3/18/2008

Question
I joined the Marines back in Jan 08. Supposed to ship out the 10th of March. Well the doc saw something she didnt like with my chest on my shipping day. So she denied me. I then had to write a waiver asking to be let in. Now that im back home waiting to hear if I got accepted ive got cold feet and want to back out. Im not sure how that works and if im able to? Im a beleiver in everything happens for a reason. And since I was denied I have a feeling im not supposed to be in there. I only wonna do something with law enforcement, and thought the Marines would help me get my foot in the door, but I dont think its worth 4 years of my life. You cant blame a young kid for getting cold feet. Joining the Marines is a huge step. Any help would be great

BTW. Is irritable bowel syndrome a disqulafication for joining? I told my recruiter I had it, but then I wanted to join and he told me to lie about not having it

Answer
Lance:

 Yes, IBS is a DQ that requires, at minimum, a waiver.  

However, addressing the larger issue here, if you don't think 'it's worth 4 years of your life', then by all means quit.   Just don't expect to get hired in law enforcement, because quite frankly, as a Police officer, you won't cut it.  

 I can, in fact, 'blame a young kid' for getting cold feet.  What, you think you are the only person who is a little skeered prior to going to recruit training????  EVERYone is that way.   

 Quite simply put, I would 'blame' you for not going, for chickening out, so to speak.  So, take what looks like the 'easy' way out now, but many years from now, rest assured, you will regret making this choice.  I answer questions from people all the time who ar desperate to get in, get back in, or have the chance to serve, who can't (because they did something stupid, because they have some sort of medical condition beyond their control, or who are now too old to re-join...) ALL of them would trade places with you in a heartbeat.   You will regret this.   

 Lastly, when any law enforcement agency looks at your background, what, EXACTLY, are you planning to say to them?   That you couldn't hack it?  That you chickened out?  That they shouldn't 'blame' you?

 The background investigator, who will quite likely be a veteran himself or herself, and just how do you suppose they will view this little incident?

 Think long and hard on it, lad, before you make a decision that you will live with the rest of your days.

 If you are medically DQ'd, then at least you tried.  There is no dishonor in not going in because of problems you cannot control.  Bear that in mind as well.

 Finally, recall the line from 'Transformers':

"Fifty years from now, your gonna wish you got in the car".