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

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Expert: - 4/22/2008


Question
QUESTION: I have a few questions I hope you can answer. My 20 yr old niece spoke to an Army recruiter about the reserves, a few days later the Marine recruiter in the office called her and now somehow she has decided to enlist in the Marines (not reserves). My questions are, first she has been on anti-depressants for about 4 yrs and decided herself to stop taking them, plus she has had to have physical therapy for her knee and her neck because she has had many problems with them. Yes I am grasping but does any of this prohibit her from joining? Also, the recruiter has convinced her she will not see any combat or be in any danger, should her family believe this?
Thank you for any advice.

ANSWER: Sheila:

 Being on anti-depressants at all is an automatic disqualifier.   That prohibits her from joining ANY branch.

Jason

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: What if her recruiter told her she does not have to disclose that information since she has apparently been fine by taking herself off of them? Also, is it true that she will not see combat being a woman in the marines?

Answer
Sheila:

Both answers are technically incorrect.  While females are prohibited from joining the infantry, armor, artillery, ect, there is still the chance she could see combat.

Second, her taking herself off the meds isn't acceptable.   She'll be disqualified (as she should be) for at least a year, and perhaps permanately, for being on them.   

Finally, I'm NOT an 'anti-war', 'anti-military' advocate, but if she has been taking these meds, then she is DQ'd until a doctor "OKays" her for service.  That's just the way it is.

Jason

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

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Jason Grabill

Expertise

Questions relating to US Marine Corps; rank, awards, uniforms, career choices. I can also help people spot and expose fakes (people pretending to be Marines or have awards they didn`t earn). Considering the Marines as a career? Or another branch, like the Air National Guard? Drop me a line. HOWever..know that I am NOT a recruiter. I can offer my expert opinion and advice, but can't (and won't) over rule what a recruiter says, they are the 'on duty' expert.

Experience

Infantry Rifleman, MOS 0311: 3 years. Marine Barracks Security (Marine Barracks, Annapolis, Maryland(not Embassy Duty): 3 years. Parachutist: MOS 9962: Got my wings in August of 1984. Intelligence Specialist: MOS 0231 10 years working as an Intelligence Analyst with a Fixed Wing Fighter Squadron, Force Service Support Group, and at Headquarters, Marine Corps. Field Radio Operator: MOS 2531. Served as a Platoon Sergeant in a Communications Platoon assigned to MEU Service Support Group 24 (Special Operations Capable). Did a hitch in the Army reserves as an 11B (Infantryman), 3 years. Finished out my career in the Air National Guard as a BioEnvironmental Engineer MOS 4B3X1, did that for a few years. I"ve been collecting and selling Marine Corps and other military uniforms, medals, and field gear since I was 8 years old.

Organizations
United States Marine Corps Logistical Company.

Publications
I was an Editorial writer for Marine Corps Times from 1998-2000.

Education/Credentials
Extensive library of research materials relating to uniforms, medals, and equipment of the military and the Marine Corps. 22 College credits, Community College of the Air Force. Certified Historical Interpreter.

Awards and Honors
Kosovo Campaign Medal w/1 star Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with 4 stars. Numerous other unit awards. I was on duty on 9/11 at HQMC, near the Pentagon, and responded to that location to try and lend a hand if needed...

Past/Present Clients
United States Marine Corps Historical Company, Guardian Security and Investigations, lead Investigator for 'Stolen Valor' cases.

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