Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 5/13/2008

Question
QUESTION: Can I join the marines with 20/400 vision? or does it matter what job you have in the marines? Thanks for your time!

ANSWER: Dear Clay --

You are eligible to join the military if your eyesight is correctable to 20/20 with glasses.  You will be excluded from a few military occupational specialties, based on the need for glasses, but most will be open to you.

You must otherwise be mentally and physically suitable for military service.

Good luck to you.



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

QUESTION: Thanks allot! I got one more question though, I am on a anxiety pill (half pill, very small) could I still join while on it? if not, which I think I cant, how long do I have to be off it to join? Thanks allot for your time!

Answer
Dear Clay --

I cannot tell you whether you would be eligible or not.  A military medical board would have to decide based on your diagnosis and the type of medication you need to moderate your condition.  Sometimes you could get in with a waiver, but some conditions are not waiverable.

You can go to http://www.goarmy.com/ChatIndex.do?redirect=true and chat with a recruiter about the specifics of your situation.

I wish you the best of luck.