Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 7/5/2008

Question
QUESTION: In March of 2000 I enlisted in the National Guard and drilled for about 7 months before basic training. Before I reported to basic my personal doctor discovered I had a heart arythmia. My recruiter told me I would be discharged for this and had me return my equipment. My record of separation states entry level separation uncharacterized, with RE 3.I had a procedure that corrected the problem 100% and have had  no problems since. It's been almost 8 years ago now. I'm 33, married with one child and I have thought about enlisting in active duty army.What should I expect and is it a very good idea at my age and with a family? Thanks.

ANSWER: Dear Paul --

It's possible that you could get back into the military with a waiver for your repaired heart.  However, I cannot say for sure if the doctors will find you fit for duty.

As far as whether it is advisable at your age with a family, only you and your wife can really determine that.  I can recommend some questions to ask each other before you make the decision to try.

1.  Are you will to spend significant time apart?

2.  Is your wife willing to run the household alone while you are gone?

3.  Does your wife have a support network to fall back on if things get tough while you are gone?

4.  Will you be willing to come back to a home being run by your wife, and accept her rules for the household and the kids?

5.  Are you willing to give your wife a power-of-attorney to act in your stead while you are deployed for a significant period of time?

If you both can honestly answer yes to all these questions, then your marriage and the team you have built seems strong enough to handle a military career.

Then you have to think if you are:

1. Willing to accept demanding orders from officers and non-commissioned officers up to 13 years your junior?

2. Working long hours in a country you may not know very well, in a harsh environment?

3.  Physically able to meet the demands of 1 and 2?

If you can answer yes to those three personally, then I recommend talking to a recruiter.  You have plenty of time left to have a good career, if the doctors approve your medical waiver, and you enlist now.

Good luck to you and your family.  Thank you for considering military service.  Happy 4th of July!

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

QUESTION: Thank you for your answer. Eventually after initial training, will my military career be somewhat like a regular job?
Also I have attended a state police academy about 3 years ago. Would that help the military determine my fitness for duty? Sometimes we ran 7 miles a day.
I'm also thinking about the military because the job market right now is really bad. I have been laid off and want a stable career and training to get ahead, plus just the desire to serve. Is advancement good? Would I be able to advance quickly? Thanks.

Answer
Dear Paul --

When you are at "home station" a military job can seem like a "regular" job.  You will have fairly predictable hours, and will be able to go home each day to your family, and have most weekends off.  However, unlike a "regular" job, you will frequently be on call to return to duty in an emergency, or if someone who should be on duty does not report.  This can be difficult for a family that depends on the Soldier too much.  The spouse has to be strong and able to think, work, decide and act independently from the Soldier.  The Soldier has to support the spouse's decisions.

If you are a hard worker, have a good work ethic, don't complain (much), and stay out of trouble, you can advance very quickly.  If you already have some college level schooling, or especially a degree, you can request accelerated promotions in your enlistment contract.  That means you could graduate from advance individual training as a specialist (enlisted grade 4 (E-4)).  Within 2 more years you could be a sergeant (E-5).  If you have a bachelors degree, you can apply for Officer Candidate School and become a second lieutenant when you graduate.

If you were a police officer, that might weigh into your "quality" as a recruit.  But you will have to prove current fitness, not show that in the past you were fit.

I have enjoyed 25 years of service, and my husband has been a critical part of the team that allowed me success.  Enlisting should be a joint decision between you and your wife.  It's a great career for the right families.  Good luck to you.