Expert: Jason Grabill - 8/18/2008

Question
Hello,my name is matt barker.i was born with one kidney,and to top it off,one testicle.weel,the testicle was undescended and they went in to "retrieve" it but they broke it.lol.i dont remember it i was 4.anyways,i am in really good shape! i am a semi-pro boxer,and im smart.my condition has no physical restrictions what so ever!!!i work out like an animal five days a week,work forty hours a week as a deputy sheriff,go to college(9 hours this semester),and have a 5 month old child.(the one i do have works pretty good).why would i be declined entrance into the military for physical reasons?thats crazy!im trying to get into the coast gaurd.my father,24 yr ret.5 th sfg. suggested that i decline to tell the recruiter.so, long of the short, i did not mention these things on medical sheet.that is the only steps i have taken so far.what should i do?call him, come clean and beg for his help into the coast guard some way with a waiver.or,is it to late to do that since i already "lied" on that med sheet.should i tell him i lied or play it off like i somehow did not see those two little questions and say by the way, i got one ball and kidney is that a problem?25 years of great advice from my father,no so much on this one!please help me out on what to do, i really want to get into the coast guard!!!!thank you so much Matt barker.

Answer
Matt:

  Lying to the recruiter might get you past the initial steps of entry, but eventually, you'll be discovered.  The physical at MEPS is intensive, including a physical check by a doctor for hernia issues.  As soon as you are 'discovered', that will be the end of the physical.  Lacking a kidney is an automatic DQ, as is the other issue.  Neither of these are waiverable.  Even if, somehow, you managed to make it through MEPS and actually enlist, both of these issues would come to light sooner or later, and then you'd get a 'fraudulent enlistment' discharge.  Something that would eliminate any hopes of a law enforcement career forever.

 The bottom line, life isn't fair.  You've overcome much and are working as a street cop, which is something many people desperately want to do, but can't for whatever reason.  I'm afraid that you'll have to be satisfied with that.  

 I would contact the recruiter and tell him/her what the deal is.  It's better to be upfront and handle the issue now.  Who knows, maybe the Coast Guard will take you anyway, or they have different rules and regs.  It's worth a shot and then you'll know for sure.

Jason