Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/Medical waiver clarification

Advertisement

Expert: - 1/2/2009


Question
Hello John, my name is Andrew, I am 18 years old. I have been in the enlistment process since last November. I went to MEPS last November and was DQ'd for a hernia. My contract was 11x Option 40. I had my hernia surgically repaired September 30th of 2008. I was told by the medical staff that this would present no problems with my enlistment or getting the Ranger option with it. But now my recruiter is telling me that I need a waiver to enlist and that the medical waiver is a DQ for BAC, and RIP. I don't understand this. I have no medical conditions or inhibitions, so I'm confused as to how this would require a waiver. I don't have a pre-existing condition anymore, which is what the waiver was for. Could you please clarify the ramifications, and do you have any advice for fighting the disqualification. Ranger is my dream.

Answer
Waiver after a surgery is common.  Its not a big deal.  However, it may prevent you form going Ranger initially, but once you are in the infantry, the option should be availaible to you.

Don't seat it, you should be fine.  Your recruiter should have you in boots in the next 2 weeks if he does his job correctly.

Good luck

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

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

John L

Expertise

I am a National Guard recruiter , been doing it for seven years and am a subject matter expert on qualifications for National Guard and I keep up to date on Regular Army regs and programs. I was in the Navy for 4 years and have 13 years in the Guard. I will not sugar coat my answers to you. They are usually short and to the point. If you need more in depth, ask me. Because each situation is different, alot of times you need to actually talk to a recruiter and let them evaluate your situation in person, by looking at your documents, issues etc. If I suggest this, it would be in your best interest to do so. Finally...thank you for your interest in serving this great nation of ours. Very few people can actually make the cut to serve let alone choose to do so. So thank you for wanting to and hopefully you will get a chance. Whatever branch you choose, thank you and good luck.

Experience

13 years Guard experince, combat missions and homeland missions. 7 years recruiting. I have been a platoon sergeant and squad leader. Mentor to new recruiters and recruits.

Education/Credentials
Recruiters course and advanced courses in recruiting

Awards and Honors
Top recruiter in district for FY 2008. Nominated for recruiter of the year for 2010.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.