Expert: James Bell - 12/30/2009

Question
I just enlisted into the Army and ship March 03. I am so exited about going. I went to the doctor the other day for a routine check up my blood test came back positive for arthritis. My doctor referred me to a specialist. I called my recruiter and informed him and he told me not to worry about it to see what the specialist says, as far as how serious it is. My question for you is what would happen when I leave for training? If I start all of those exercises and I start having aches and pains will I automatically get kicked out? Can I tell them I had no knowledge of it? I was in the USAF and I was never told that I had this condition and I was enlisted for? I really want to serve my country please help!  

Answer
Ms. Jordan -

Thank you so much for writing.  I hope I can give you guidance that could determine the path of the rest of your life.  I can't tell you how many times I've had questions asked of me where a recruiter told someone not to worry about a hidden medical condition, and advised not to even mention it when they went onto active duty.  Then the condition is discovered, and they are kicked out on a less than honorable discharge for fraudulent enlistment.  By the time they ask the question to me, it's too late.  You are asking at the perfect time ... BEFORE anything happens.

First of all, a medical condition is just that, and something that is out of your control.  There is no shame ... you didn't go out and deliberately give yourself arthritis.  See what the specialist says and get copies of the medical records.  Take it to the MEPS when you report for active duty.  Let their doctors make their own evaluation.  The important thing is to be up front about it and do not try to hide anything.  Do not raise your hand and take the oath of enlistment for active duty until the doctors are aware of the condition and have cleared you for service.  If they determine you are unfit for military service, they tear up your contract and you walk away.  If you are good for service, then congratulations and I hope you serve your country honorably and with dedication and distinction.

Do not try to hide anything, it will be discovered, eventually.  When they do, all they have to do is determine whether you had the condition prior to enlistment, and they kick you out.  A less than honorable discharge will stay with you for ever.  Being denied entry due to medical conditions is nothing and would never be put on any job application ... a bad discharge would be required to be put on every job application for the rest of your life.

Lying for the sake of your recruiter just isn't worth it.  Your fate after going on active duty is of no consequence to him, but would alter the rest of your life.

Be honest, don't conceal anything, and let the military doctors decide what actions to take.

Good luck.

Sincerely,
James Bell