Expert: Jason Grabill - 12/8/2009

Question
Hi,
My name is Kenny, I want to serve my country, no doubt about it. I've thought mostly of joining the Marines but i'm still feeling the other branches out as best as I can to make the best choice.
I have a few questions and statements. I spoke with a few recruiters and received a number of different answers for my questions.
1. I have a tattoo on my back and it is from my shoulders down to my lower back as well as one on each side of my abdomen. No one can see my tattoo's with a t-shirt on. The last recruiter I spoke with said my back tattoo would disqualify me. The previous two recruiters I spoke with never said that my tattoos would disqualify me. He also said I should try and enlist on the east side of the Mississippi because they are far more easy on the new enlisters with tattoo's. I looked into this and cant find anything on a back tattoo disqualifying someone from joining the Marines. Only arm, leg, neck and head tattoos I have read will disqualify me.Basically, anything visable.

2. 7 years ago (Im 25) I was in an unfortunate accident and broke my left femur. The doctor put a rod and screws in the femur bone. I've heard from some recruiters, "Oh, thats no problem i'll get you in," and many other recruiters ask does it hurt or does it have any limitations. After I answer them stating, "there's no pain, good strength, and no limitations" they say, "ok sounds like you qualify." The most recent one says I need to have my doctor right a note saying I am clear for the military. First of all, it has no pain and i've gaind 40+ lbs of muscle in the past 7 years and it is stronger than ever. I guess I wanna know does an on base surgeon check my legs' mobility or my own doctor (which I dont have right now)? Also, what are my chances of getting a waiver on the rod in my leg?

3.If I get in will the leg or tattoo keep me from trying out for the special forces?

I'm a born fighter. I want to be part of the US Military and won't give up. I feel as though I am stronger mentally and physically than ever in my life. I'm meant for somthing better and want to be "we and not me" in the service of our country. My new moto in life is I wish I could go back to high school knowing what I know now.
Thanks, Kenny Creasy

Answer
Kenny:

1: The tattoo will require a waiver.  AND it's going to depend on exactly what it is and what it depicts.  If it can be considered 'eccentric' or gang/extremist related, you'll be denied enlistment.   No matter what, it'll need a waiver, which may, or may NOT, be approved.  It doesn't matter which district, east or west, you go through, tattoo waivers have to go through HQMC in Washington DC.  They'll make the final call.  

2:  Rod and screws will require a waiver.  It will be helpful to have an orthopedic surgeon write a letter stating you are physically fit and will have no problems.  However, this is going to be hit or miss.  At present, the Marine Corps is EXTREMELY picky about taking people who are not graduating High School this year.  Many potential enlistees have been turned away from what I've been hearing, because the number of new Marines needed this year is far less than in years past.  Based on that information, quite honestly I'd say your enlistment chances are below 50 percent and likely less because of the two waivers that will be required.  

3:  The Marine Corps doesn't have 'special forces' per se.  Tattoo's aren't an issue for Recon or any other Marine Corps unit that I'm aware of.  However, getting more tat's at this time is not something I'd advise.  You CAN be denied enlistment for excessive tattoos and right now I'd say if you aren't at that point you are very borderline.  

Best of luck, but I'd say if you are going to do this, get it done now.  If you can't get in the Marines, try the army.

Jason