Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 2/28/2009

Question
QUESTION: I want to know if I was DQ'ed at one MEPS station(i.e. it
went up to the Surgeon General) and was denied can I apply
for a waiver at another MEPS station. I am trying to enlist
in the Air Force Reserve.

ANSWER: Sarah,
I'll give you an "A" for creative thinking.  Sounds like you're trying to game the system.  Unfortunately it won't work.  You can jump from one Recruiter to another Recruiter in another state (each have different quotas) but once you've made it as far as a MEPS you're out of luck.  There's only one Surgeon General's office and they've already seen your name.
Sorry, but I appreciate your trying to serve.
Colonel H


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

QUESTION: No, I'm not trying to game the system. I wanted to know
whether or not my recruiter was telling me the truth or
not. B/c lately I've run into recruiters, where I know more
than they do. Moving on to the next question. So, all
branches of the military send their waivers to the same
Surgeon General?

Answer
Sarah,
Once you've made it as far as any one MEPS you're out of luck.  A MEPS processes all branches of the Armed Forces.  They send your waiver to the Surgeon General's office for a decision.  There's only one Surgeon General's office so they will have already seen your name, regardless of what branch of the Service you're trying to enter.  Why were you disqualified?  It might be something that can be waivered, and your recruiter can walk you through the steps to apply for a waiver.  Unfortunately there are a few recruiters out there who are minimally trained so it seems as if you're wasting you time with them.  If you really want to join the military and don't care which branch, try a different recruiter.  For example, if you had bad luck with an Army recruiter, consult a Navy recruiter.  He may be more knowledgeable as to how to apply for a waiver.  Recruiters have quotas and if you just happen to talk to a recruiter who has already reached his quota, he won't take the time to work with you.  Other Service recruiters may be lacking in meeting their quotas so they'll bend over backwards to help you successfully enlist.  It's unfortunate, but it sometimes happens.  Don't give up.  Find a recruiter you enjoy working with and you may be pleasantly surprised as to what he can accomplish.  If you're dead-set on only the AF Reserve, call the folks at 1-800-257-1212 to talk to an AFR recruiter and get his take on the matter without making a commitment.  Tell him you're just curious for now.
I hope it all works out for you.  Let me know how it goes.
Colonel H