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Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/Marines & Asthma
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Question
My son is 16, and wants to be a Marine. He wants to do a program called "devil pups" this summer. The applications states "absolutely no one with asthma will qualify". My son wants me to lie on this application, because he hasn't had any asthma in over a year. He has been on asthma medication in the past, on and off, but never severely. This is his dream. Will his past medical condition prevent him from not only doing this camp, but eventually becoming a Marine?
Mindy:
First, lying is not only stupid (for health reasons), but criminal as well. He has what he has. He is INELGIBLE for this program, as well as enlistment into any branch of the military. Asthma is an automatic DQ for military service due to it's debilitating conditions, and ability to be brought back by physical activity and stress.
If he has no issues with it for the next several years and no need of medication, around about age 21 he will be able to apply and stand a good chance to get a waiver and enlist then. Not now.
Again, lying on any sort of application not only can subject you to potential criminal issues (as well as him) but health issues as well. Don't do it.
Lastly, you can tell your son that lying on an application isn't something the Marines do. It's not part of who and what we are.
Jason
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Answers by Expert:
Jason Grabill
Expertise
Questions relating to US Marine Corps; rank, awards, uniforms, career choices. I can also help people spot and expose fakes (people pretending to be Marines or have awards they didn`t earn). Considering the Marines as a career? Or another branch, like the Air National Guard? Drop me a line. HOWever..know that I am NOT a recruiter. I can offer my expert opinion and advice, but can't (and won't) over rule what a recruiter says, they are the 'on duty' expert.
Experience
Infantry Rifleman, MOS 0311: 3 years. Marine Barracks Security (Marine Barracks, Annapolis, Maryland(not Embassy Duty): 3 years. Parachutist: MOS 9962: Got my wings in August of 1984.
Intelligence Specialist: MOS 0231 10 years working as an Intelligence Analyst with a Fixed Wing Fighter Squadron, Force Service Support Group, and at Headquarters, Marine Corps. Field Radio Operator: MOS 2531. Served as a Platoon Sergeant in a Communications Platoon assigned to MEU Service Support Group 24 (Special Operations Capable). Did a hitch in the Army reserves as an 11B (Infantryman), 3 years. Finished out my career in the Air National Guard as a BioEnvironmental Engineer MOS 4B3X1, did that for a few years.
I"ve been collecting and selling Marine Corps and other military uniforms, medals, and field gear since I was 8 years old.
Organizations
United States Marine Corps Logistical Company.
Publications
I was an Editorial writer for Marine Corps Times from 1998-2000.
Education/Credentials
Extensive library of research materials relating to uniforms, medals, and equipment of the military and the Marine Corps. 22 College credits, Community College of the Air Force. Certified Historical Interpreter.
Awards and Honors
Kosovo Campaign Medal w/1 star
Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with 4 stars.
Numerous other unit awards.
I was on duty on 9/11 at HQMC, near the Pentagon, and responded to that location to try and lend a hand if needed...
Past/Present Clients
United States Marine Corps Historical Company, Guardian Security and Investigations, lead Investigator for 'Stolen Valor' cases.
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