Expert: Aaron Shifferly - 3/31/2009

Question
Well I joined the army straight out of high school and i was a p.t freak that was in army rotc. I had flat feet that never gave me a problem till i went to basic and wore the arch supports they gave to me. I got injured about a month into basic for my feet and was discharged and told if i get my feet fixed i would be able to re enter the army. I have went to 3 diffrent doctors that gave me the proper treatment and wat i need to wear in my boots so that i dont get injured. 3 Highly respected doctors in the L.A area wrote letters for me saying i was ready to go and with the treat i was given and the orthopedics i would be able to finish basic no problem. I have been trying to get back into the army for 1 year now. The recruiters tell me that the letters are fine and that it should be enough but the always tell me that the old doctors at meps wont look at the letters because it takes to long on one recruit. What should I do. My friends in the marines say that the marines would find a way to get me in. Should i keep trying or go see wat the marines say. Please give me a answer.

P.S some of my best friends have graduated from West point and i have two friends that are there now. go west point.

Answer
It is honestly a personal preference Jordan.  If you really have a desire to serve and the Army has said no, the Marines might be a good option for you.  You can honestly try to go back to MEPS and see what they say, but the doctors examining you for service would likely be the same in either case.  You just have to see if the Marines would have different standards for your feet.  It never hurts to see what others would say, so I suggest talking to the Marines, but keep talking to the Army as well.  Hope this helps.