Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/a question about recruiting standards

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Expert: Howard Lorenz - 4/15/2009


Question
i really want to get into the air force but i am afraid that a single medical issue may keep me out, along with a single legal issue that was expunged/ prayer for judgement ( but i mentioned alternate judication like an idiot)

the medical issue was over back spasms. i don't have them but i do have minor-moderate back pains with extreme physical activity.

my question is whether or not a back spasm diagnosis would keep me out of any branch and if the recruiters put the pre-qualifications on a database or just file them for a while?

i would also like to know how they procure medical records, if you know yourself.

Answer
Im not sure what the charge is that was expunged, but im sure that unless it was a felony, it should be ok.

Your back may be an issue, you WILL and I mean WILL do extreme physical exercise in the military in general!! So the real question is how much can you tolerate?  As for the military getting records, they can do it, but for the most part rely off what you tell them in the assessment. The recruiters have separate data bases, the services can not intermingle information. But the MEPS however does and can!!

H

Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard

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Howard Lorenz

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I have spent the past 20 years in the U.S. Air Force, 3 years was assigned as an Enlisted Accessions Recruiter. I have been deployed various times to several locations. If it is a career in the military you are looking for or thinking about I most likely have the answer. I still have contacts with in the recruiting field and if I don't know the answer then I have folks who do where I can find the answer. I am very blunt and straight forward and will make no attempts to BS you. I will give you the best information that I possible can can. If you think that you cant handle the answer that I give you, then don't ask the question...... If you are planning on joining the military, your number 1 decision factor in making this kind of move is that you need to be more concerned about serving your country than your country serving you!! All the benefits are the best that you can find. Education is at a premium right now and its the most rewarding thing that you can do. If I dont answer right away probably means that I am busy, but have patience, I will get to you.

Experience

Air Force Recruiter for 3 years, Air Force Career 21 Years

Organizations
Veterans of Foreign Wars

Education/Credentials
Community College of the Air Force, International Air Academy, Allied Business Schools, Embry Riddle Aeronautical College, Defense Acquisition University

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