Expert: Matt - 5/29/2009

Question
Let me start off by telling you my current position.  While I was being born, I
was too big, and the doctor pulled my left arm too hard. Causing the nerve to
rip. They call this Erbs Palsy I believe. I have limited motion in my arm now, I
cant raise it above my head and I cannot straighten it completely. I tried to
join the Army Military police recently and was denied for this reason. I was
told by my recruiter it was possible to get a physical test in which I could
prove my worth. I contacted a senator etc and got the same answer as
before. Now I can do everything the same as any other and more most likely.
I can do pull ups with both arms, shoot a rifle, pistol, pushups you name it
w/e. I want to know if you know of any physical examination of any kind
besides the one at Meps. Besides some dude just looking at me and saying
no. I doubt there is and Im sure the recruiter was just talking out his ass as
most do. Im enrolled in college and I was in ROTC for 3 years in high school,
family who were in the special forces. Not that they matter really but only to
point out my familiarity with the military attitude. Ive seen the guys they do
let in, one in particular that was with me was 37 years old and was
overweight, and I know this because they talked about him cheating the
physical right in front of me. I doubt he could have ran for 10 secs without
passing out. So you can understand my frustration here, if I can out perform
the others and do the exact same thing...I wouldnt have any problems in the
service. Thank you

Answer
Man, that is quite the dilemma, but let's see if we can figure something out. Ok, youve gone to MEPS im guessing by your less then high opinion of them...and rightfully so. MEPS isnt exactly the most advanced place nor are they always fair. They cause a lot of problems for good people and somehow manage to let in dirtbags, so I share your sentiment there. With that said, if you can go to a doctor and get a physical exam and then contact your local Officer Selection Officer (USMC OSO) he might be able to help you find  a way around it. Try this website  www.marineofficer.com

Furthermore, if the marines arent your thing, then try going to any officer selection officer for any of the services, they tend to be work with qualified candidates more than an enlisted recruiter would. Best of luck, let me know what you end up finding out!