Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/medical waiver for guard

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Expert: - 5/3/2009


Question
I am writing with a question about my younger brother.  He has been working with a local recruiter for the past few months to enlist in the guard.  When he was 14, he had a pin put in his hip to help his leg stay in place while he finished growing.  From what I understand, it's a fairly common procedure for adolescent boys.  We have submitted all of the paperwork on the procedure to the recruiter, but we are still not getting any answers on whether or not this would disqualify him or if he would need a waiver.  We were also told the the guard is no longer accepting medical waivers as of about a month ago.  Do you know if a pin in his hip, that is no longer even serving a function, would require a waiver?  Thank you for your time.

Answer
Angela:

 Quite frankly, I think it depends on how many enlistees the guard unit has at the moment.  In my unit, we are no longer offerring bonus's or much of anything else, every single job is filled, all new joins are being brought in as 'overage' people.  Therefore, it's easy to not even apply for waivers if you have too many folks.  I'd contact the recruiter, personally, and simply ask him/her what the story is.  It's possible that the packet was submitted to Dept of the Air Force and they are just waiting on a decision..  

Jason

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

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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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