Expert: Matt - 7/15/2009

Question
My son decided shortly before turning 18 that he wanted to join the marine corps. Before this he really did not know what he wanted to do with his life and I made him go to a counseling appointment thinking that he could just talk to someone else and figure out what he wanted to do with his life. He did not really want to do this but agreed for me. Once he made the decision to join the Marines we felt that he no longer needed the counseling appointment however we kept it because it would have cost $60.00 to cancel. It was supposed to be a 1 hour appointment but only lasted 25 minutes. When my son came out he said that there was no follow up needed. When he set out to join the marines one of the questions was have you ever been seen by a counselor, even once. He did not want to lie so stated yes. Evidently this counselor diagnosed my son with an adjustment disorder which is ridiculous. He then sent a separate note and my sons request stating that my son did not have the disorder at this time but couldn't guarantee that it could not appear later although he had no reason to believe that it would. He was disqualified because of this. This process took seven months from the time that my son started the process to the time he was told he was disqualified. All the time being told not to worry everything looked ok and he should be fine. I am wondering if there is anything else he can do or if he can try another branch. He had his heart set on the Marines although I think he would join the Navy if it was possible. In all honesty I am very angry at the Dr. who originally diagnosed him and also at the process of joining the Marines. My son put everything on hold for seven months even when I urged him to give up and move stating to me "I am not going to give up on the marines until they give up on me."

Answer
It sounds like a classic case of medical regulations getting in the way of an otherwise logical recruiting process. Its good your son was honest and he should not have been punished for that - people need medical help, going to a counselor once or twice isnt much different than getting a sprained ankle looked at, if something hurts you fix it. However, if your son needs medication, which it doesnt sound like he does, then I would highly reccommend trying a different recruiter. Find another marine corps recruiter in the area. If that doesnt work, then try the navy, army, air force etc. I wish I could help more, but without knowing the story firsthand I cannot fully comment on every detail that might have raised a red flag over at medical (MEPS). Best of luck.

Matt