Expert: Matt - 8/29/2009

Question
Hello. My son spent 2 years overseas on a Mormon mission. 2 years later in college he began having a difficult time with school and my daughter described him as "unstable". He has been seeing a therapist for 1 year. and is much better. However- the type of OCD he has involves  horrible intrusive thoughts. He graduates in 8 mo. and wants to be a Marine Officer. I am a nurse and I do not think that is a good idea. What will MEPS say? OCD is a chronic illness and is exacerbated by stress and anziety. Do they know that? Thank you ,sir.

Answer
MEPs knows more about everything than you would ever want to believe...pretty strict standards physically and pyschologicly for a marine officer. I understand that you, as his mother might not want him to go down that path, but it is probably his own decision at this point in his life. If he is not qualified, either his OSO (officer selection officer) or MEPS will see that and he will not be accepted. However, if he is fit for duty, then they will accept him. After that he will go to OCS (officers candidate school) and be put through an extremely demanding and rigorous screening process...and believe me, if he has any issues or weaknesses they will be brought to the surface during that experience and he will fail out. If he makes it through then in my opinion he is most likely qualified to be one of my peers. The USMC has a good screening process overall, and an unbelievably difficult one for its officers, as iti should. I think you should have faith in the process, and faith in your son to follow his dreams. Best of luck and semper fi.


Matt