Expert: Jason Grabill - 9/6/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hi:
We just got a phone call that our son is being sent home on a medical discharge for a severe allergic reaction to fire ants while in boot camp at Parris Island (he was starting his 8th week). Can he get a medical release and try again? What would be the process for him to continue his dream?

ANSWER: Alexis:

 It's possible in this case.  But the road is going to be extremely difficult. You'll be able to find out more once you have the paperwork in hand.  He may or may not be able to get back in, it just depends on the nature and cause of the discharge and his Reenlistment code.  They will brief him on his options before his discharge.

Jason

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for the prior information Jason. They told him that because of his prior knowledge of being allergic he should not have even made it in, but on the discharge paper it gives the code RE-3P in the reentry box. Will he be able to try again if we get a  waiver?

ANSWER: Alexis:

 If he had prior knowledge, then I'm afraid there is little to no chance of him enlisting into ANY branch at this point.  Hopefully he won't be charged for False Enlistment (it doesn't sound like he will be if he admitted it and they enlisted him anyway).  But severe allergic reaction to bee/bug bites is grounds for disqualification from any branch.  Sorry.

Jason

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: He did tell them from the start. His ID tags were red and it said "fire ants" on them. They say the reaction was severe, my son said he got swollen but he was okay and had no problems breathing. What do you suggest?

Answer
Well, that's a good thing, anyway.  What it boils down to is that the allergic reaction he sufferred is likely more severe than was anticipated by the doctors, thus neccessitating his discharge.  At least, in the medical opinion is my guess.  There is not much that can be done at this point and he'll likely be disqualified for enlistment/reenlistment because of this.  Once you are medically DQ'd for something along these lines it's extremely difficult, bordering on 'impossible' to get re-qualified.  

Jason