Expert: Jason Grabill - 2/1/2010

Question
QUESTION: I recently went to M.E.P.S for my entrance physical to the Marine Corps and while my experience at M.E.P.S was wonderful i was full of nervous excitement, this caused my pulse to spike, very high. I was obviously disqualified because afterwards i was nervous about being dq'd and couldn't get it to come down. I went to my family doctor as instructed for the waiver and had good scores except for one day. Now I need to go in for a consult for my "high pulse" I haven't taken care of my heart growing up drinking lots of caffeine and energy drinks, but I recently started taking good care of it. I know however that my pulse normally rests in the 80's, it just spikes due to nerves and my fear of doctors. I was told by my recruiter that i have a good chance, and while I am not saying he is lying, However i have been told from other recruiters in different area's that I'm not affiliated with, that due to a huge influx of Marines trying to join that it would be difficult to get my waiver approved. I just want to know what my odds are to get a clean bill from my consult. And what I should do to try and up my chances? And if I don't get an OK from my consult what my options are. I know that's allot but I want this too bad to be kept from joining due to nerves.

ANSWER: Matthew:

  Sounds like you have something called "whitecoat syndrome", which is something that causes your BP to 'spike' when around doctors.  

 The other recruiters are correct, as is yours.  It's going to be difficult, but you still have a chance.    Odds are not in your favor but it's still possible.  High BP isn't something that's waiverable, but if your own doctors say you are good to go, then your waiver has a better chance of approval.

Jason

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

QUESTION: If in fact they decide not to take me due to my heart rate, in a few months or so when they start to need recruits again, would i be able to reapply and of course assuming my heart is ok, be accepted? Or would this be it as far as joining the Marine corps?

Answer
Matthew:

 Not sure.  Since those rules change based on need, I'd suggest keeping in contact with your recruiter.  Sometimes they make you wait for a certain period (a year or so) then reapply.   If you keep in regular contact with your doctor and your BP stays low, then the letter he writes will be worth more.

Jason