Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/waivers denied by BUMED

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Expert: - 1/28/2010


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hi my name's Max. At the end of last year I went to talk to a USMC recruiter who happened to be a member of a gym that I worked at. He was very courteous and helpful in getting me to MEPS and that whole process. When I went to MEPS, they disqualified me for psoriasis (which I've never been medically diagnosed with) and high myopia (I later got a new prescription and the doc said that it's correctable with glasses). Needless to say, I was disappointed and bummed. My recruiter told me no big deal they have waivers for that. I heard the same from a lot of my friends and acquaintances in the Military so I waited..and waited. Now, 6 weeks later, my recruiter says BUMED denied my waivers and says he has no specific details as to why. Here I was planning out the rest of my future and career in the Marines. I was very excited and already proud at just the thought of being called Marine and serving my country. Please let me know what it is that my recruiter and I can do to get me in. I want this more than anything in the world. Thanks in advance!

Answer
Max:

 If BUMED denied the waivers...then that's pretty much it I"m afraid.  They should tell the recruiter the reason (or something, usually they do) but likely that will come by letter and not verbally.   However, once they deny you, they are the *final* word.  Psoriasis is an automatic DQ no matter what, and you can now consider yourself 'diagnosed by competent medical authority' with it.    Yes, there are waivers, but that is one condition that isn't waiverable.   

Jason

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

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Jason Grabill

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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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