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Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/MEDICAL Waiver question
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Question
My father is a retired MGySgt from the Marines and I've always wanted to follow in his footsteps and ENLIST in the Marines. I'm 19, 6'8" and overweight for right now. My question is this, I've broken my arm when I was 5 (no problems since), broke my leg when I was 6 (no problems since), broke my wrist when I was 12 (no problems since). Also, I've dislocated my right shoulder multiple times, but go surgery on it in June 2009. Since my dad's retired I was able to get it done by a Major in the Army, and all of my records and what not are in my military medical records. The Doc told me I'm technically still DQed but I can try and get a waiver. I am fully healed and have had absolutely no problems since surgery and my Doc wrote me a letter saying a was fit for duty, 100% healed etc. My recruiter told me that once I get down to a certain weight I can begin the process of trying to get a waiver. I'm wondering that since I had surgery on it and have had no problems since, are my more likely to get a waiver because of that and does my Doc being a Major have anything to do with it?
Secondary question is this, if I get rejected a waiver for the Marine Corps, I've read from a couple sources that I can try to join another service and get a waiver for them. Is this true or just BS? I am thinking about the Coast Guard as a plan B. I'd rather join the USMC, but if I can't, do I still have a chance at getting a waiver for the Coast Guard?
Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions, and thanks for serving.
Josiah
Josiah:
If the doc has said you are 'good to go' then that is a big first step in getting the waiver. It'll likely be approved, once you loose the weight, of course. However, if it's not, you are still able to apply to other services, since certain criteria differ from branch to branch when it comes to things like this, from what I've seen.
Still, I think you stand a decent chance.
Jason
PS: Good luck!!
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Answers by Expert:
Jason Grabill
Expertise
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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