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Question
My daughter is working toward becoming an officer in the Marine Corps. She was recently sent to MEPS in San Diego. She declared that she has an extremely slight case of eczema, in fact the doctor was unable to find any sign of the eczema during the physical examination. When she took her blood test it came back that here thyroid was not in balance. The result was the she is, permanently disqualified form service but able to join.” The OSO sent her to her own physician for an examination to possibly readjust her medication for the unbalanced blood work. The blood tests came back that she is normal and in balance. Her physician said there was no need to adjust her medication that in fact she was fine. Additionally, her physician commented that the eczema is very slight and fully under control with the application occasional medicated ointment. She has now returned to the OSO and they have completed the paperwork for her to have a “MEPS consult”. We are in the dark here. What is a MEPS consult? Does she have to go through a full physical again or just meet with a doctor? How long does a MEPS consult take? What is the probability of her getting a waiver for the eczema?
Graham:
A MEPS Consult is when the doctors there review her records, and the issue at hand, and determine if she is qualified to enlist (or become an officer). It will be specific to the matter at hand. Once the consult is done the Docs will likely give her an 'up or down' on the spot. However, if not, then it will go 'up the chain of command' for a waiver, which will take at least 30 days and perhaps longer, depending on how complicated and involved the request is.
At this point, the Marine Corps isn't granting very many waivers for anything, so I can't tell you what the probability ratio on this is. It seems like something simple, but if it's a condition that requires constant medication, then waivers usually aren't granted. There have been exceptions, of course, but they are few.
Good luck!
Jason
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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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