Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 8/8/2010

Question
I am currently trying to join the AFROTC at my college. I am an incoming freshman and will be entering college this fall.

However, a year and a half ago when I was 17 I tried to join the ANG as a munitions specialist and all I had to do was go and complete MEPS as everything was lined up.

I have nothing on my legal record, my health and vitals were all perfect, and on my ASVAB I had a 98th percentile and looked to be ready to go.

But on the physical form I put down all sorts of problems including migraines, depression (deep worry), broken bones, counseling, nosebleeds, altitude sickness that I did not have.

I did this naively and because I hadn't been briefed by my ANG recruiter but mostly out of stupidity (I was book smart at the time). I thought I had to under federal law and put every little detail and potential problems down. (The big powerpoint on the wall that showed lying would land me in prison for 20 years didn't help)

Needless to say when the Doctor saw this he immediately red flagged me and TDQ'ed me. I applied for waivers and did the psych test that showed me I was normal mentally but I was pdq'ed. (possibly because of the recruiting climate currently there is no need to granting waivers?)

I put all those conditions down when I really don't have any physical or mental inhibitions. I don't take medication for anything and have never tried to hurt myself or others, also I put down migraines thinking of simple headaches and broken bones as simple sprains/fingers that didn't affect my performance present day. (Now I know that they are looking for serious medical conditions that actually alter people's performances)

Also the counseling was a family issued over my parents worried over my video game time, an issue that is resolved as I have found better things to do and one that hasn't affected my grades/job/school.

I misread the instructions and did not follow the policy of not revealing anything that is not asked of me that I read on the boards. (Also learned to not skim) So now it looks like I'm a psychotic in the MEPS records and not fit for government/military service.

Will this past stupidity come back to bite me as I try to join the AFROTC? I'm thinking that I'm unable to join the AFROTC until a waiver is given and waivers seem to be in short supply in a bad economy. I'd also like to know if I should disclose this info to the AFROTC officers there. (I know the information will come up sooner or later but people have been telling me to keep it secret and that it'll hurt my chances) I want to be honest but I've already been burned once being a bit too honest/naive.

Thank you for reading this long post,
Dan


Answer
Dan,
You may take the MEPS physical up to 3 times, because medical conditions change (broken bones heal, skin conditions clear, people lose weight, etc,)  When you sign up for ROTC they will schedule you for another physical at MEPS.

Now that you know how the process works, it'll be easier.  Don't let the "go to prison for lying" bother you, it's there to keep away the real cheats who lie about their cancer, etc.  Despite the warnings, there are some people who try to pull that stunt in hopes of getting the government to pay for their cancer treatments.  Most people tell small fibs all the time like ("Gee, I don't know how that scar got there", etc.)  You'll figure out what you can get away with.  NEVER, EVER, volunteer any information that's not asked such as...("Let's see, that must've been 5 years ago because I remember it happened the month before I tried to commit suicide.")  You can probably deny ever having headaches because how could they ever prove mental stuff?

You're correct about the waivers.  The Services don't need to give any right now because in this bad economy they have more than enough volunteers who don't need waivers.

I hope you get accepted.
Colonel H