Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/height waiver

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Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 9/5/2010


Question
I had my physical at MEPS last week and passed everything
except for one thing, height. They measured me 2 inches
below the minimum height. The CMO recommended me for a
waiver but a couple of days later, my army recruiter told me
that it was disapproved.

Is there still a chance for me to join a different branch?
Or even have my height re-measured again?  

Answer
Katy,
1.  If you're dead-set on joining the Army then insist on being re-measured by a qualified medical professional.  All too often the mundane job of weight and height measuring is delegated to the low-ranking guys who can barely read a measuring tape.  Over the years I have been measured at everything from 5'11" to 6'4". (I'm 6'2")  I had one youngster argue with me that 6'2" equaled 72", and not 74".
Anyway, be persistent and see what you can accomplish.  Some will work with you, some won't.

The Navy's height standards are one inch less than the Army's.  All the other Branches are the same as, or above, the Army.

Thanks for wishing to join.
Colonel H

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

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MARK A. HOWELL

Expertise

All military questions, any Service. 30 years experience & two Ph.D.'s. 4 times Base Commander. Worked with Army, Navy, USMC, USCG and several foreign military units. Veteran of Kosovo, Bosnia, Macedonia, Kuwait, Iraq, Afghanistan, and 10 civil wars in Africa.

Experience

Air Force Colonel with 30 years experience. Air Force Base Commander 4 times. Highly decorated.

Organizations
Org of Am Historians, Wild West History Assoc., Disabled American Veterans - Life Member, Am Motorcyclist Assoc. - Life Member, North Am Hunt Club - Life Member, NWTF - Life Member

Publications
Numerous book reviews published in the Journal of American History. Two books submitted for publication.

Education/Credentials
Ph.D. in military history, Columbus University (Summa Cum Laude) Ph.D. in history, Northfield University, London, England (Summa Cum Laude) Master of Arts degree in history, Marshall University, WV Bachelors degree, double-major in history and mathematics, Salem College, WV Air War College, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL Squadron Officer School, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL

Awards and Honors
Legion of Merit Defense MSM MSM x 5 Joint Commendation Mdl AF Commendation Medal Army Commendation Mdl Joint Achievement Mdl AF Achievement Medal Outstanding Volunteer Mdl

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