Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/Medical Waiver

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Expert: - 4/6/2011


Question
Hello Jason ... Thank you for taking this question.  Currently my son just received the four year Navy (Marine Option) ROTC scholarship.  His desire is to be a Marine Helicopter Pilot.  He had received two nominations for the Navy Academy but wasn't successful but is still excited about the ROTC option.  He has been tagged as Medically DQ'd because of a shoulder surgery he received four years ago, however, he is fully healed.  In fact, he was a four year varsity letterman in wrestling and has had over 200 matches on that shoulder with no incidents.  All this information has been sent to DodMerb and I know he is being considered for a waiver.  Is there any additional information we should provide?  Is this a common medical condition that a waiver is granted for?  Do you have any other recommendations?  Thanks for your time.

Answer
First, congrats!   No, I think you've given everything they need.  It's good that he's done strenous physical activity after the surgery with no ill effects, that will most assuredly work in his favor.   Medical waivers are pretty common overall and I think he stands a good chance to get his.  If you didn't provide the bit about the matches, I would DEFINETELY include it.  Also, don't worry if you don't hear something back right away...these things take time.  Expect a wait of 90 days, sometimes more.   That's about normal.  If it comes quicker then good deal but don't expect it.   Again, I think his chances are good.

All the best,
Jason

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

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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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