Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/ACL waiver for the marine corps

Advertisement

Expert: - 8/11/2007


Question
Hi was wondering what my chances of getting a waiver for the marine corps if I had ACL surgery.  I had the surgery almost 4 years ago.  I joined the army back in 2005 right after I was cleared by my surgeon. and while in basic training I pulled a muscle in that leg at went to the doctor.  The doctor told me that I should of waited another 2 year to join to allow the strength to fully return to my leg.  My knee wasn't bothering me but it kind of gave out a couple of times and he said it was because the Quad muscles in the upper leg were not fully strong yet and was discharged.  Since then I've been working out like crazy and have gained all the strength back and my doctor cleared me 100 with no limitations for military service.  I talked to a recruiter yesterday and he sent all my info down to MEPS to start the process.  I want to know what are the chances of my getting a waiver for my knee.  Thank you

Answer
Brandon:

  Realistically, it will be up to the MEPS doctors, most of whom are civilians who find any excuse to keep people OUT of the military for some reason.   Kinda stupid really but that's the way they are.   That having been said, if your packet has been sent to MEPS already, that is a good sign, esp since you already have one doctor who has signed off on it.   I can't give you an "up or down" answer because it really depends on what the MEPS docs decide, but since you already have a 'sign off' from one doctor, the chances are better than average you'll get your waiver.

Jason

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

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

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.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.