Expert: Jason Grabill - 10/22/2007

Question
Hi my name is Robert Sumpter,if my spelling is off,I am sorry
I've been thinking of joining the military ever since I was 12 so I'm not one of those teens who just decide "Yeah I want to join the military and shoot something" When I get into something I think about it carefully.Oh yes,I'm 17,just turned 17 like a week ago.The honor and pride is the real reason I want to go,to be someone...also that's the only way I'm paying for college.To gain more responsibility to prepare me for what's to come in life.Right now I'm struggling with my last few years of school,so much is happening now and I feel I can't get it done.I do plan on getting my GED though and going to college someday.Would the Marines take me in even though I don't have a high school diploma,like would I be able to finish it in there.Also I have a past of Depression/anxiety but I am off medication and have been off medication for about 6 months with no major problems.My eyesight is off,so I wear contacts,how will that effect me on getting into the marines.I had surgery a few years ago when I was 14 on my lung,half of it was taken out but I can still go on like other people,I am doing MMA(Mixed martial arts) and my stamina is better then some people without any lung problems.I don't smoke,drink or plan to,and have no criminal background,so just from this would you say my chances of getting in be slim or do I have a decent shot at it.

Answer
Robert:

  Your spelling is fine!  

It sounds to me like you dropped out of high school, which was bad for sure.  If you haven't, I'd encourage you to stay in no matter what career path you choose.  

 The Marines take less than 1 percent of all applicants who lack a HS diploma.  Think about that for a second.  Less than 1 percent.  There are very, very, few slots for non high school diploma carrying enlistees.  The Marines pretty much won't take you without a diploma.   The army *might* but it's going to be difficult.

 Depression/Anxiety....if you've only been off the meds for 6 months I believe you will unable to enlist at this time (even with a HS diploma).  A doctor will have to sign off on the fact you no longer suffer from depression, etc., and you'll have to be 'med free' for at least a year.

 Eyesight isn't an issue as long as it's corrected to 20/20.

 You'll need a waiver for the surgery after a medical consult on that.  The recruiter would be able to tell you more but it doesn't seem like a big issue.

 So, to sum up, either try to get back into high school, or get your GED ASAP.  That is "Hurdle number 1".   Number 2 is to stay off the meds and get a doctor to certify you don't need them anymore.  Number 3..talk to a recruiter for more information on this.   I'm sure they will tell you the same type of thing, though.

Good luck

Jason