Expert: Rod Powers - 11/8/2007

Question
QUESTION: I have a dream ive always wanted to be in the service, this was a dream ive had since i can remember. When i was 18, i applied for the Marines, but due to a hearing loss in my left ear, at a moderate level, i was unable to get in. i now want to get into law enforcement in the Coast guard, from my dad telling about it. I read the coast guard doesnt give a hearing test, only vision. Also, that they just make sure you can hear the doctor. Is this true? Ive read this on many locations. I know the Navy, army, and marines make you take an Actual hearing test. But the coast guard doesnt? Ohhh if this is true! IF they do, are waivers attainable? Please i hope to hear from someone, Thank you for you time.

ANSWER: Hi Gregg,

All of the services use the same basic medical standards for qualification for enlistment. While these standards are set by DOD (Department of Defense), and while the Coast Guard is a member of the Department of Homeland Security, they have agreed, in a separate contract with DOD to accept the DOD standards for enlistment.

Everyone who goes to MEPS undergoes the standard hearting test. This includes applicants for all the services, including the Coast Guard. The hearing standards (for any of the branches) can be read in my article at: http://usmilitary.about.com/od/joiningthemilitary/a/hearing.htm.

It doesn't matter what service you're joining. The medical examination for all the services, is done by MEPS, and everyone undergoes the hearing test. If you don't meet the DOD standards, then it's up to the individual services as to whether or not to consider/approve a waiver. Details about this in my article at: http://usmilitary.about.com/od/joiningthemilitary/a/medicalwaiver.htm.

For more information about the United States Military, feel free to visit my U.S. Military information site at: http://usmilitary.about.com.

Hope this helps!

Rod Powers
http://usmilitary.about.com

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Sorry to bother you again, sir, but i have a follow up question. I just honestly really want to join the miltary, and be apart of something thats great. 1) I was wondering is there a branch that is more adapt to accept a waiver than others? 2) Secondly, do the branches all have different entrance standers, ive always heard the marines is like three times harder to get in. But the army accepts everyone, is there any truth to this? ANd lastly, with my hearing, which branch should i persue. I hope you can point me in the right direction. People keep telling me the coast guard, but i would like your honest opinion. Thank you again, look forward to hearing from you.  (hopes he gets a branch name.) PLLEASSE GUIDE ME, hehe

ANSWER: Hi Gregg,

The Army is more likely to approve medical waivers, at this time, than any other branch. That's followed by the Marine Corps. The Air Force and Navy are less likely to approve waivers this year.

Why? Because a couple of years ago, Congress passed legislation to increase the size of the active duty Army and the active duty Marine Corps, while at the same time decreasing the authorized size of the active duty Air Force and the active duty Navy.

What that means is that between now and the year 2011, the Army and Marine Corps are growing larger and need more new recruits, while the Navy and Air Force are growing smaller, and need fewer new recruits.

In order to meet their recruiting goals, between now and the year 2011, the Army needs to recruit at least 80,000 new recruits each year, and the Marine Corps about 37,000 new recruits each year.

All of the services have the same medical standards for enlistment. However, depending on "need," each of the services have the option of "waiving" the DOD standards. For details, see my article about Medical waivers at: http://usmilitary.about.com/od/joiningthemilitary/a/medicalwaiver.htm. The article explains the entire process.

For more information about the United State Military, feel free to visit my U.S. Military Information Site at: http://usmilitary.about.com. Hope this helps!

Rod Powers
http://usmilitary.about.com

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: just wantedto say a BIG thank you sir. I will go talk to the army. I owe you. What bothers me is i keep hearing that if u dont pass the hearing test, there is NO waivers, period, but i know that isnt true right.  But again a great thanks to you.

Answer
There's no such thing as "no waivers." If you fail the DOD test, it's entirely up to the service you're trying to join as to whether or not to grant a waiver.

For more information about the United State Military, feel free to visit my U.S. Military Information Site at: http://usmilitary.about.com. Hope this helps!

Rod Powers
http://usmilitary.about.com