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Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/Questions Answered by Expert MARK A. HOWELL
| Subject | Date Asked |
| medical | 1/12/2012 |
| Q: First of all I want to thank you for your service. I am 19 years old and was diagnosed with ... A: Kamron, Since you've already been to MEPS what you need to do now is get it in writing from a doctor ... | |
| Need your help | 1/9/2012 |
| Q: Here is the situation, my girlfriend and I have been together for a while now. She just got done ... A: Tyler, Congratulations on your pending marriage. The AF will do their best to keep you guys ... | |
| Hearing Impaired - left ear only | 1/1/2012 |
| Q: My daughter is looking to enlist in the Marines this summer, she is hearing impaired in her left ear ... A: Tina, Following is a direct quote from the military medical regulations: Acceptable audiometric ... | |
| medical rule | 12/25/2011 |
| Q: i am 31 year old male seeking to join the navy since i been 18. but my question is will i be ... A: David, Hypothyroidism is the opposite of hyperthyroidism – or overactive thyroid – a condition in ... | |
| Tourettes and my career. | 12/22/2011 |
| Q: I've come to ask you on your professional opinion. A few days ago, I went in to talk to my local ... A: T.J., Yes, they definitely have to go through with it. There's constantly different rewards being ... | |
| Tourettes and my career. | 12/21/2011 |
| Q: I've come to ask you on your professional opinion. A few days ago, I went in to talk to my local ... A: Taylor, Sorry to hear you're having such problems. Your big problem seems to be the name of the ... | |
| Waiver | 12/17/2011 |
| Q: Over a year ago I was arrested in Florida for grand theft. Outcome was adjudication withheld. At the ... A: Tyler, You can try another state if you wish. Visit a grandparent, aunt & uncle, friend, anybody ... | |
| USMC Officer/Reserves/Force Recon. | 12/15/2011 |
| Q: you may remembered me from awhile ago when I asked you about the possibility of serving in the USMC ... A: Taylor, Think about it. What good is a gunner unless he's shooting bad guys? It's part of his job ... | |
| USMC Officer/Reserves/Force Recon. | 12/11/2011 |
| Q: you may remembered me from awhile ago when I asked you about the possibility of serving in the USMC ... A: Taylor, 1. A WO is commissioned, just like a regular officer. He is above a SNCO and below an ... | |
| Top Secret Clearance With Multiple Traffic Violations | 12/8/2011 |
| Q: Good day Col. Howell, I have just recently read one of the questions that you responded to and it ... A: Alexandar, You shouldn't have to worry about getting a TS clearance. As long as you have them ... | |
| Top Secret Clearance With Multiple Traffic Violations | 12/8/2011 |
| Q: Good day Col. Howell, I have just recently read one of the questions that you responded to and it ... A: Alexandar, So you're the Grandma that was holding up traffic yesterday, huh? Ha Ha It's a good ... | |
| medical | 12/6/2011 |
| Q: Does having asthma automatically disqualify you from the military? A: Zack, It depends upon when you had it or still have it. Any childhood problem you may have had ... | |
| Severence Pay | 12/1/2011 |
| Q: I recently underwent a MRB and received a disabilitiy rating and my injuries were combat related. ... A: Andrew, First of all, you were right to be concerned with your DD 214. A lot revolves around that ... | |
| joining the army with a reckless conduct charge | 12/1/2011 |
| Q: My name is Hector Rivera and I have a Question? When i was 18 I got a felony reckless conduct charge ... A: Hector, Not a problem. As long as you have no other offenses you'll be given a waiver. By the way, ... | |
| basic training location and mos? | 11/24/2011 |
| Q: ok i just enlisted in the army as a 89b which is ammunition specialist i have been told this is a ... A: Keith, Stop and think about it. Where does the front line soldier get his ammo? Definitely not ... | |
| USMC Officer/Reserves/Force Recon. | 11/23/2011 |
| Q: you may remembered me from awhile ago when I asked you about the possibility of serving in the USMC ... A: TJ, First of all congratulations on such high scores and a great high school record. That counts ... | |
| Eligibility | 11/23/2011 |
| Q: My father in law was in the military. he was given an honorable discharge inb 1951. his discharge ... A: John, Probably nothing,aside from being able to call himself a veteran. Those discharged for ... | |
| Re-joining after Resignation RILO | 11/14/2011 |
| Q: I was recently a 2nd Lt Infantry officer in the Army. I had 4 years of ROTC and was temporarily ... A: James, Sorry to hear about your troubles. I guess you learned the hard way. You have a better than ... | |
| Coast Guard Entry Legal Disqualifications | 10/29/2011 |
| Q: Sir, I had a question about claims that a single misdemeanor is disqualifying for Coast Guard ... A: Tafiaina, With that name you sound like a Pacific Islander, am I right? Just wondering. You and ... | |
| Medical Discharge Benifits | 10/28/2011 |
| Q: My ex-spouse has recently been medically discharged from the U.S. Army. He is now receiving ... A: Melissa, This is true, however it's a civil matter now and you'll need to consult a private lawyer. ... | |
| failed urine test | 10/28/2011 |
| Q: My son has been in the AF approx 6 yrs he was given a urine test on his last wkend drill (ANG)and ... A: Frank, Your son needs to talk to the military attorneys so he can tell his side of it. They can't ... | |
| ADSEP PRT Failure | 10/27/2011 |
| Q: I am active duty navy and I may be separating soon due to BCA failure. I have talked to a Airforce ... A: Antionette, If you meet the physical standards it's fairly easy to do. If you have previously ... | |
| erroneous commission | 10/14/2011 |
| Q: Sir Your background and education make me believe you might know this answer, but keep in mind ... A: Dan, Sorry for the delay. I've been in the hospital. Apparently I didn't duck enough and got shot ... | |
| Leaving the Army | 10/11/2011 |
| Q: I am interested in information regarding separation from the Army Reserve. I am currently a ... A: Kevin, There's no easy way to get out, that wouldn't harm your career and record. You'll be better ... | |
| Discharge | 10/5/2011 |
| Q: Is it legal to be discharged with just a general personality disorder with a reentry code 3 if I ... A: Jamar, You'd be surprised to know all the minor things they can discharge you for and make it stick. ... | |
| USMC Recruiting | 10/4/2011 |
| Q: Hey Mark, my son was 16 and he thought he would put on a USMC Gunnery Sergeant Uniform and say he ... A: Patt, How's anyone going to know about it? Especially if he was never arrested or anything. If I ... | |
| Warrant Officer Program | 9/30/2011 |
| Q: Good Afternoon, I am E-5 currently active duty in the navy been in the navy for 7 years. My ... A: Kara, No, but as I said most people want to be a WO so they can fly. You can certainly go to green ... | |
| Personal interview | 9/28/2011 |
| Q: Today I faced Indian army interview,it was good but one thing i m concerned about is that I told my ... A: Shantanu, You cannot tell what the individual board members may wish to hear, so you can always ... | |
| Personal interview | 9/27/2011 |
| Q: Today I faced Indian army interview,it was good but one thing i m concerned about is that I told my ... A: Shantanu, Intereszing name, like the king huh? You did nothing wrong by telling the truth. Many ... | |
| Warrant Officer Program | 9/26/2011 |
| Q: Good Afternoon, I am E-5 currently active duty in the navy been in the navy for 7 years. My ... A: Kara, Most people want to become a warrant officer so they can fly, so I'll gear my answer toward ... | |
| PT Test for OCS | 9/23/2011 |
| Q: This Monday I am taking the Army PT Test to see if I am eligible to go in front of the board. I am ... A: No, you don't need to max out your PT test. A high score helps, because it proves you have the ... | |
| DEP | 9/13/2011 |
| Q: I was dropped from Marine Corps DEP and now want to join the army and the army recruiter I am ... A: Dillon, You should have some discharge papers on file somewhere. If you don't have a copy try ... | |
| Honerable Discharge with a RE4 code | 9/13/2011 |
| Q: I served 13yrs in the Marines from 1984-1997 and always had excellent reviews. In 1993 after we came ... A: Lee, Sorry you got caught up in that, but yes, it's within the new commander's right to do so. He ... | |
| thalassemia and army | 9/12/2011 |
| Q: officer in the Army just found out has beta Thalassimia minor, will this affect career? A: Mrs. T, This inherited blood disease is prevalent in peoples from the Mediterranean region, ... | |
| domestic violence | 9/5/2011 |
| Q: I tried joining the millitary 5 months back but was unable to join because of a domestic violence ... A: Calvin. You didn't say which branch of the Service you tried. If you're not choosy, try another ... | |
| NAVY | 9/4/2011 |
| Q: My daughter is in the first stages of trying to join the navy, she had voluntarily entered rehab a ... A: Sara, Yes. She will need a waiver to join, but she'll get in. She should wait a few weeks though. ... | |
| RE-4 Overrule? | 9/1/2011 |
| Q: I am a prior Navy Reservist and prior Active duty as well. I joined in November of 2004 as a ... A: Vernon, Whew! What a long story. As I read it fron here, knowing nothing else of the details, I ... | |
| Chapter 13 discharge | 8/25/2011 |
| Q: Good afternoon, sir, i have a question regarding chapter 13 discharge. My unit is dropping the ... A: Graham, Yes, they will pay for your trip home, to your home of record as listed on your entrance ... | |
| Mother moving in | 8/23/2011 |
| Q: My mother as recently decided to move in with our family. We live on a military base. Is she allowed ... A: Katherine, It's easier for all concerned to have her made your dependent. Plus it's financially ... | |
| Funeral Director/Embalmers in Military Service | 8/21/2011 |
| Q: I am a licensed funeral director/embalmer and want to serve my country in the armed forces. I am 29, ... A: Luke, Are you sure about going enlisted vs. officer? I know several people with Bachelor's Degrees ... | |
| !scared! | 8/18/2011 |
| Q: I had knee surgery in April 2011 i tore my ACL and i gave my recruiter the history of the surgery ... A: Hamilton, Don't be scared. The worst that can happen is they'll say no and send you home from the ... | |
| Chapter 11 question | 8/12/2011 |
| Q: I am at my first duty station, and am being discharged under chapter 11. I have spoken with my 1sgt ... A: Casey, A Chapter 11 discharge means "Failure to Adapt." They usually get processed fairly quickly ... | |
| JFM 2Q | 8/9/2011 |
| Q: I was an enlisted 3C2 in the Air Force for 2 years, and was honorably discharged with a JFM 2Q for a ... A: Tracy, That's a real risk. To try and re-join the AF you must first cancel your VA disability ... | |
| eligibility | 8/9/2011 |
| Q: Will I still be eligible to joim the coast guards with a marihuana misdemeanor? A: Sandra, You'll need a waiver for certain. It may be difficult getting one because one of the Coast ... | |
| Waiver for acceptance into the Air Force Reserves, Air National Guard | 8/8/2011 |
| Q: Mr. Howell, "Hello and thank you for taking time to view and answer my concerns. I am in hopes of ... A: Glenn, So are you considering the Army? Hopefully, because they are the most lenient. You'll have ... | |
| Marines and peanuts | 8/7/2011 |
| Q: I am 16 and almost 17 and I dream of becoming a Marine, but I have an allergy to peanuts. Luckily my ... A: Mike, I wouldn't worry if I were you. Peanut allergies are the most common allergy in the country. ... | |
| AFROTC medical dilemma | 8/5/2011 |
| Q: Good evening sir, I would like to apologize in advance for such a lengthy post and question. As of ... A: Jay, If you can still flex your leg that had knee surgery straight out to 90 degrees then you'll ... | |
| RE-3P | 7/28/2011 |
| Q: I served in the Marine Corps from 2003-2008 and was discharged Honorably with a re-entry code of ... A: John, Are you sure you want to go through that crap again? You could aggravate that old injury and ... | |
| Top secret clearance | 7/23/2011 |
| Q: If I receive an honorable discharge do I still keep my top secret clearance I received less than a ... A: Breanna, No. In fact your clearance is job dependant. For example if you move from a position ... | |
| How do I become and embalmer for the military? | 7/16/2011 |
| Q: I am currently a liscenced funeral director/embalmer. I have 8+ years of experience. How do I go ... A: Craig, You evidently want to work for the Federal Civil Service. All federal jobs can be found at: ... | |
| marines | 7/10/2011 |
| Q: I am twelve yrs and i have been wanting to become a marine sniper all my life and i was wondering if ... A: Gabriel, In haven't forgotten you. I'm reading this remotely because we still haven't returned ... | |
| Did I miss the boat? | 7/5/2011 |
| Q: Col Howell, I joined the Army in 2006 in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, and was discharged ... A: Dedrick, Sorry to hear about your problems. Occasionally you run into somebody in a position of ... | |
| medical history | 7/5/2011 |
| Q: My 18 year old son has his heart set on joining the Airforce this fall. In June 2010 he got strep ... A: Debbie, The doctors are correct, he should have no problems at all. He should just be completely ... | |
| Medical Waiver Denied for Marines | 7/5/2011 |
| Q: One of my ultimate dreams in life is to become a United States Marine. I was in the process for ... A: Haley, I'm very familiar with the syndrome as one of my family members had it. Usually any disease ... | |
| ROTC di2nrollment | 5/15/2011 |
| Q: My son is in the Navy ROTC program. As far as I know his only problems have been academic. He was ... A: Vince, I hate to try and give you false hope but I've seen these go both ways. Most of the time ... | |
| Getting back into the Navy DEP | 5/14/2011 |
| Q: I voluntarily left the DEP program due to an issue pertaining to the rating I was shipping out with, ... A: Chris, Relax, you definitely did the right thing. I'm glad you stood your ground. Nothing is more ... | |
| Rangers Officer then Marine Officer. | 5/13/2011 |
| Q: may I start out with saying God bless and thank you for serving our country. I'm 17 and graduating ... A: Taylor, Congratulations on your HS graduation (soon). This is not at all far-fetched or silly. ... | |
| Applying to Naval OS or FBI with A MIP ticket | 5/12/2011 |
| Q: My son and two friends received a MIP ticket last Fall while on their College campus. They were not ... A: Mary, How is a 20 year old considered a minor? I think he will not have a problem with the Navy if ... | |
| Reclassing/Reenlistment | 5/10/2011 |
| Q: I would like to reclass, this Oct, and have a few concerns. I'm 11B, and signed up for 3 yrs, 21 ... A: Clinton, I wouldn't be worried yet. The latest figures show the 68X career field still needing ... | |
| Career as a VETerinarian after Military Retirement | 5/6/2011 |
| Q: H: As you know, Vet (who served) and Vet (who cares for animals), are two words often confused. I ... A: You asked the right guy. My daughter started out to be a veterinarian but ended up beeing a vet ... | |
| can disabled vet join reserves | 5/6/2011 |
| Q: I was discharged from the Navy with RE-3P,JFL. disability, severance pay. I had an head trauma ... A: Christine, Basically no. BEFORE you can even attempt to rejoin, you must write to the VA and tell ... | |
| Questions on joining the military | 5/6/2011 |
| Q: I have achieved a lot in my life and I have no regrets in my life, but the one thing that has been ... A: Julian, These are valid questions that anyone should consider before considering entering the ... | |
| Crossed Fussed Exctopia | 5/3/2011 |
| Q: I am in the Navy Reserve, I have been in the Navy Reserve for over 12 years. I am a PO2 with a ... A: Duane, The old saying is true. "Once a stone-maker, always a stone-maker. I'm glad to hear you ... | |
| Navy sleepwalking discharge/separation | 5/3/2011 |
| Q: My son enlisted in the Navy about 2 1/2 years ago. He enlisted for six years because of the field ... A: Denae, If hey administratively discharge him he will indeed have no benefits. Only if he is ... | |
| Going back into Naval reserve? | 5/3/2011 |
| Q: I was active duty Navy for four years then spent about five years in the Naval Reserve,now I'm 41 ... A: Jim, Your active duty time does indeed count, one year for one year of age. The maximum age for the ... | |
| Re-3f and joining the Army? | 4/7/2011 |
| Q: I was discharged going on 2 years ago now for testing positive for THC on my UA at Parris Island. I ... A: Robert, I'm sorry that you learned the hard way that MJ can stay in you system for up to 6 weeks. A ... | |
| re-enlistment | 4/6/2011 |
| Q: I was discharged from the Navy with an RE-4code about 1 1/2years ago. I am looking to re-enlist into ... A: Bret, Nobody will take you with an RE-4 code, regardless of the reason. It's possible to file an ... | |
| 2nd BA degree and Army OCS | 4/5/2011 |
| Q: I'm going to apply to Army OCS starting sometime next winter, as well as thinking about getting a ... A: Shannon, At one time I also thought of getting a second BA degree. Many wise military folks ... | |
| ARMY | 4/3/2011 |
| Q: I am considering joining the ARMY and was worried about an old DV conviction but when that came back ... A: Maurice, You cannot become an officer with an Associate's degree, you MUST have a Bachelor's degree. ... | |
| TO FIND BEST JOB IN U.S. | 4/2/2011 |
| Q: I AM BHUSHAN PATIL FROM INDIA, I AM 20Y OLD AND HIGHSCHOOL PASSED ONLY. I AM LABOR AND INDIAN ... A: Bhushan, You must be a Green Card holder with enough time on the card to do eight years of Service ... | |
| disclosing info | 4/1/2011 |
| Q: i have had a cosmetic surgery procedure on my face in a foreign country a long time ago, about 2 ... A: Alex, It sounds like your surgery was a success and a life-changing event for you. I'm glad it has ... | |
| Career in biochemistry/research and development in the navy or other military branches | 3/31/2011 |
| Q: Dr. Howell, My grandfather was in the navy and I always thought of a career in the military, ... A: Chris, The military has many opportunities for biochemists. Almost every base or post has a ... | |
| I am in the dep (delayed entry program) and writing a paper of what i wil have to do if I am allowed the honor of graduating bootcamp | 3/31/2011 |
| Q: Sir, I am a High School student in Kansas. For an English project our teacher has asked us to ... A: Joshua, First you need to decide what specific job you'd like to have in the Service of your choice. ... | |
| The buddy system with my friend in the Air Force | 3/19/2011 |
| Q: Howell, my friend and I are still in high school, next year we will be seniors. We are planning on ... A: Maria, Just because you're joining next summer, don't expect to leave for Basic Training right away. ... | |
| Navy Vision Requirements | 3/16/2011 |
| Q: I recently had a DODMERB physical for Navy ROTC and was turned down because I have "Myopia - ... A: Megan, The DODMERB is for ROTC and Service academies only and sometimes are a little more strict. ... | |
| DEP contracts | 3/14/2011 |
| Q: COL Howell, Back in December of 2010 I took a trip to MEPS in order to get some answers regarding ... A: Matthew, The PT test is designed to see if you're in good overall health and physical condition. ... | |
| DEP contracts | 3/11/2011 |
| Q: COL Howell, Back in December of 2010 I took a trip to MEPS in order to get some answers regarding ... A: Matthew, I don't know how you wound up signing a contract to be a Signals Intelligence Analyst, but ... | |
| Disqualifier for military | 3/8/2011 |
| Q: My child was diagnosed with Addison's disease at age 21. She is in pharmacy school currently, and ... A: Tammy, I'm sorry to hear she has this problem. The military will not accept her with this illness. ... | |
| Trying to retire | 3/7/2011 |
| Q: I have 19+ years AD with the USAF - I am currently an AGR (Active Guard/Reserve). Since 2007, the ... A: Elaine, I know you're getting tired of this mess but it's not uncommon for the process to take at ... | |
| Enlistment | 3/5/2011 |
| Q: Dr. Howell, I have always wanted to join the Marines, and came close to doing so recently. I began ... A: Kegan, I forgot to mention that it will be very easy for you to avoid the foods you shouldn't have. ... | |
| Space Technology Training | 3/4/2011 |
| Q: I am graduating with a BS in Mechanical Engineering this June. I want to apply to the Air Force and ... A: Lura, Congratulations on your forthcoming graduation! I'm afraid you have a bit of misconception ... | |
| Reenter Navy as officer after med discharge from Army | 3/1/2011 |
| Q: my husband had a medical discharge from the Army after 9 years of service in 2007. It was for night ... A: Stephanie, Thanks for clarifying that for me. I slightly misunderstood. In today's poor economy I ... | |
| Reenter Navy as officer after med discharge from Army | 2/28/2011 |
| Q: my husband had a medical discharge from the Army after 9 years of service in 2007. It was for night ... A: Stephanie, To start with he should visit another Navy recruiter. Although your husband has been out ... | |
| WWI Army Motor Transport Company | 2/28/2011 |
| Q: I am in possession of my grandfathers discharge papers and a panoramic photo of his company. I'm ... A: John, The Appd Corporal means "Appointed Corporal", the old expression meaning "Promoted to the rank ... | |
| Military,hpsp, ADD | 2/28/2011 |
| Q: I am a medical student on the hpsp scholarship with the navy. I habe been in school now for several ... A: Damien, They can discharge you at any time if they discover you had a pre-existing condition. Your ... | |
| Joining with a Phd | 2/25/2011 |
| Q: I am studying for my Psychology Phd in London, as an American, and I was wondering what types of ... A: Memphis, Congratulations on pursuing an advanced degree! That's something very few people can ... | |
| Army Veterinarian program | 2/24/2011 |
| Q: I have a 14 year old daughter who is planning on a career as a Veterinarian. Her current plan is to ... A: Ginger, Wow! That sounds like a smart young lady you’ve got there. At 14 she’s already got her ... | |
| Military,hpsp, ADD | 2/23/2011 |
| Q: I am a medical student on the hpsp scholarship with the navy. I habe been in school now for several ... A: Damien, The military will not accept you if you are taking, or have taken, ADD drugs like Adderall. ... | |
| Failed drug test | 2/22/2011 |
| Q: My son has been in the Navy now for 3 years and is a Corpman working in a stateside clinic. Never ... A: Dawn, I don't think you're getting the entire story. Most of what he's telling you is true. ... | |
| beta thalassemia minor | 2/22/2011 |
| Q: I joined the Air Force in 2004 as a 2w2. Then in 2007 I joined the Army as a combat medic. I serve ... A: Jon, Sorry to hear you have this disorder. BTM is a genetic (inherited) blood disorder. I can ... | |
| Thyroid issues and the Marine Corps | 2/21/2011 |
| Q: My husband is currently serving in the Marine Corps. He really wants to make it a career, but he has ... A: Courtney, How long has he been in the USMC? The more time and money they have invested in him, the ... | |
| military and parent child rights | 2/17/2011 |
| Q: I recently got married to a woman other than my childs mother. I leave for initial entry training a ... A: Eric, I had to consult with the JAG lawyers on this on. They agree that it's a civilian matter and ... | |
| Possibilities of Enlistment | 2/17/2011 |
| Q: Hey, my name is kainia and i have been giving some thought into joining the military. as of now im ... A: Kainia, First of all, I'm glad your surgery was a success. Here's an exact quote from the military ... | |
| Re-Enlistment After General Discharge | 2/16/2011 |
| Q: Sir, First of all I'm relieved to have found this site and thank you in advance for an honest and ... A: Clint, I too am glad you found this website, you need some straight answers and I speak only the ... | |
| enlistment after acl reconstruction surgery and completed physical therapy | 2/15/2011 |
| Q: i was planning on enlisting into the Marine corps but i tore my acl in my left knee on January 2010. ... A: Eric, The USMC medical regulations say exactly, "Surgical correction of any knee ligaments if ... | |
| 180 day rule? | 2/11/2011 |
| Q: I was in boot camp (Febuary 08) when (while running on the track) I fell and injured my knee pretty ... A: Kelly, Your best hope now is to look in the phone book (or the Internet) to find your nearest ... | |
| how to get back into the military | 2/11/2011 |
| Q: my husband got an honorable discharge from the marines 4 years ago he hurt his shoulder in boot camp ... A: Holly, If he was discharged from Boot Camp he likely had an Uncharacterized Discharge under ... | |
| Husband with PTSD facing Admin Discharge | 2/10/2011 |
| Q: MY husband was prior Navy and came back in to the Army 4 years ago. He has a total of 12 years of ... A: Angela, I'm sorry that you both are experiencing this. Let me answer your specific questions and ... | |
| enlistment | 2/9/2011 |
| Q: I am a 17 yo male and would like to join the military, specifically would like to be a ranger. I ... A: Jeff, Sorry to hear about your leg. It really depends upon where the break occurred, in the upper ... | |
| Buddy system | 2/9/2011 |
| Q: I have a dilemma. Part of me wants to enlist in the Navy to pursue a career as a CTI. The other ... A: Cory, It sounds doubtful your friend may be eligible to join any Branch, definitely not the ... | |
| Leukemia. | 2/9/2011 |
| Q: I read another question on this site about a gentleman who had ALL as a child and was disqualified ... A: Matthew, Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL) is a type of blood cancer and is the most common type of ... | |
| Married housing arrangements | 2/8/2011 |
| Q: My boyfriend is considering trying to get into a military branch. If he did that he would probably ... A: Lynn, Congratulations on your upcoming marriage! After Boot Camp, married folks get to live with ... | |
| Felony question | 2/6/2011 |
| Q: my name is Brian. I am a 37 year old male looking to join the army in the near future. I am in the ... A: Brian, I don't foresee any problems. Your felony is minor, and the more years that have passed the ... | |
| disclosing info | 2/5/2011 |
| Q: i have had a cosmetic surgery procedure on my face in a foreign country a long time ago, about 2 ... A: Alex, Plastic surgery is not really a disqualifier unless it involved the nose. (This is because of ... | |
| X ray question | 2/4/2011 |
| Q: May I ask at any point in time during your career in the marines, they will conduct an X ray exam of ... A: Andrew, When you first process at MEPS as part of your physical, they will give you a chest X-Ray to ... | |
| military questions | 2/4/2011 |
| Q: hi i'm hunter i want to know how long you have to serve in the military A: Fellow Hunter, There are different time periods for different things. A general rule of thumb is ... | |
| summer camp | 2/3/2011 |
| Q: Hey I'm nick and I've been looking for a Marines military kids summer camp for ages 13+ in new ... A: Nick, There's a ton of them in NJ (140 to be exact#. What kind are you looking for? There's some ... | |
| Enlisting in military | 11/27/2010 |
| Q: My son is 21 and is interested in joining the military he has talked to a couple of recruiters and ... A: Kim, I'm glad to see your son at least had the willpower to get his GED. To often folks just quit ... | |
| Few questions about transfering from Reserve to Regular Army (Active Duty) | 11/25/2010 |
| Q: I am currently in AIT now but back in BCT week 2 of basic training my DS made me go to sick call ... A: Jeff, Quit worrying. No news is good news. I wouldn't try to view my medical records at this ... | |
| coast guard | 11/24/2010 |
| Q: what jobs in the coast guard do i qualify for with an asvab score of 70? A: Heather, If you scored 70 on the ASVAB let me congratulate you. You qualify for just about anything ... | |
| Severe Proctitis MEB | 11/23/2010 |
| Q: I am in a TPU and have been diagnosed with severe proctitis. I have most of the symptoms listed in ... A: Luke, I'm sorry you have to have the pain and discomfort of Proctitis. I can't imagine you'd face a ... | |
| ReEntry | 11/20/2010 |
| Q: I was Discharged under a Honorable Medical term. I was supposed to be a fire fighter in the USAF. ... A: Christopher, I'm sorry to hear you have kidney stones. I hope you have passed them by now. If you ... | |
| Army Medical Qualification - pes planus | 11/17/2010 |
| Q: Good day Colonel Howell, I am currently a senior in college working towards my BA in Economics. I ... A: Nathaniel, Flat feet is one of the hardest medical problems to predict. MEPS doctors have a lot of ... | |
| ARMY | 11/17/2010 |
| Q: i was arrested ah week ago for shoplifting i did not leave the store wit the item but they arrested ... A: Josh, Any number of things may happen and yes, you could possibly be kicked out later. You don't ... | |
| Possible Administrative Discharge | 11/17/2010 |
| Q: Would it be possible to re-enlist on active duty (Navy) after an involuntary admin discharge due to ... A: Esteban, Before you start preparing for the worst, remember that a discharge is far from automatic. ... | |
| Elgible Enlistment | 11/16/2010 |
| Q: I am seeking to enlist in the U.S Army. I have two arrest with one conviction. 1st arrest is ... A: Jermal, If you meet all the other requirements, such as physical, you should be OK. Congratulations ... | |
| ROTC scholarship felony restrictions? | 11/16/2010 |
| Q: I am a SGT in the Army, and I have a friend back home who is considering pursuing an ROTC ... A: Matthew, With the background he described it's highly unlikely that he'll be admitted into ROTC. It ... | |
| Military re-instatement | 11/16/2010 |
| Q: Just wanted to know if is was possible to re enter the navy after being discharge for BCA/PRT ... A: Esteban, Most likely not. Body Composition Analysis/Physical Fitness Assessments are taken very ... | |
| Reenlisting with a past suicide attempt. | 11/16/2010 |
| Q: Mr.Howell, My name is Ty, and I am trying to reenlist into the Air Force Reserves, I had a suicide ... A: Ty, Your separation is going to work against you. In your discharge paperwork, look at your DD214 ... | |
| Reenlisting with a past suicide attempt. | 11/15/2010 |
| Q: Mr.Howell, My name is Ty, and I am trying to reenlist into the Air Force Reserves, I had a suicide ... A: Ty, You've pretty much exhausted your resources. I don't know of any way you can overcome both ... | |
| Have an Aerospace Engineering degree, am active army also | 11/14/2010 |
| Q: Mr. Howell, I am an active duty soldier(E4), I came into the army as an E4 because of my degree, ... A: Chintan, AMRDEC is probably your best option right now. The Directorate of Aviation Engineering is ... | |
| Chances of a prior-service Nursing commission | 11/14/2010 |
| Q: Sir, Foremost I would like to express my sincerest gratitude for your attention. Because of the ... A: Michael, Every case is different, but all of the cases I've seen similar to yours have been ... | |
| Ulcerative Proctitis and US Army WOCC | 11/13/2010 |
| Q: Doc Howell, I am a Reservist that was just disenrolled from the US Army Warrant Officer Candidate ... A: Jerad, I'm sorry you have to have the pain and discomfort of Ulcerative Proctitis (UP#. I can't ... | |
| sleep walking/ reenlistment | 11/13/2010 |
| Q: I was diagnosed with sleep walking while at basic training and sent home a few weeks before ... A: Ryan, Your separation - Entry Level Separation-Convenience of the Government, means you had less ... | |
| Waiver for Enlistment | 11/11/2010 |
| Q: Howell, I am a 19 year old male who has been considering joining the Army as a possible career ... A: Jonathan, Thank you for the kind words. You did right by asking an Expert. Since you have never ... | |
| Denied reenlistment | 11/9/2010 |
| Q: I am an active duty Chief in the Navy and i was recently denied reenlistment because of a DUI i ... A: Chief, From what you've stated you should indeed be entitled to full involuntary separation pay. ... | |
| lots of questions | 11/9/2010 |
| Q: if your not married but have kids can you still join? what is the differences between all the ... A: Kalee, 1. Yes, but you may not have more than 2 dependents. 2. They're exactly the same, by law. ... | |
| rank questions | 11/7/2010 |
| Q: I am a writer and I was wondering if you would be able to help me with a few questions. My book is ... A: Tristen, You book plans sound exciting. A typical team consists of 6-9 men who are cross-trained to ... | |
| Can me and my friend join the army together ? | 11/7/2010 |
| Q: Me and my friend live in the UK - Scotland and where wondering if there is any chance we could join ... A: Chrissy, Soldiers who enlist together are guaranteed to attend the same basic training unit at the ... | |
| Torn Aorta | 11/6/2010 |
| Q: I'm 19 years old looking into becoming an aviation rescue swimmer in the navy. When I was 14 I tore ... A: Gordon, I'm sorry to hear that you had such a problem but I'm glad you are fine now. A history of ... | |
| Miscarriage | 11/5/2010 |
| Q: I want to join the Air Force and wanted to know if having a miscarriage will disqualify me. It ... A: Diana, I'm sorry to hear you had a miscarriage but I'm also glad you're OK. No, having a ... | |
| AFQT | 11/3/2010 |
| Q: My grandson, just today, completed his ASVAB and scored a 40 as he doesn't test well. Regardless, he ... A: Phil, A score of 40 on the ASVAB isn't bad. He'll get into any Service with that. At present, the ... | |
| Re entire as Office | 11/3/2010 |
| Q: I have a couple of questions.First question I have been out of the military for 9 years and I was ... A: Stefanie, Before I can answer your question I need to know how old you are now? What is your Sep ... | |
| spice use | 11/2/2010 |
| Q: My brother was on his way to Marine boot camp yesterday, his flight to San Diego was leaving the ... A: Carmen, If it were any other Branch of the Service I'd say he has a good chance of staying in. ... | |
| Thyroid problem | 11/1/2010 |
| Q: I've been wanting to join the Army Infantry or Rangers for the past 8 years. I'm 15 right now and I ... A: Mark, I’m sorry to hear that you have Hyperthyroidism. It’s not life threatening, but having to ... | |
| Special Operations | 11/1/2010 |
| Q: im in the process of trying to join the military. Im looking for a career in special forces. Ive ... A: Lucas, As you've discovered, the SEALS have their own physical standards, independent of the Navy, ... | |
| BAH Entitlement | 11/1/2010 |
| Q: Sir, I recently arrived in Germany. My orders have me as being single/unaccompanied tour. I got ... A: Austin, The Housing office has some strange rules. You are required to provide proof that your wife ... | |
| Space A travel | 10/30/2010 |
| Q: First, thank you for your time. I am trying to determine if I am eligible for Space A travel. My ID ... A: Chip, Yes, you are eligible. Your blue ID card signifies you are a retiree. Space A travelers are ... | |
| Helicopter Pilot | 10/30/2010 |
| Q: I have currently completed my CFII rating with Scottsdale Helicopters. I am 22, 5'10, 180lbs. I am ... A: Monte, Absolutely! Already having your CFII will enable you to skip a lot of the "Basics of Flight" ... | |
| My fathers Undesirable Discharge for a mental disorder | 10/29/2010 |
| Q: Hi My dad now 75 years of age was discharged from the Army in 1954 for an Anti-social behavior ... A: James, After 56 years it's hard to prove what was fair. The military was a completely different ... | |
| Joining the Armed Forces | 10/29/2010 |
| Q: Good afternoon Sir. My name is Alex I'm a high school senior who has an interest in joining the ... A: Alex, Sorry for the delay in answering, I just returned. If you really want to join, you'll have to ... | |
| Change of station due to family | 10/29/2010 |
| Q: I re enlisted back in Jan. in the Army to reclass to 91b while deployed. When returning to Ft Carson ... A: Anthony, Wow, what a goose chase I've been on and I'm a colonel so I can imagine what you've been ... | |
| enlistment restrictions | 10/28/2010 |
| Q: My 15 year old son wants to join the Navy after high school. Last summer he was in a 4-wheeler ... A: Tina, Friends and relatives usually mean well, but seldom give good advice. Fortunately, you have ... | |
| Signing up | 10/28/2010 |
| Q: I signed up for the Marines and went to boot camp in October 08. I dislocated my shoulder badly at ... A: Dan, What the recruiter is telling you is basically true, he's just seems to not be telling you why. ... | |
| Millitary College Fund Usage oversea | 10/28/2010 |
| Q: Is MGIB "or" any other military college fund appropriate onto the foreign countries, just like ... A: Moby, Sorry I couldn't answer you sooner, I was away on a mission. 1. I see you're writing from ... | |
| Officer Corps | 10/28/2010 |
| Q: Sir, Thank you for taking your time to be available to people like me who need your expertise. I ... A: Sara, I'm glad you feel a little better about your situation now. You need to relax and enjoy ... | |
| Change of station due to family | 10/28/2010 |
| Q: I re enlisted back in Jan. in the Army to reclass to 91b while deployed. When returning to Ft Carson ... A: Anthony, It's not too long. Actually it's not long enough for me to get it straight. Please ... | |
| Officer Corps | 10/27/2010 |
| Q: Sir, Thank you for taking your time to be available to people like me who need your expertise. I ... A: Sara, I understand why you’re doubting yourself and that in itself is the mark of a good leader. ... | |
| Air Force D.E.P - Housing. | 10/27/2010 |
| Q: Good evening Sir. A girl i know has been working towards a career in the Air Force and has been in ... A: Rose, It's very nice of you to be concerned for, and helping, a friend. She may stay anywhere she ... | |
| buddy system | 10/26/2010 |
| Q: Is there such thing as the buddy system? What is it? What branches offer it? My younger brother ... A: Stephanie, What a nice big sister you are. Yes, there is such a thing. Every Branch of the Service ... | |
| RE-4 | 10/26/2010 |
| Q: It was the Gardehusar regiment that I served in. I tried contacting a recruiter through the Army ... A: Dane, I would recommend you try chatting live on-line with an Army recruiter at: ... | |
| Change MOS | 10/26/2010 |
| Q: I'm a 92F. I've been doing 88M forever though. 4 deployments actually, 3 of which as a Sergeant. ... A: Eric, Most Petroleum Supply Specialists I know would jump at the chance to get out and dive, but ... | |
| humanitarian relocation | 10/26/2010 |
| Q: I am an A1C, and have been in for about 20 months and on my first duty station for about 5. well ... A: Amy, Up through your chain of command. Send a letter to your Wing Commander, with your immediate ... | |
| Change of Station | 10/23/2010 |
| Q: My daughter is married to an Airman and they are stationed in England. My daughter is pregnant and ... A: Kris, I've dealt with this several times and the answer is always the same. The AF will not ... | |
| DUI and my career...if it's not ruined | 10/22/2010 |
| Q: Sir, I am currently a recipient/member of the US Army Health Professions Scholarship Program. As ... A: M.S. I'm sorry to hear about your situation. A momentary lapse in judgment can do that. ... | |
| i need some advice... | 10/22/2010 |
| Q: I did passed the ASVAB and after I passed it my recluter told me he can't so anything about it ... A: Santiago, Congratulations on finally passing the ASVAB. If you've been found not guilty I don't ... | |
| rejected from army for having to be on medicine to controle my multiple sclorosis | 10/20/2010 |
| Q: I went to the recruiting office full of hope to not only find some direction in my life but many ... A: Jason, I’m sorry to hear you’re inflicted with MS. The military considers MS a disqualifier for ... | |
| Living on base or off base;navy | 10/18/2010 |
| Q: my name is Alysia. My boyfriend has just been sworn into the navy recently and is leaving for ... A: Alysia, The Navy will not recognize you as a legal dependent until you present your marriage ... | |
| prescreening denied hypothyroidism | 10/18/2010 |
| Q: I am attempting to enlist in the air force. My prescreening form was sent to MEPS, and they rejected ... A: Whitney, I'm sorry to hear about your hypothyroidism. With that score and a Bachelor's Degree I'd ... | |
| ADHD and Army Infantry | 10/18/2010 |
| Q: My step-son has been diagnosed with ADHD since he was 5 years old. He started on 5 mg of Adderall ... A: Karla, Sorry I couldn't answer sooner, I was called away on a no-notice mission. You're right about ... | |
| Waiver or Not | 10/18/2010 |
| Q: My son was judicated when 16 for receiving stolen property. A cell phone someone else had stolen at ... A: Robin, Congratulations on getting his record expunged, that's a wise choice and not easy to ... | |
| Airforce Pilot | 10/18/2010 |
| Q: My name is Aline Lin, and I am from Bucklands Beach Intermediate. We are currently doing a project ... A: Aline, I see you're from New Zealand. I know just about where your school is. I used to visit a ... | |
| Good Navy Rating | 10/18/2010 |
| Q: I want to get my ASVAB score as high as I can. My AFQT score is 61. I wanted to do something in ... A: Sandy, For such a simple question I’m going to have to give you a long answer. You’ve covered 3 ... | |
| Re-4 | 10/17/2010 |
| Q: Sir I received a RE-4 from the Navy about 15 years ago. Due to having smoked marijuana 6 weeks prior ... A: Dane, What an interesting career you've had so far. I have a close friend in the Royal Danish ... | |
| brother in the coast guard had a accident | 10/17/2010 |
| Q: ok here goes my brother has been in the coast guard since 2001very clean record i think his rank is ... A: Petirna, You say "so far no one has spoken to him about it." Being a police officer he should know ... | |
| re-enlist | 10/12/2010 |
| Q: my husband joined the Army in June of 2005 with a waiver because he has a steel rod from his knee to ... A: Kesha, His chances are good. If he received a waiver once, he'll be able to get it again. Just ... | |
| Depression | 10/12/2010 |
| Q: West Point: 1999-2003,Officer Basic Course: summer 2003,Uniformed Services University of the Health ... A: Vincent, I'm not going to question why you dislike military service, or try to convince you ... | |
| Joining USCG | 10/10/2010 |
| Q: I am a 2nd mate license holder from India and holde eqivalent license of UK,recently i got US green ... A: Raghuvendrs, Congratulations on getting your green card and also on being a Second Mate. I imagine ... | |
| recruit | 10/9/2010 |
| Q: My son just received his Eagle Rank. He is 17 Oct 2010 - he will not graduate until he is 18.. Is ... A: dj, Congratulations on him earning Eagle rank. That's quite an accomplishment. I would encourage ... | |
| At an impasse | 10/7/2010 |
| Q: Mr. Howell, Ive been skimming through this website and you seem to be very knowledgeable on a ... A: Paul, If you even made the cut for SWCC training you must be in incredible shape. I envy you for ... | |
| airforce pj | 10/6/2010 |
| Q: sir, i would like to know about enlistment in pararesuce what ae the requriments and the path to get ... A: Akeen, Unlike some career fields you may enter the Air Force PJ career field (Air Force Speciality ... | |
| Getting in the USMC | 10/5/2010 |
| Q: 11 months ago I had a flare up with Crohns disease. In April I had a surgery that removed a foot of ... A: Taylor, Crohn’s is a disqualifier for joining the military. The reasoning behind this is that ... | |
| re enlistment | 10/4/2010 |
| Q: my daughter served 3 yrs in NG and was general discharged for bipolar. She was going thru too much ... A: Suellen, With an RE-3 code she will need a waiver, but yes, she is eligible. She needs to see a ... | |
| want to reenlist, fraudulent entry discharge | 10/4/2010 |
| Q: Good afternoon Sir, Here is my situation; Sep. 04' I was honorably disharged from ... A: David, Yours is a very unique situation. I must admit I've never known anyone use that tactic to ... | |
| Special Operation Forces and Requirements | 10/4/2010 |
| Q: I am 18 years old and it has been my dream to become a Navy Seal for at least the last couple of ... A: Matthew, Hopefully you know that SEALS are selected from Navy sailors that have at least 4 years ... | |
| Army | 10/3/2010 |
| Q: my name is akeen i was wanted to ask you how will i be able to get a airborne contact or a path to ... A: Akeen, The 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) is a light infantry division of the United States ... | |
| Becoming a Naval Aviator after Air Force service | 10/3/2010 |
| Q: I've always wanted to be a pilot in the Navy but I've recently found out about the Air Force's ... A: Jeff, Sounds like quite an ambitious plan you have there. Yes, it's possible. Navy aviators must ... | |
| Medical History | 10/3/2010 |
| Q: I have been reading your past posts regarding medical pasts, and I have a few follow-up questions ... A: Emily, Congratulations on your upcoming graduation! Don't worry, Hypothyroidism is not a ... | |
| Army commissioning | 10/2/2010 |
| Q: I have tried for five years to become a commissioned officer in the Army. I am a BSN (Bachelor of ... A: Lucinda, I'm glad to hear you're healthy and have no more problems. Your past medical problems are ... | |
| Non-prior service | 10/2/2010 |
| Q: I graduated from boot camp, and got put on medical hold. The off-base doctor recommended I get a ... A: Rob, A ReEntry Code of RE-3E means exactly: Failure to meet education prerequisites. Fully ... | |
| insurance for baby w/military | 10/1/2010 |
| Q: My b/f who is currenlty in Iraqi (just got there 2 weeks ago)and I are expecting (due mid nov). Is ... A: Melissa, Congratulations on soon becoming a mother. To answer your question, the military does not ... | |
| Age waiver to become an officer | 10/1/2010 |
| Q: I have been in the military for almost 12 years, in the Air Force Reserves, and just now I am able ... A: Corina, Congratulations on your upcoming graduation. It's an accomplishment you can be proud of. ... | |
| medical was denied at MEPS for un true reason | 10/1/2010 |
| Q: Near the end of ky physical at MEPS, when the doctor asked if i had any noticable marks or scarring ... A: Lauren, You can try again later. Your recruiter can tell you the waiting period. Each Service is ... | |
| Army | 10/1/2010 |
| Q: my name is akeen i was wanted to ask you how will i be able to get a airborne contact or a path to ... A: Akeen, Before you can become an Army Ranger, you must first join the U.S. Army. You must sign an ... | |
| From MEPS to Surgeon General | 10/1/2010 |
| Q: Good evening, Col. Howell, For your sake, & because it's a common question, I'll bullet my points, ... A: Aldritch, You're getting a headstart on the AF already. Most briefings, talking papers, point ... | |
| West Point Academy-Tattoos | 9/29/2010 |
| Q: I have a sort of difficult question. I am currently serving active duty in the USAF and recieved a ... A: Nathan, It must be a large tattoo. The AF regs say it cannot be over one-third of the body part ... | |
| Hypothyroidism | 9/28/2010 |
| Q: I know you have answered this question befor, but I'm going to MEPs in october to join the navy to ... A: Zach, As long as your Hypothyroidism is controlled with medication you may join the Navy. However, ... | |
| Keratoconus | 9/27/2010 |
| Q: I have researched this quite a bit. Finding out that Keratoconus is a automatic DQ for military. But ... A: Eric, I'm glad to see you've done some homework. Since your question was not marked "Private" I'll ... | |
| Military Discharge Question | 9/27/2010 |
| Q: Respected Sir, I was in Army Active duty and was discharged from US Army on 20th Apr,2010 Due to ... A: Shreyas, That sounds like an Indian name, correct? (I'm just curious# Because you've been in for ... | |
| Education in service | 9/27/2010 |
| Q: Good afternoon sir. I was wondering if I do get drafted for any number of reasons, could I become a ... A: Alex, Don't worry about being drafted. In 1973, at the end of the Vietnam War, Congress abolished ... | |
| Denied Recruitment | 9/27/2010 |
| Q: Good day Mark, and thanks for taking time to answer my questions. Ive wanted to be army rangers ... A: Chad, Too bad you got burnt on the bike. The Army will usually allow you a waiver for one minor ... | |
| allergies | 9/27/2010 |
| Q: Before I post, I will let you know I also asked the expert on the Coast Guard this same question. I ... A: Gray, There are 24 varieties of MREs and none of them contain peanuts in any form. After ... | |
| medical questions | 9/27/2010 |
| Q: My son had enlisted in the army and had been sworn in. One week before he was to leave for basic ... A: Angela, I'm sorry to hear he was in trouble, and that it took so long to resolve his case. Current ... | |
| pins/surgery | 9/27/2010 |
| Q: I have pins in both of my hips due to an elective bilateral hip rotation. I am aware that most of ... A: Jason, A dire Before you think about removing the pins, you may not have to. A direct quote from ... | |
| Dislocated shoulder disqualifying? | 9/27/2010 |
| Q: Ok here is the question, I had previously dislocated my shoulder in the police academy back in 2008, ... A: Adam, The surgery is not a disqualifier it it was successful. The medical regulation say exactly, ... | |
| allergies | 9/26/2010 |
| Q: Before I post, I will let you know I also asked the expert on the Coast Guard this same question. I ... A: Gray, Even in Boot Camp you'll eat cafeteria style where you can select whatever you wish to eat. ... | |
| Joining the military | 9/24/2010 |
| Q: Will having a hyperthyroid prevent me from joining the military? A: Ashlee, Yes, unfortunately hyperthyroidism is a disqualifier. This is because hyperthyroidism can ... | |
| marine enlistments | 9/24/2010 |
| Q: not meaning disrespect to anyone, i am a 7 year navy veteran, my son joined the marines, and ... A: Steve, Cellulitis is one of those strange ailments that appear from nowhere and causes big ... | |
| allergies | 9/23/2010 |
| Q: Before I post, I will let you know I also asked the expert on the Coast Guard this same question. I ... A: Gray, Sorry you're getting the brush off from recruiters. I'd like to think they're better than ... | |
| Advice on the Air force | 9/22/2010 |
| Q: Howell, I am currently a senior in high school and will graduate in May 2011, I was wondering for ... A: Nathalie, Congratulations on your upcoming graduation. You are wise to begin planning your future ... | |
| re-enlisting after discharge | 9/21/2010 |
| Q: My husband is in AIT (army). He has already finished class. He is currently a hold over, has been ... A: Tineshia I'm sorry to hear he's having medical problems and that the therapy isn't working. ... | |
| Medication during OTS? | 9/20/2010 |
| Q: Sir, I was diagnosed with colitis nearly two years ago. The medicine I currently take is an ... A: Mike, You are not allowed to take prescription medication with you to OTS. That's because you're ... | |
| Discharge process | 9/20/2010 |
| Q: I joined the National Guard a few months ago and have been drilling in the local Recruit Sustainment ... A: Kevin, You've done your homework. The choices you've described are spot-on accurate. No, you will ... | |
| Worried about my nephew. | 9/20/2010 |
| Q: Good day Mr. Howell Recently my nephew told me that he decided that he will be enlisting in the ... A: Mike, In a way you're both right. You're correct in that if he tells the truth he would likely be ... | |
| Depression discharge | 9/19/2010 |
| Q: I'm in the air forceand have been in about 7 months now and it's not for me nor what I want.. I'm ... A: Jamey, Any discharge takes 3-6 weeks. A medical discharge takes a bit longer because there's ... | |
| Depression discharge | 9/19/2010 |
| Q: I'm in the air forceand have been in about 7 months now and it's not for me nor what I want.. I'm ... A: Jamey, I'm sorry to hear you're having such a rough time of it. The military just isn't for ... | |
| Thyroid | 9/17/2010 |
| Q: Hi my son is thinking about joining the Navy he has a thyroid condition will this keep him from ... A: Randy, Actually, it depends upon the type of problem he has. According to the military medical ... | |
| RE-4 Code | 9/15/2010 |
| Q: I am going to explain my past the shortest way I can to hopefully elaborate my question a little ... A: Meghan, I'm sorry to hear that you've had so much trouble. Getting an RE code changed is nearly ... | |
| needs a waiver | 9/14/2010 |
| Q: my boyfriend is trying to reenlist into the army. he needs a waiver because he had surgury for ... A: Angela, If he waits until after October 1st he shouldn't have a problem. The Army recruiter is only ... | |
| enlistment as an officer in airforce | 9/14/2010 |
| Q: but i don't exactly know what to get my degree in to be an anesthesiologist in the airforce and was ... A: Moriah, You sure picked a tough career field to pursue. The most common joke that is used to ... | |
| Sick after boot camp | 9/14/2010 |
| Q: My son is on 10 day leave after just finishing boot camp He came home with a strep throat and fever. ... A: Lori, Assuming he enrolled in the military health care plan called Tricare, he can go to any doctor, ... | |
| life | 9/12/2010 |
| Q: If two people just got married an one is in the navy an the other one isn't what happens once she ... A: Calvin, Deployments are like long business trips. Just because your wife will be gone for 6 months ... | |
| Voluntary Recall to Active Duty | 9/11/2010 |
| Q: I know you have answered a similar question but I am a retired Navy Supply Corp LCDR. I have been ... A: Tim, Yes, you would be eligible for promotion under the same rules as everyone else. As for the ... | |
| Dual military relationships/marriage | 9/10/2010 |
| Q: I haven't been able to find a consistent outlook on this subject. I am in the DEP in the Marines ... A: Jordan, Don't let anything stand in the way of love! Stay together as long as you can. If you both ... | |
| Direct Commission as a Captain | 9/10/2010 |
| Q: I am a 40 year old prior enlisted (U.S. Army, 5yrs)with a Masters Degree in Health Services ... A: Benn, It looks as though you meet all the requirements for a direct commissioned officer in the ... | |
| USMC Medical Evaluation Board/BCP issue | 9/8/2010 |
| Q: Greetings veterans, I am an active duty 0311 Infantry Marine and have been part of an ongoing ... A: Ryan, I'm really sorry to hear about your illness and problems. I once had a young troop with ... | |
| Separation Code | 9/6/2010 |
| Q: I was discharged from the USAF in 2004 (Entry Level Separation) and I am now applying to the Board ... A: Melody, Are you sure of what you're asking for? An RE Code of RE-2C means exactly - Involuntary ... | |
| height waiver | 9/5/2010 |
| Q: I had my physical at MEPS last week and passed everything except for one thing, height. They ... A: Katy, 1. If you're dead-set on joining the Army then insist on being re-measured by a qualified ... | |
| re-enlistment | 9/4/2010 |
| Q: I was wondering if a service member of the Marines has 5 yrs in and ha been out for 5 yrs can ... A: Nina, Usually the time limit for re-enlistments is one year. If his Discharge papers says he's ... | |
| Chiefs | 9/3/2010 |
| Q: I served in the Navy for 6 years. I remember hearing about a Chief who had been busted down to E1 ... A: John, Absolutely. Whenever a Servicemember is facing confinement or criminal charges, the first ... | |
| son at basic | 9/3/2010 |
| Q: my son arrived at basic Monday 8-30 i received a phone call from him on Wednesday 9-1 from his cell ... A: Frances, You'll need to know a lot more information than you've been given so far. A new recruit in ... | |
| Getting out of the Navy | 9/2/2010 |
| Q: You have stated that the military does not want someone that does not want to be there. However, my ... A: LeAnn, If I understand you correctly he's going to boot camp as an Enlisted man but meanwhile has a ... | |
| Navy BUMED | 9/2/2010 |
| Q: I enlisted in the Marines in May 19 of 2009. During my enlistment process I was sent to a medical ... A: Rick, Normally a lens implant of any kind is disqualifying for any Service, therefore I'm surprised ... | |
| Deployment lengths | 9/1/2010 |
| Q: I recently got accepted into the Baccalaureate Degree Completion Program for the Navy with a pilot ... A: Christopher, Congratulations on being accepted into one of the hardest and most prestigious programs ... | |
| Dentist wanting to join USAF reseve | 8/30/2010 |
| Q: I wanted to know how to join USAF reserve . I was browsing at some Q and A and came upon a foreign ... A: Richard, You're really in a tough spot. What you're being told is pretty much true. I assume ... | |
| chapter 13 discharge | 8/29/2010 |
| Q: I am currently getting a chapter 13 discharge for failing pt. I will be getting an honorable ... A: Alisha, I'm sorry you've had to go through all this. It's one rule I absolutely hate. As a ... | |
| Medical Disqualification For a Condition He Never Had | 8/24/2010 |
| Q: Howell, My boyfriend received a letter from the Department of Defense which stated that he had not ... A: Krystal, Your reading of the medical regulations is correct. They state, "the following cases ... | |
| Enlistment after getting out of the USMC | 8/23/2010 |
| Q: My question is pertaining to my husband. He was in the Marine Corps for 8.3 years. His rank was SGT. ... A: Brittany, First let me apologize for not answering sooner. I was called away on a no-notice mission ... | |
| AF Reserve Commission | 8/22/2010 |
| Q: I am an E-6 in the AF-Reserve with 6 years of service. I would like to get a reserve commission. I ... A: Garrett, Yes, there are age waivers. You just asked at the wrong time. If you asked anytime in the ... | |
| Fraudulent enlistment | 8/21/2010 |
| Q: How much trouble would a person get into if they were to admit to not disclosing having received ... A: J, I'd find another way to get out. What you're suggesting comes under the heading of Fraudulent ... | |
| background check | 8/20/2010 |
| Q: Im going to join the navy and try for cryptology. I have a question regarding the background check. ... A: Brooks, How badly do you wish to join? If you haven't smoked any for 3 years then it's definitely ... | |
| Adderall in the US Army | 8/19/2010 |
| Q: So, my son, now 25, has served 5 years in the Army Reserves, 1 year in Iraq, and is just 5 months ... A: Rick, Sorry I couldn't get back to you sooner, I was called away on a no-notice mission. The ... | |
| about my further step..... | 8/18/2010 |
| Q: sir, now am pursuing my engineering in 3rd year..... and i want to go into the stream of ... A: Yashwanth, (I have a friend who is an Air Commodore in the Indian Air Force with the same name.) ... | |
| Navy SEALs | 8/17/2010 |
| Q: I'm 19, always been active, never been the fastest or most athletic, but always been able to push ... A: Matt, Sorry for the delay in answering but I was off on a no-notice mission. I was on the ... | |
| Reinlistment from Reserves to Active Duty Age Limit | 8/16/2010 |
| Q: My 34-year old son has served 5 years active duty with two deployments. He is now in the reserves ... A: Linda, Sorry I couldn't answer sooner, I was off on a no-notice mission. Finding the answer is ... | |
| Home School - Diploma | 8/15/2010 |
| Q: Proud to say, both of my son's (21,19) are working on joining the USAF. My 21 year old was home ... A: Blanca, Sorry I couldn't answer sooner, I was off on a no-notice mission. You are wise to be ... | |
| Am I eligable to enlist in the Marine core? | 8/14/2010 |
| Q: Howell, my name is Christopher Polifrone. I have a bit of a predicament on my hands, and I was ... A: Christopher, Sorry I couldn't answer sooner, I was off on a no-notice mission. The recruiter from ... | |
| RE code 3 general under honerable conditions | 8/11/2010 |
| Q: good morning sir, I have been separated for misconduct for a positive UA back i July 11 2008. I was ... A: Steven, I'm glad to hear you got your life turned around. Individuals with an RE Code of "3" can ... | |
| TDRL - want to join PHS | 8/10/2010 |
| Q: I am currently on the TDRL with the Army. Have been that way since Feb 2008. I currently work in the ... A: Derick, You basically cannot get another job while you're on the TDRL. What would you do if the ... | |
| Will previous MEP's failure affect AFROTC? | 8/8/2010 |
| Q: I am currently trying to join the AFROTC at my college. I am an incoming freshman and will be ... A: Dan, You may take the MEPS physical up to 3 times, because medical conditions change (broken bones ... | |
| Joining as an officer | 8/3/2010 |
| Q: I am currently 29, I served 4 years and 5 months and got an honorable discharge with an RE-1 ... A: Shaun, I'm afraid you've missed the age limit cut-off already. Navy OCS requires you to be less ... | |
| questions about MEPs | 8/1/2010 |
| Q: I have one more question regarding things that may help my cause when I go to MEPs. What type of ... A: Zach, Your trip to MEPS begins before you actually leave, with a medical "prescreening" performed by ... | |
| Joining the Air Force | 7/12/2010 |
| Q: I gained a nickel allergy when I was 17 and now I have atopic dermatitis. That was almost three ... A: Josh, I researched the military medical regulations for you and they say exactly: "The causes for ... | |
| DD 214 Blks 26 &27 | 7/10/2010 |
| Q: After serving 11 1/2 years in the Navy I was given an Honorable discharge with a HFT (Unqualified ... A: Kristina, That doesn't make sense to me either. You RE code should've been 3T (Overweight#. Sounds ... | |
| Chapter | 6/24/2010 |
| Q: On February the of 2009 i was told i was getting chaptered for positive urinalysis. Well it took ... A: Aron, Your case has to be documented somewhere and you may have even signed it agreeing to the ... | |
| will I still be able to join? | 6/22/2010 |
| Q: I have never been officially diagnosed but it has been discussed that I have minor IBS, I am getting ... A: Jessica, IBS is not a disqualifier for entry into the military. Mostly because it's too hard to ... | |
| SWCC and hypothyroidism | 6/20/2010 |
| Q: My name is Zach Jacobs and I have a question about joining SWCC. I played football and ran track in ... A: Zach, So you want to be a Boat Guy, huh? You can enter the Navy if your Hypothyroidism is ... | |
| Medical Retirement | 6/17/2010 |
| Q: I have a degenerative retinal issue. I've been researching the AFI48-123 and VA instructions, and ... A: Trey, It would be nice, but unfortunately, no. You must serve TWO full years in the new rank before ... | |
| Special amphibious reconnsiance corpsman (SARC) | 6/17/2010 |
| Q: Good afternoon, I am very interested in becoming a corpsman however I have a strong desire to be ... A: Stefan, I'm surprised YOU know about them, because not many people are aware of the SARCs. They're ... | |
| Re3k | 6/15/2010 |
| Q: I was discharged from NAVY OCS with a re-enlistment code of Re3k. At the time there were extreme ... A: Robert, A Reenlistment Eligibility code of 3K means exactly, "Disenrolled from Naval Academy, not ... | |
| do i qualify? | 6/9/2010 |
| Q: I recently tried joining the military a couple of months ago. Here is my situation: I was 19 when I ... A: Calvin, Short Answer - Yes, you probably can get into the Army, but not right now. You will need to ... | |
| SEALS | 6/7/2010 |
| Q: And i would also like to know how much they get paid. ... A: Caleb, Pay goes according to length of service and rank, with some bonus pay for being in Combat ... | |
| Military Car shipping | 6/4/2010 |
| Q: Me and my friend are having a disagreement. My husband and I are stationed in Okinawa, he is Navy. ... A: Krystle, Friends often mean well but are usually wrong. In this case your friend is mostly correct. ... | |
| Navy Seal | 6/2/2010 |
| Q: I am thinking about becomeing a navy seal. Can you tell me what they do every mourning to start ... A: Caleb, SEALs are selected from Navy men who have already been in the Navy for several years. The ... | |
| Driving | 5/24/2010 |
| Q: While stationed in Germany I got a dui(yes very stupid I know). The German law states that a .05 is ... A: KJ, Those things happen. I'm glad you realize it was wrong and stupid. In my own experience, in a ... | |
| joinin the navy / becomin a navy seal | 5/23/2010 |
| Q: Can I join the navy and try out to be a navy seal with a aggravated menacing felony conviction? I ... A: Donnie, A felony is serious regardless of whether you're a minor or adult, so that part they could ... | |
| enlistment waivers | 5/20/2010 |
| Q: I have been in trouble in my past. I have 2 misdemeanor drug possession charges from 2000 and 2001 ... A: Christopher, Congratulations on being drug-free. Each Service differs on the way they grant ... | |
| Top Secret Security Clearance ??? | 5/19/2010 |
| Q: I need some advice if you would. I recently joined the US ARMY. I am in a Guaranteed Contract for ... A: Gerry, As a base commander, the Security Police work for me. Their radar gun had been broken for ... | |
| Air Force Commission | 5/15/2010 |
| Q: Col. H, I need to know my chances for obtaining a commission in the AF, or any branch for that ... A: Denika, Both problems will keep you out. All the Services want their officers to be financially ... | |
| Diagnosed with bipolar before 18 want to join navy. | 5/14/2010 |
| Q: I had a troubled family experience growing up. I can leave it at that for the most part your not ... A: Alex, Why would you want to admit to that? You don't have to produce any kind of medical records ... | |
| Diagnosed with bipolar before 18 want to join navy. | 5/13/2010 |
| Q: I had a troubled family experience growing up. I can leave it at that for the most part your not ... A: Alex, You may be in luck. Because everybody has had some kind of childhood disease, the military is ... | |
| Administrative Seperation | 5/12/2010 |
| Q: I have been in the military for 6 years and hung around the round crowd for a little at a lesser ... A: Deborah, I'm sorry you're having these problems. I really hope you've consulted the Defense ... | |
| AF Reserve with a PhD | 5/11/2010 |
| Q: Howell, I'm currently a PhD student, and am on track to graduate with my degree in Molecular ... A: Jason, The closest thing I can imagine would be a biochemist. The AF has many opportunities for ... | |
| high school preparation for AF Academy | 5/10/2010 |
| Q: my name is Alec and I am 15 years old. It is a pleasure to meet you, sir. I am currently in CAP, I ... A: Comment - Thank you, sir, for your clear response and encouragement. You've helped me to get to my ... | |
| Texas Army National Guard Qualification. | 5/7/2010 |
| Q: I'm considering joining the Guard, will any of the following disqualify me from entering? 1) I'm 36 ... A: Yes. 1. The age limit for the Army National Guard is now 35. (changed from 42 in 2009). 2. Each ... | |
| Quick Question | 5/6/2010 |
| Q: Sir, I'll be in my window to re-enlist in a month. Right now I am an 88m and I am looking to ... A: Samantha, I don't blame you wanting to get out of 88M. Driving can sometimes be exciting ... | |
| weight requirement | 5/5/2010 |
| Q: Can I still enlist? A: Chandler, Unfortunately you won't be given the chance to enlist. The height/weight requirement test ... | |
| Airforce Commissioning | 5/2/2010 |
| Q: Colonel Howell, I am currently working on my Master's degree in Rehabilitation Counseling. I have ... A: Tim, I'm sorry that your recruiter didn't know much about Rehabilitation Counseling, but at the same ... | |
| Question about the Army ROTC | 4/28/2010 |
| Q: I was recently in the Air Force BMT. I was entry level separated with a Re-4. I was separated ... A: Shanelle, That's a tough one because a you left enlisted an are trying to re-enter as an officer. A ... | |
| military retirement vice medical retirement. | 4/26/2010 |
| Q: I wanted to take a chance and see if I could gain some insight on an issue I am having. I have 24 ... A: Mark, A medical retirement is always better than a normal retirement because it means additional $ ... | |
| shoplifting | 4/24/2010 |
| Q: My 18 year old son was caught shoplifting when he was 17 years old, he was not arrested, he did ... A: In short, yes. What he actually should have said is that your son could normally apply for a waiver ... | |
| Getting a PHD in the Navy | 4/20/2010 |
| Q: I am graduating next month with my Bachelors in psychology. I am interested in enlisting in the navy ... A: Candice, First I want to ensure you're using the term "enlisted" correctly. Since you'll soon be ... | |
| Dependents | 4/19/2010 |
| Q: I have a cousin who is 17 and going to graduate from high school in 2011. Then he plans to attend ... A: Joe, Each scholarship has different rules and qualifications. You will need a legitimate reason for ... | |
| Admin Seperations while deployed | 4/18/2010 |
| Q: Sir, I am being review currently for a ch. 14 separation for misconduct. We are currently deployed ... A: Tremain, If they give you another Article 15, they have to have good reason. It cannot be ... | |
| Medical Document approval | 4/17/2010 |
| Q: My name is John I am 17 years of age and I am trying to enlist in the Marine Corps. Everything is ok ... A: John, EXCELLENT! Thanks for keeping me informed. I love to hear success stories. 1 November will ... | |
| New Question | 4/16/2010 |
| Q: My son is considering joining the Army. In talking about it, an older friend cautioned him about ... A: Julie, His age won't be a problem for the Army. The Air Force and the Coast Guard have an age limit ... | |
| Rifs in US Army | 4/16/2010 |
| Q: My son is considering joining the Army. In talking about it, an older friend cautioned him about ... A: Julie, I can believe this came from one of your older friends. A RIF (Reduction in Force) was a ... | |
| Admin Seperations while deployed | 4/15/2010 |
| Q: Sir, I am being review currently for a ch. 14 separation for misconduct. We are currently deployed ... A: Tremain, With the information you've given me, and few details, I'm going to make some assumptions. ... | |
| Mortuary Science | 4/14/2010 |
| Q: I am currently serving in the Navy i have been enlisted for 6 years i am serving my shore duty shore ... A: Kara, I'm assuming you're currently enlisted. When you finish your degree will you be trying to ... | |
| Help getting into the military | 3/20/2010 |
| Q: Mr. Lorenz, My name is Alston. For the past two years I have been attempting to join the United ... A: Alston, Hi! This is Colonel Howell. I'm answering this for you while Mr. Lorenz is away. As you ... | |
| Questions on life in Air Force | 3/19/2010 |
| Q: I am planning on joining the Air Force as an aerospace engineer, and as such I had a few questions ... A: Andrew, I was given your question to answer while others are away. Wow - That quite a shopping list ... | |
| Tech School Discharge | 3/19/2010 |
| Q: My daughter was in her final week (10 months)of weather tech school and did not pass. She was given ... A: Janice, She sure picked a tough career field. Weather tech school is tough for anybody to pass so ... | |
| bah | 3/19/2010 |
| Q: I'm an e2 in the navy and I have recently married my girlfriend who is an e3 in the army. I was told ... A: John, Boy do I hate the BAH regulations. Seems like they're constantly changing. Additionally, Navy ... | |
| military career if going blind? | 3/18/2010 |
| Q: My husband is suffering from a rare genetic eye disease and is losing his central vision. He always ... A: Jennifer, I'm sorry to hear about his eye condition. He would most likely not pass the medical exam ... | |
| Medical Document approval | 3/17/2010 |
| Q: My name is John I am 17 years of age and I am trying to enlist in the Marine Corps. Everything is ok ... A: John, Here's what the military medical regulations have to say: You may be disqualified if: 1. Any ... | |
| Horseshoe Kidney | 2/28/2010 |
| Q: I have a question. A couple months back I was trying to get into the navy and I took the ASVAB (76) ... A: Chris, I was sent your question to answer while Cynthia is tied up. Unfortunately the military ... | |
| Anxiety | 1/14/2010 |
| Q: I was on paxil for almost five years for mild anxiety. I am, however, off the paxil now and am ... A: Stephanie, Congratulations on no longer needing medication. Also for scoring 96 on the ASVAB, ... | |
| Air Force Prior Service Reenlistment | 1/5/2010 |
| Q: Mr. Powers, I was in the Air Force for 4 years as a weather forecaster and was discharged honorable ... A: Stacee, Rod is swamped right now so he passed your question on to me. As you know, your ... | |
| Son in Marines | 1/5/2010 |
| Q: My son is home from camp Penenlton awaiting orders. So he says. Is there a way I can confirm this ... A: Lance, Believe it or not, this is a very common question. I usually get it from worried parents, ... | |
| Can I join the air force? | 1/5/2010 |
| Q: When I was seventeen, a minor, I got arrested and charged with felony possession of marijuana with ... A: Juan, In short, I think you're OK. I'm sorry to hear you were using drugs but it's good that you ... | |
| lying at meps | 1/5/2010 |
| Q: so i was encouraged to lie about my child hood asthma and it is an ongoing problem with me ... A: Chris, I never encourage people to lie, but the fact is that many do and get away with it. So far ... | |
| stopped from deploying? | 1/5/2010 |
| Q: Please bare with me, I have 3 questions about being held back from deploying. My fiance is USMC ... A: Danielle, In short, yes it's true. Your question has several pieces so let me answer them ... | |
| coast guard | 1/5/2010 |
| Q: I hear thats it's really hard to join the coast Guard b/c they have such high standards. So how hard ... A: Ashley, You shouldn't have much of a problem if you present yourself well. If you give the USCG a ... | |
| eyesight | 1/4/2010 |
| Q: To become a Navy SEAL, the requirements for eyesight is to have uncorrected vision no worse than ... A: Alexandra, Hopefully you're already in the Navy because SEALs usually come from within, not "off the ... | |
| bloodpressure | 1/4/2010 |
| Q: Recently my son took his meps testing and scored high, and also scored good on his physical testing. ... A: Jennifer, Short answer NO. This is a very common condition so he shouldn't feel alone. What you ... | |
| Special operations | 1/4/2010 |
| Q: Long question short; I'm not sure weather to join the navy seals or marines force recon special ... A: Nick, It all depends upon what you're looking for and what you expect to get from it. They both do ... | |
| USAF PJ Question | 1/3/2010 |
| Q: I’m extremely interested in joining the USAF, what I want to be is a Pararescueman, however, I have ... A: Josh, Wow, you've selected THE hardest training program in the AF. Hopefully you're in great shape. ... | |
| AF Drug Testing | 1/3/2010 |
| Q: My boyfriend was honest with his recriter about previous drug usage and it was all cleared. He ... A: Brittany, Usually there is not any drug testing done for a few weeks. However, once he's there he ... | |
| Navy OCS | 1/3/2010 |
| Q: I am a recent college graduate (BA History) and am interested in going into the Navy as an officer. ... A: Riley, Normally you shouldn't have a problem. I say normally because the Navy has been changing ... | |
| RE4 from Navy | 12/30/2009 |
| Q: My name is Thomas and I write to you in hopes that you may aid me in my current situation. My ... A: Thomas, Eric felt this question was outside his realm of expertise so it was forwarded to me. Nice ... | |
| Recruitment question | 12/30/2009 |
| Q: I'm asking this question to you because I've always wanted to serve and help others out, and had my ... A: Michael, According to the military medical regulations, Inflammatory Bowel Disease is considered a ... | |
| What will they do? | 12/29/2009 |
| Q: I have been enlisted in the Army for two years. Not long ago I was arrested and charged with a Class ... A: Alex, That's really a judgment call by your commander. If you've been a relatively trouble free ... | |
| Marijuana possession charge | 12/23/2009 |
| Q: Back when I was 18 I was charged with a useable amount of MJ (court valued to less than 2 dollars). ... A: Michael, Most of the Services will waive such a minor misdemeanor. However, since so many people ... | |
| BUDS | 12/6/2009 |
| Q: Mr. McElya, How difficult is buds on a scale of 1-10, 10 being the most grueling hell ever? Which ... A: Jamie, The Navy BUD/S (Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL) training is extremely demanding, both ... | |
| Marine Special Forces/ MARSOC | 12/5/2009 |
| Q: I am very interested in the Marine Corps and Marine Recon and Scout Snipers. Which is the job with a ... A: Sai, For such a simple question it's tough to answer. Both have very high risks and similar ... | |
| Reserve to SEAL | 12/3/2009 |
| Q: Is it possible to join the navy reserve and then become an active duty seal? A: Lewis, It's possible, but not likely. It's much easier to join the active-duty Navy and apply to ... | |
| Navy PRK surgery | 11/27/2009 |
| Q: Mr. Howell- Im kind of unclear as to how PRK surgery works for people wishing to become a pilot. Im ... A: Chris, The option you mentioned of entering the Reserves immediately as an officer is definitely the ... | |
| Mecep program | 11/25/2009 |
| Q: I just read that the boost program is gone. I was just wondering, what the you need to get into the ... A: Michael, Here's a direct quote from the regs: Marines must apply for admission with a declared ... | |
| DAT Waivers | 11/24/2009 |
| Q: Your service to this country is greatly appreciated and in no way do I question your expertise, ... A: Omar, Were you by chance trying to join the Navy? I know they keep their records for a long time. ... | |
| Failed Drug Test @ MEPS w/ Army, trying to get into Marines. | 11/23/2009 |
| Q: In early october I failed a drug test at MEPS for Cannibus. This came after passing 3 previous ... A: Kenneth, By all means be up front and honest with a recruiter. I'll bet you spoke with the Army ... | |
| join the usmc | 11/21/2009 |
| Q: i have a question about becoming a marine as foreigner (Germany). How can i get the green card to ... A: Sinan, It's possible to join the U.S, military first, and then apply for a Green Card. Since your ... | |
| Joining Qualificaitons | 11/20/2009 |
| Q: I guess the real concern I have about joining is my medical background. My doctor has told me ... A: Joe, The military medical regulations say exactly, "The causes for rejection for appointment, ... | |
| DAT Waiver | 11/18/2009 |
| Q: Good Afteroon, If in an individual tested positive for THC at MEPS, are they actually able to wait 5 ... A: John, Ahh...lying is such a harsh word. Call it what you will, it works. Some people even go visit ... | |
| DAT Waiver | 11/18/2009 |
| Q: Good Afteroon, If in an individual tested positive for THC at MEPS, are they actually able to wait 5 ... A: John, Yes. Because of the sheer volume of people processing through a MEPS they only keep records ... | |
| misdemeanor | 11/16/2009 |
| Q: I'm looking to either join the air force, coast guard, navy, or national guard but i have a ... A: Austin, Your misdemeanor is easily waived by most Services but your GED may cause some problems. ... | |
| Navy Passing Requirement | 11/15/2009 |
| Q: What is the most updated information on the passing requirement for females on age 25-29 in the Navy ... A: Amanada, It is too lengthy for me too answer here. I recommend you consult the following websites: ... | |
| CMO Med DQ letter | 11/15/2009 |
| Q: In 1997 I received a metal plate on a hairline fracture of my jaw. I've had no issues with it in 12 ... A: Robert, I admire your dedication but when the CMO says no it means he's not willing to issue you a ... | |
| Retained Hardware | 11/14/2009 |
| Q: I am 17 years old, and I am wanting to join the USMC. I have two screws in my left arm from breaking ... A: Sid, Congratulations, you've done your homework. The doctors at the Military Entrance Processing ... | |
| basic training | 11/13/2009 |
| Q: im a very hard worker and im in high school now im about a 125 pounds i do play sports but i had to ... A: Teesa, Basic training is hard and physically challenging but it's not impossible. Thousands of ... | |
| USAF-Commissioner: | 11/13/2009 |
| Q: I am a 29 yr old female, with no health concerns in physical condition and a B.A in Accounting and ... A: Mellisa, I noticed your question comes from overseas. Are you a U.S. citizen? I'm sorry that my ... | |
| misdeminor charge | 11/12/2009 |
| Q: when I was 18 I got arrested for paraphernalia (pot pipe) but I have not been in any trouble since. ... A: Curtis, Each of the Services permit waivers as their need for people increases. That need changes ... | |
| MIP MJ paraphernalia ticket | 11/11/2009 |
| Q: I'm thinking about joining the army, and was wondering if a ticket for MJ paraphernalia would ... A: Aaron, Usually the Army will waive this "minor" misdemeanor as long as that's your only problem. ... | |
| Blue to green | 11/11/2009 |
| Q: can you tell me if the blue to green program is till around and are you allow to go from navy to the ... A: Andre, Yes it's still around and no, usually you must wait until your contract is up but not ... | |
| Drug Waiver Marine Corps | 11/11/2009 |
| Q: This past April my son failed the drug test for marijuana at the MEPS station. He had admitted to ... A: Janet, Yes. Recruiters are only in your town for your convenience. It's perfectly legal to go ... | |
| Drug Waiver Marine Corps | 11/11/2009 |
| Q: This past April my son failed the drug test for marijuana at the MEPS station. He had admitted to ... A: Unfortunately you've run into a lazy recruiter who only wants to take the easy cases that require no ... | |
| Husband is joining the army | 11/10/2009 |
| Q: My husband is planning to join the Army soon and my parents live with us. They are both on ... A: Deborah, Since your father is retired military he and your mother have much better benefits than if ... | |
| processing a new spouse | 11/9/2009 |
| Q: Sir, This is my first and hopefuly last time getting married, I was hoping to know the details in ... A: Enrique, Congratulations on your marriage. You didn't say which service you are in so some of the ... | |
| airforce | 11/8/2009 |
| Q: I have always wanted to be an Air Force pilot but I am shortsighted (-1). All my friends are saying ... A: Shah, Unfortunately it's true. Pilots must have excellent eyesight. They need to be able to spot ... | |
| Re-entry to the Navy | 11/8/2009 |
| Q: I just separated from the Air Force under the force shaping program in July 2007. I was thinking ... A: Sherry, There's some crucial info missing in your question. Let me see if I've got it right. You ... | |
| childhood asthma | 11/7/2009 |
| Q: when I get older I want to be a marine but I was diagnosed with asthma at 12 but I know it was a ... A: Pierre, The following is a quote right out of military regulations: "The causes for rejection for ... | |
| BUMED Approved Medical Waiver | 11/7/2009 |
| Q: BUMED approved my medical waiver. My recruiter now says that I will have to have a consult with a ... A: Linda, Congratulations on getting a waiver approved! The MEPS doctor will ask you in detail about ... | |
| old family photos of uniforms | 11/6/2009 |
| Q: old family photos can u help me identify these uniforms A: Amanda, I only see one photo. The picture quality is very poor but from the looks of the pants, ... | |
| Transer from Army Reserves to Air Force ROTC | 11/6/2009 |
| Q: I enlisted in the USAR with the split option program on december 2007 and went to boot camp that on ... A: The form is signed by the Certifying Official, which varies in individual units. In a small unit it ... | |
| Navy. | 11/6/2009 |
| Q: I just joined the Navy in November 2008. I've only been in the Sea Bee community for a short period ... A: Nikole, Unfortunately there are jerks like that everywhere. What you need to do is talk to your ... | |
| Army Biochemist 71B | 11/5/2009 |
| Q: I earned a Masters in Biochemistry in 2008 and am applying for a commission as a biochemist (71B). ... A: Adam, Are you talking about a Direct Commission or via OCS? I hate to sound like I'm passing you ... | |
| reentry code | 11/5/2009 |
| Q: i was discharged from the Navy this past April. my reentry code was re-8 and my separation code was ... A: Amanda, Makes you wonder how smart that recruiter is doesn't it? But that's why we experts are ... | |
| College Majors | 11/5/2009 |
| Q: I'm currently a freshman in college with a strong interest in the Navy. My goal is to become an ... A: Madison, At least you're thinking, that's better than most. A lot of kids wait until they graduate ... | |
| need Army REG to wear CIB IN PLACE OF CAR EARNED IN DESERT STORM 1990-90 | 11/5/2009 |
| Q: MR.Howell I'm stationed in Germany active duty in the Army for two years now. I earned a CAR with ... A: Eric, Here's a direct quote from the regs: CAR - Instituted on 17 February 1969. Criteria: Awarded ... | |
| race? | 11/4/2009 |
| Q: my father wanted to be a fireman he got an 94 on the test but wasn't accepted because he was not a ... A: Jeff, I'm glad to hear you're smart enough to not be a racist. The military isn't either. ... | |
| Crossing over to Army | 11/4/2009 |
| Q: Sir, I am an E-5 in the USAF. My AFSC is 2T2X1 (Air Transportation). My current DOS is Sept 2011 ... A: Thomas, I'm glad to see you're at least staying in the military. There's a program called "Blue to ... | |
| RE code | 11/4/2009 |
| Q: Sir, my name is Doug Martin. I was enlisted in the Navy for just under a year and was discharged ... A: Doug, I'm sorry to hear you were shafted unfairly. If you had only known at the time that free ... | |
| marriage to the marine corp | 11/4/2009 |
| Q: My question is..... If I am 17 years old and my fiance is 20, with my parents consent can we get ... A: MJ, Congratulations on your upcoming marriage. Yes, under age 18 you need your parent's permission ... | |
| Adult ADD | 11/3/2009 |
| Q: I am 62 and recently was evaluated for Adult Attention Deficit Disorder, which confirmed what I had ... A: Tom, I'm glad to hear you're doing much better now. Yes, the military recognizes ADD/ADHD as ... | |
| Discharge due to medical issues | 11/3/2009 |
| Q: I have been in the Air Force Reserve/National Guard for 17 years and since returning from my ... A: Holly, Not necessarily. Do you WANT to be discharged? If so you can push for it. If not, chances ... | |
| Keratoconus | 11/3/2009 |
| Q: My son is in boot camp in the Navy. He was slated to go to the Nu-program.He has been diagnosis ... A: Prathea, Keratoconus is an automatic disqualification for the military. Surgery to correct it is ... | |
| DD214 | 10/27/2009 |
| Q: My DD214 is incorrect. I am still on Terminal Leave for another week. Who would I contact to ... A: Lewis, You're wise to get this corrected now, while you're still on active duty. That's a very ... | |
| Son Getting The Run Around From Marine Recruiter | 10/25/2009 |
| Q: Please Help...My son joined the Marines in Nov 2008 and in the process to prepare for Boot Camp ... A: Kathleen, Sometimes idiots like that guy can cause a lot of trouble because they're "mad at the ... | |
| Records sent to BUMED | 10/25/2009 |
| Q: I got an recode of 3 and a separation code of JFL in the Army. This was due to stress fractures that ... A: Sarah, A Separation Code of JFL means exactly, "Physical disability. Entitled to severance pay." ... | |
| Trying to go back into the service | 10/25/2009 |
| Q: I joined the army back in 1999 as a 71L got out 18 months later with a RE-3 for parenthood. My ... A: Julie, I understand your frustration but I don't understand the recruiters. By chance were you ... | |
| dependents | 10/25/2009 |
| Q: I just have one question I have 1 child and about im to have another one im 23 years old and ... A: Jayvonna, Your children don't really matter since you are married. The age limit for joining the ... | |
| reenlisting | 10/24/2009 |
| Q: i was wondering if i have to be airborne to re-up for opfor on ft polk. A: Chris, My friend who is the CSM at the Joint Readiness Training Center said it's not a hard and fast ... | |
| discharge | 10/23/2009 |
| Q: My son is a nuke in the navy for almost 3 years now. Back in July, while on leave, he got in a ... A: Sandi, You son has access to free legal aid and he needs it right away. He needs to visit his JAG ... | |
| Medical question | 10/23/2009 |
| Q: My son is 17 - in the NJROTC & Seacadets and wants to go to Annapolis, if not able to get accepted ... A: Darlene, According to the military medical regulations, they say exactly "The causes for rejection ... | |
| Navy O.C.S. vs. Enlisting | 10/22/2009 |
| Q: Please bear with me as I explain my situation. I am in the process of applying to Navy O.C.S.(as ... A: Mike, Sorry you've had to wait a few days. Nobody else could answer you correctly so they turned ... | |
| Discharge for Fraudulent Entry | 10/22/2009 |
| Q: I am a SSgt/E-5 Air Force with a bit over 7.5 years of service. I was selected for PRP. During the ... A: Eddie, Do you WANT to stay in? I assume the only reason you're worried about your RE Code is that ... | |
| Marine Corps eligibility | 10/22/2009 |
| Q: When i was 15 years old, my brother, whom is a Marine, was leaving for Afghanistan. My friends did ... A: Ant, I'm glad to hear you've seen the error of your ways, and have straightened up. As you ... | |
| Re Entry into the Navy | 10/22/2009 |
| Q: I have been separated from the Navy for a week, so it is all still fresh. I got out for a job offer ... A: Levern, Sorry to hear about the job, but things are crazy in our economy right now. Basically you ... | |
| Becoming an Army Officer | 10/21/2009 |
| Q: I would like to become an Army officer and I apparently qualify on all issues that have been brought ... A: Tom, The Army views bad credit as an irresponsible act and how can an officer manage Army financial ... | |
| Involuntary Separation | 10/21/2009 |
| Q: Involuntarily separated in Dec 1992, Air Force Capt. Paid ~42K. Subsequently received 10%VA ... A: Phil, Your question was forwarded to me because the expert you selected couldn't answer. You've ... | |
| Navy Enlistment with the intent of OCS app. | 10/21/2009 |
| Q: Dr Howell, First, allow me to thank you for volunteering on such a fabulous platform for providing ... A: Cheryl, First let me express my sympathy for your losses via the accident. Let me attack your ... | |
| Civil service transfer.. | 10/21/2009 |
| Q: I was just hired as a GS-7 with the Navy and was wondering how transfers work, is there a time ... A: Tara, Your Civilian Personnel Office on base can tell you the time limit required on your current ... | |
| re enlisting after 6 years seperation | 10/21/2009 |
| Q: my husband is thinking about rejoining the military. He served for 8 years in the USMC and was ... A: Lisa, He's in luck. The normal age limit for the USMC is 28. But if you have prior service, the ... | |
| discharge and my options. | 10/21/2009 |
| Q: OK so as it stands right now i was in the air force, i completed basic training and then went to ... A: Jonathon, Friends may sometimes mean well but they seldom give good advice, as you found out. I'll ... | |
| Discharge of LCDR due to 2XFOS | 10/20/2009 |
| Q: My husband is going to be discharged for failing to select to CDR for the 2nd time. He is SELRES ... A: Brenda, I'm sorry to hear that your husband was passed over twice. If he was eligible for ... | |
| Resign NG Commission | 10/20/2009 |
| Q: I am currently serving in the National Guard. I was commissioned 10/2008 (Fed OCS). I have yet to ... A: James, Everything you need to submit a Letter or Resignation can be found in AR 135-175 page 23. ... | |
| Re-Enlistment | 10/20/2009 |
| Q: I am 22 yrs old and I was a Spc in the Us Army. I had an overall good track record up until my ... A: Jonathan, Thanks for having done time in Iraq. To have done that and survived is Honorable in my ... | |
| civilian arrest of a military member | 10/20/2009 |
| Q: Am I required to report an arrest made by civilian authorities to my Air Force Chain of command? If ... A: Paul, Hopefully it was for something minor. Yes, you are supposed to report it to your immediate ... | |
| air force | 10/19/2009 |
| Q: I am an 18 year old male. About 6 months ago i received a drug paraphernalia ticket and was placed ... A: Dustin, If the court granted you Deferred Adjudication then an arrest HAD to have been made and the ... | |
| air force | 10/19/2009 |
| Q: I am an 18 year old male. About 6 months ago i received a drug paraphernalia ticket and was placed ... A: Dustin, Are you from Texas? I'm just curious since Deferred Adjudication is commonly used in Texas ... | |
| married before get to the navy | 10/18/2009 |
| Q: i just get marry and my husband like to enter to the navy is that possible if you are marry? he is ... A: Claudia, Yes, being married and joining is not a problem. It can be difficult for you because you ... | |
| Navy Direct Commission Program | 10/17/2009 |
| Q: I am writing to ask how I can earn a Direct Commission in US Navy? I am a 42 year male with no ... A: Glenn, Those are some very impressive credentials you have. However you are above the age limit for ... | |
| fracture | 10/17/2009 |
| Q: Will I be able to join the marines if I fractured my hand and had a plate and screws put in? I ... A: Mitchel, I assume you're talking about the USMC and not CEFCOM because I noticed your question ... | |
| DEPer HM with MIP | 10/17/2009 |
| Q: I'm a DEPer Shipping this month for Hospital Corpman. Through research I found this ... A: Thomas, Just curious, are you by chance from Texas? I ask only because Deferred Adjudication is ... | |
| What can I do to get my reenlistment code changed | 10/17/2009 |
| Q: I joined the navy in 09/2004 in that same yr I was givin a a general discharge and a code of re4 the ... A: Romeo, People with a simple eye problem aren't usually given a harsh RE-4 Code. There's something ... | |
| What can I do to get my reenlistment code changed | 10/16/2009 |
| Q: I joined the navy in 09/2004 in that same yr I was givin a a general discharge and a code of re4 the ... A: Romeo, Individuals with an Navy RE Code of "4" are normally not eligible to reenlist in the Navy, ... | |
| Can a student on F-1 visa join the US army? | 10/16/2009 |
| Q: Greetings Sirs, My question is regarding the US Army in general.I was wondering whether i can join ... A: Andrew, You cannot join the military with only a student visa. You must apply to become a U.S. ... | |
| misdemeanor drug charge | 10/16/2009 |
| Q: i received a misdemeanor marijuana possession charge a little over a year ago and i was wondering if ... A: Levi, Some of the best Police Officers are those who have once broken the law. They know from ... | |
| RE | 10/16/2009 |
| Q: I wanted to no if it were possible to RE back into the army with a code of 3(Misconduct). If it is ... A: Jawaun, The Army regulations say, "Individuals with an RE Code of "3" can normally reenlist in the ... | |
| ADHD | 10/15/2009 |
| Q: Im am currently in Iraq. Before joining the Army i was diagnosed with ADHD and Bi-polar disorder. I ... A: Patrick, You're between a rock and a hard place right now. You'll have to face the fact that you're ... | |
| Surgery | 10/15/2009 |
| Q: Can surgery effect the chances of you getting into the Navy Reserves? I am prior service Navy, ... A: Curtis, I'm really surprised they denied you. The only mention of the back in the military medical ... | |
| Student Visa Becoming a Enlisted personel in Coast Guard | 10/15/2009 |
| Q: Good day Sir. first of all i really appreciate the people in the military specially when i watch the ... A: John Paul, I'm glad you liked the movie "Taking Chance." Kevin Bacon played his part well. Not too ... | |
| RE:How to find my medical reason of discharge?? | 10/15/2009 |
| Q: my name is patrick oglesby and i was discharged for bi-polar at reception.. well for two years i've ... A: Patrick, Nobody else could answer your question so they passed it to me. Bi-polar is easy to ... | |
| Wife and school. | 10/14/2009 |
| Q: I'm getting married next week and I was wondering, if my wife would be able to live with me, or have ... A: Alfred, You didn't give quite enough info. I'm assuming you're in the military. Is she? What ... | |
| WWII Merchant Marines | 10/14/2009 |
| Q: Can you tell me where I can find information about how WWII Merchant Mariners were subject to the ... A: Lisa, The Merchant Marines was operated by the Maritime Administration, one of the agencies of the ... | |
| Navy with a DUI | 10/14/2009 |
| Q: I just got a DUI but am interested in joining the Navy Reserves. I have no other crimes on my record ... A: Kendra, If your DUI is your only legal or physical problem, then the Navy may grant you a waiver ... | |
| Waiver Info | 10/5/2009 |
| Q: My name is Josh. I recently received my associate's degree and it has always been my dream to enlist ... A: Josh, Here is a direct quote from the military medical regulations: "The causes for rejection for ... | |
| Military /Felonies | 10/4/2009 |
| Q: I am currently trying to enlist in either the army or the navy. my record consists of multiple CWOF ... A: Brian, Are you by chance from Massachusetts? Just wondering, because it is commonly used there. ... | |
| RCP (Grandfather clause) | 10/3/2009 |
| Q: Two part question. In 1993 the Army's RCP was changed for E-5 on promotion list to E-6 from 20 ... A: Dale, Yes, it was done legally. It was a decision made be the Secretary of the Army, only his ... | |
| Enrolling In AirForce | 10/3/2009 |
| Q: I am 32 year old single mother %26 was wondering if I was too old to be considered for the AirForce? A: Flor, Yes, I'm afraid you're beyond the age limit for the AF. However, the Navy age limit is 34 and ... | |
| marines? | 10/2/2009 |
| Q: i know if i have glasses or contacts that let me see 20/20 i can join.if its 20/40 can i still join? ... A: Andrew, Here's a quote directly from the military medical regulations: "The causes for rejection ... | |
| Trying to rejoin | 10/2/2009 |
| Q: I'm wanting to know about the Airforce codes? My son was in the Airforce and he got out after ... A: BE, Who told him he can't rejoin the military or obtain a government job? If it was friends or ... | |
| OTS Degrees | 10/1/2009 |
| Q: What specific degrees are accepted for AF OTS (active duty)??? Would a B.S in Biology, minor in ... A: Private, AF OTS only requires you to have a 4-year Bachelor's degree. They really don't care what ... | |
| Reduction in rank | 10/1/2009 |
| Q: I am currently an E-5 in the navy I am only frocked as of may 09. I took the exam cycle # 203 in ... A: CJ, Wow, talk about getting screwed over! Those E-2 and E-3 clerks in Human Resources strike again. ... | |
| joining the air force w/peanut allergies | 9/30/2009 |
| Q: Colonel Howell, My son has applied to the Air Force Academy and has gotten a medical ... A: Kaye, Yes, it is possible. Peanut allergy is the most common allergy in the U.S. However, 25% of ... | |
| OCS or Enlisted | 9/30/2009 |
| Q: I am in the process of joining the US Army. I am a licensed attorney but want to get out of that ... A: Tom, I would recommend you go to the website: http://www.goarmy.com/ocs/ and select "Chat With a ... | |
| throid cancer | 9/30/2009 |
| Q: my son had thyroid cancer 4 years ago, it was removed and he is fine but must take thyroid ... A: Kelley, According to the military medical regulations, hypothyroidism and any other thyroid ... | |
| Training | 9/29/2009 |
| Q: I was wondering out of the Delta Force and the Navy SEALS who has the the harder training and of the ... A: Michael, No, not exactly. When you're dealing with that kind of quality and excellence it's like ... | |
| Training | 9/28/2009 |
| Q: I was wondering out of the Delta Force and the Navy SEALS who has the the harder training and of the ... A: Michael, Wow, what a tough question. My vote would probably be with the SEALS although both are ... | |
| Re-Enlistment after MCRD discharge? | 9/28/2009 |
| Q: I was discharged from MCRD Parris Island on June 4th, 2008 and would like to look into getting back ... A: Samantha, First, the USMC can very easily locate your records and so can you. The National ... | |
| OCS or Enlisted | 9/27/2009 |
| Q: I am in the process of joining the US Army. I am a licensed attorney but want to get out of that ... A: Tom, He's trying to sell you on enlisted because that earns him $. If you enter via OCS he'll have ... | |
| Navy Nurse? | 9/27/2009 |
| Q: I am currently looking into a career with the Navy. I am 30 years old male and currently attending ... A: Jake, The Navy has a program designed for folks just like you. They will pay you to attend school ... | |
| Misdemeanor with nondisclosure | 9/26/2009 |
| Q: In 2006, I was arrested for Attempted Theft, which is a Class A misdemeanor. I was 19 and very ... A: Jay, By chance are you from Texas? (No need to answer) I'm just curious since Deferred Adjudication ... | |
| Enlisted AF to Army Officer | 9/26/2009 |
| Q: Colonel Howell, My question is for my spouse. He is currently an Tech Sgt w/ AFOSI and Nov 2011 is ... A: Ann, It's very easy. All he has to do is talk to an Army recruiter. The Army even has a program ... | |
| Air Force JAG and Medical Waiver | 9/25/2009 |
| Q: Colonel Howell, Just a quick question -- I was recently selected for accession in the Air Force JAG ... A: Josh, Your assumptions are correct. The physician will likely perform some tests, and then dictate ... | |
| question about enlisting | 9/25/2009 |
| Q: i am 21 and looking into joining the force but i have accute asthma. would this be an automatic ... A: Jeremy, Yes, Asthma is a disqualifier. The military medical regulations state exactly, "The causes ... | |
| past marijuana experimentation | 9/25/2009 |
| Q: Howell, Near the end of my senior year in high school, i experimented with marijuana an estimated 8 ... A: Andy, I don't think it will be a problem for you. You should still be able to get in. What they're ... | |
| Navy Dolphins | 9/25/2009 |
| Q: I'm doing a project for my marine biology class, we have to pick one job that is related to marine ... A: Sam, A few years ago I visited the San Diego facility where they train dolphins. A Navy friend of ... | |
| Air Force JAG and Medical Waiver | 9/24/2009 |
| Q: Colonel Howell, Just a quick question -- I was recently selected for accession in the Air Force JAG ... A: Josh, Congratulations on being selected for accession in the Air Force JAG career field. That's not ... | |
| navy enlistment | 9/24/2009 |
| Q: my husband wants to enlist in the navy,although he would gladly consider all branches of service. ... A: Jamie, Congratulations on getting his record expunged, that's a wise choice and not easy to ... | |
| going back in | 9/24/2009 |
| Q: i just got out of active army in may 2009 and im going back in i just wanted to know if i would have ... A: Jon, Since you've been out for less than a year you won't have to repeat any basic training or take ... | |
| Mental disorder | 9/23/2009 |
| Q: Im currently serving in the military and ive currently been on Limited duty status for 5 months. I ... A: Jack, It seems to me you're in an ideal situation at work. The worst they can do to you is put you ... | |
| past marijuana experimentation | 9/22/2009 |
| Q: Howell, Near the end of my senior year in high school, i experimented with marijuana an estimated 8 ... A: Andy, A Navy pilot's life is primarily at sea, aboard ship. Think about it…what good is a Navy ... | |
| Enlisting in the Navy | 9/22/2009 |
| Q: My son is on his way MEPS today. His gp that he's only seen twice has suggested that he may have ... A: Comment - Thank you for all of your knowledge and advice. He is really getting excited about ... | |
| Recuitment/Positive Drug Test | 9/22/2009 |
| Q: Three years ago my son was charged with a misdemeanor drug charge which he completed the diversion ... A: Marilyn, You came to the right place. It sounds like everybody is giving you a little piece of the ... | |
| seperation | 9/22/2009 |
| Q: first, thank you for taking the time to answer my question. i am getting separated due to patterns ... A: Matthew, Your separation code of JKA means exactly, "Discreditable Incidents". Your Re-entry code ... | |
| Air Force OTS / Disability | 9/16/2009 |
| Q: Sir, I saw that you were helping a gentleman regarding VA disability and trying to receive a ... A: Jeff, Good catch. The AF Recruiting reg says, "An applicant is ineligible when he or she is ... | |
| Air Force OTS / Disability | 9/16/2009 |
| Q: Sir, I saw that you were helping a gentleman regarding VA disability and trying to receive a ... A: Jeff, Only part of what you were told is true. The first part of your question is false. You can ... | |
| Enlisting in the Navy | 9/16/2009 |
| Q: My son is on his way MEPS today. His gp that he's only seen twice has suggested that he may have ... A: Sarah, It's not so much as having ADD, it's the medicine used to treat it. ADD is usually treated ... | |
| BackGround Requirements | 9/16/2009 |
| Q: Is it possible to enlist in any armed force branch with a Class A Misdemeanor? A: Jose, Yes. Misdemeanors are easily waived by most all of the Services. However, you need to wait ... | |
| Marine Enlistment /Waiver | 9/15/2009 |
| Q: My question is: My 17 1/5 year old son is currently working with a recruiter who is processing a ... A: Christine, Since he's gone as far in the process as MEPS it's going to be complicated. I'd still go ... | |
| Return from Temporary Retirement | 9/15/2009 |
| Q: I was placed on TDRL and now have been found fit to return to duty. Prior to my temporary ... A: Angelo, Congratulations on your promotion. As you stated, your promotion was HIA, not cancelled. ... | |
| Marine Enlistment /Waiver | 9/15/2009 |
| Q: My question is: My 17 1/5 year old son is currently working with a recruiter who is processing a ... A: Christine, You're exactly right. If he were to get into the USMC, someday he may need a security ... | |
| OTS | 9/14/2009 |
| Q: Mark, I am a junior at Berea college. My plan and dream is to fly in the air force. I just ... A: Joseph, The Berea just south of Lexington? Nice school. I wish I'd seen your question earlier. I ... | |
| Waivers | 9/14/2009 |
| Q: Last year I tried to enlist in the Air National Guard and was denied a waiver that got all the way ... A: KC, Why did you need a waiver? How old are you? Please send me a follow-up with these two important ... | |
| Changing MOS | 9/13/2009 |
| Q: My husband is active duty army and has 2 years before his ETS date. He is wanting to change his mos ... A: Renee, Changing his MOS is not easy but it can be done. If you're still in IET, you must wait until ... | |
| Mental Illness on Active Duty/Discharge? | 9/13/2009 |
| Q: I am on my initial Active Guard Reserve contract with the US Army. I have about six years of service ... A: Krystal, I'm sorry to hear you have so many problems. The doctors like to think they've done ... | |
| tattoo waiver | 9/13/2009 |
| Q: Greetings sir I hope you can help me. I have wanted to join the army now for quite some time and a ... A: Mandy, Wow, for such a simple question it sure requires a complicated answer. First of all if you ... | |
| enlistment | 9/11/2009 |
| Q: Howell I hope you can help me out with this question.About 2 months ago I was at the recruiter and ... A: Mike, Thanks for picking up on that, you're pretty sharp. I get similar questions all the time and ... | |
| Admin Sep? | 9/11/2009 |
| Q: Good evening, sir. To give a brief rundown of a long story, I'm an active duty Marine Corporal who ... A: Robert, I understand your frustration. If you think separation is what you want I'd caution you. ... | |
| OTH discharge trying to re-enlist | 9/11/2009 |
| Q: I have already appeared before a discharge review board and it was denied I have not yet appealed or ... A: Josh, The waiting period varies with each Service, but usually it's 6 months or 1 year. In your ... | |
| enlistment | 9/11/2009 |
| Q: Howell I hope you can help me out with this question.About 2 months ago I was at the recruiter and ... A: Mike, Unfortunately they didn't tell you the whole story. Pre-trial intervention (PTI), is a kind ... | |
| NAVY- disqualifications | 9/10/2009 |
| Q: so, im 19. good health. i havent used my inhaler in 5 years maybe 6. i was born with mild cerebal ... A: Robert, Short answer is maybe. It depends upon how mild your case is. Sometimes, a child with mild ... | |
| Over 40 | 9/10/2009 |
| Q: I am over 40 and want to go into the AF as a nurse; I have my BSN. My husband is retired USN and ... A: Gerri, I applaud your wanting to join the AF and serve your country. The best thing I can do is ... | |
| Admin Sep? | 9/10/2009 |
| Q: Good evening, sir. To give a brief rundown of a long story, I'm an active duty Marine Corporal who ... A: Robert, First of all, if you really like the USMC forget about an admin separation. It'll cause you ... | |
| medical retirement | 9/9/2009 |
| Q: Sir, In reference to medical retirement is VA compensation addition to the 30% disability or an off ... A: Ron, Beginning in the year 2004 Congress approved "Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay (CRDP)" ... | |
| MEPS and failed depth percetion | 9/8/2009 |
| Q: On September 4th, I went to MEPS to take my physical and processing for Air Force Active Duty. ... A: Oliver, The MEPS needs to know what your actual vision is uncorrected. Anybody can pass it with ... | |
| Enlisting as a higher rank | 9/8/2009 |
| Q: I wanted to know, what are the qualifications or educational background that one needs to meet to ... A: Kristyne, Generally, if a person has at least 2 years of college, they can enlist as an E-3 or E-4. ... | |
| Joining with depression | 9/8/2009 |
| Q: I REALLY want to join the coast guard, but I am not sure if I am even eligable. )= Do you know what ... A: Laura, In short, you cannot join. When a person's illness follows the classic pattern, diagnosing ... | |
| navy carreers | 9/7/2009 |
| Q: Im planning on enlisting this month. I scored an 82 on my asvab. Im interested in pulic affairs but ... A: Crystle, Congratulations on scoring highly on the ASVAB. That means you're very qualified to do a ... | |
| Air force | 9/7/2009 |
| Q: I will have my first formal interview with the CNO after 13 months of the application process with ... A: Tonia, Sounds like you have a very impressive resume. Your recruiter may be saying you can enter as ... | |
| Discharge/Re-enlistment | 9/7/2009 |
| Q: FirstI received a OTH/General Discharge in 2003 from the USAF. My re-enlistment code is RE-2B and ... A: Anthony. Only you know whatever happened for sure that got you discharged. But your discharge ... | |
| dont know what to do for the best | 9/7/2009 |
| Q: i really do hope you can help me out as i really dont know what to do for the best. i am a father of ... A: Darren, As a base commander, some of my biggest headaches came from base housing. You are ... | |
| Marijuana Possession and Military Eligibility | 9/6/2009 |
| Q: My son is a college senior and graduating in December. Last year his house of five was raided they ... A: Janet, What resulted from his charge? A monetary fine? Jail time? Probation? If this was his only ... | |
| Medical Records | 9/6/2009 |
| Q: My question is about a previous reply that you had to another question. "About a year ago I had to ... A: Jarlene, We're both right. Normally nobody would ever know, but (as you said), if you ever need any ... | |
| Airforce Waivers | 9/6/2009 |
| Q: My son (20) has recently decided that he'd like to join the Air force. He has never been in trouble ... A: Jen, First of all my condolences on the loss of your husband. It really depends upon the type of ... | |
| Reenlistment | 9/6/2009 |
| Q: I requested a discharge from the Air Guard Reserves to attend graduate school. It was a difficult ... A: Savannah, By cutoff what they mean is the time period to reenlist without having to attend your ... | |
| postive | 9/5/2009 |
| Q: My nephew wanted to enlist in the Marines and tested positive for THC by his recruiter. I am a Drug ... A: Kelly, I'm glad to hear he's clean and turning his life around. Since he was tested by his ... | |
| 35 years old green card holder plans to join the US Navy | 9/4/2009 |
| Q: Good day sir! I am Julius Marquez, 35 yrs old and will be a permanent resident alien (green card) in ... A: Julius, Yes, you may apply to join the military now if you wish, even before you receive your Green ... | |
| Air Force | 9/4/2009 |
| Q: Can you tell me come October 2009, the new fiscal year what percentage of prior service the Air ... A: Laura, I'm assuming you've had a break in Service, meaning you've been out for awhile and have ... | |
| BOOTCAMP MEDICAL DISCHARGE | 9/4/2009 |
| Q: My future DIL is currently in Army bootcamp (she's National Guard). She injured herself during ... A: Sherri, You're exactly right. The ARNG may discharge her with say a 40% disability rating (for ... | |
| DRB Hearing | 9/4/2009 |
| Q: My son enlisted into the USCG at the age of 17 in the delayed enlistment program. The process took ... A: Lupe, I have never yet seen an RE code successfully changed. That doesn't mean it can't happen, ... | |
| BCD from the Marine Corp | 9/3/2009 |
| Q: MY husband got a BCD from the Marine Corps in 2004. On his discharge papers it says for drugs. ... A: Meggan, It's kind of late to fight it now. He should've had legal representation at the time to ... | |
| Federal Employement | 9/3/2009 |
| Q: Sir, I have filled out an online resume with US Jobs as well as the Dept of the Navy for a ... A: Rodney, The VEOA also allows a preference eligible to file a formal complaint with the Department of ... | |
| reckless driving with alcohol awareness class | 9/2/2009 |
| Q: Mr. Howell, Thanks for reading my question. I'm a 30 year old college graduate from a Big-Ten ... A: Cullen, We were all young and dumb once and fortunately the military recognizes that. You made the ... | |
| Medical Discharge | 9/2/2009 |
| Q: My son was in the Navy DEP program for 6 months. Two months in he came down with Henoch-Schönlein ... A: Paul, You're right, it's very hard to find trouble-free recruits these days. You'd be amazed by the ... | |
| cobra helicopter | 9/1/2009 |
| Q: I am going to ask about cobras. is it US originpl.plz tell bout its operational feautre as compare ... A: Rehan, I'm glad you asked. The AH-1 Cobra Attack Helicopter is my all-time favorite aircraft. It ... | |
| Flight | 9/1/2009 |
| Q: First off, I would like to thank you for your service to this great country. My name is David and I ... A: David, I'm glad my first answer helped a little. As for your second question, you're exactly right ... | |
| Stress fracture military | 9/1/2009 |
| Q: "Hello. I'm in the marine corps, my questions is when I was in boot camp I ended up getting injured ... A: Adam, A stress fracture is a bone that merely cracked and didn't completely break. It's usually ... | |
| Navy and Juvenile records | 8/31/2009 |
| Q: I have read some of the posts regarding juvenile court issues and joining the navy. I met with my ... A: Stephanie, It's good you're asking questions now. You want to be as informed as possible when you ... | |
| Flight | 8/31/2009 |
| Q: First off, I would like to thank you for your service to this great country. My name is David and I ... A: David, First off I commend you for planning ahead. All too often I get the same questions from ... | |
| undesignated | 8/31/2009 |
| Q: 1. What jobs do you have for people w/ learning disabilities or differences? My son has been in the ... A: Rose, I understand your worry, that's what mothers do. But please don't. Being undesignated is not ... | |
| Switching Branches | 8/30/2009 |
| Q: I was told that you can switch branches in the military if you complete your contracts is this true. ... A: Marcheal, There are a lot of details particular to your case that will determine that answer. ... | |
| Navy and high bp | 8/30/2009 |
| Q: Can I join the navy if I have high blood pressure and I'm taking medicine for it? A: Brandon, The short answer is maybe. The military considers anything higher than 140/90 as ... | |
| Any military careers for disabled people? | 8/30/2009 |
| Q: Mark. My son is a cancer survivor who is a amputee (leg) as a result of his treatment. He is ... A: Mike, Sorry to hear about your son's problem, but it's great that he's cancer-free now. ... | |
| OCD | 8/30/2009 |
| Q: My son (25) has been diagnosed w OCD. He was a church missionary in Japan for 2 yrs and kept the ... A: Meg, I think you misunderstood my answer or maybe I didn't make myself clear enough. I'm well aware ... | |
| OCD | 8/29/2009 |
| Q: My son (25) has been diagnosed w OCD. He was a church missionary in Japan for 2 yrs and kept the ... A: Meg, OCD is not specifically addressed in the military's medical regulations for joining the ... | |
| Navy and Juvenile records | 8/29/2009 |
| Q: I have read some of the posts regarding juvenile court issues and joining the navy. I met with my ... A: Stephanie, Unfortunately your probation officer was talking about most jobs and never thought about ... | |
| Enlisted to Medical school | 8/29/2009 |
| Q: I am active duty enlisted member of the Air Force. I will be graduating this year with my bachelor ... A: Iman, Congratulation on getting your BS degree soon. I'm not passing you off, but your local MPF can ... | |
| Switching Branches | 8/29/2009 |
| Q: I was told that you can switch branches in the military if you complete your contracts is this true. A: Marcheal, Yes, however, "switching" is not an accurate way of stating what really happens. After ... | |
| am i to old to join | 8/28/2009 |
| Q: My name is Yolanda and I am really interested in joining the army but i have a question concerning ... A: Yolanda, You need to run to your local Army recruiter right away. 42 is the new age limit for the ... | |
| NMMP | 8/28/2009 |
| Q: Colonel Howard, My name is Sandra Jabas and I was in the Navy from 2004-2008 working in the ... A: Sandra, You asked the right guy. A Navy friend of mine used to run the program and even used to let ... | |
| i would like to get back in the army | 8/28/2009 |
| Q: "My name is donald graves and I was in from june 7 99 through april 19 04. After coming back from ... A: Donald, This may be a long answer but I want you to have all the facts. First of all, I commend you ... | |
| active duty vs. reserve | 8/28/2009 |
| Q: hey my name is katie and I'm 18 years old hoping to get into the navy once i hit up my asvab score ... A: Katie, For a young person I never recommend the Reserves. The active duty Navy and the Naval ... | |
| drug rehab and eligibility | 8/27/2009 |
| Q: my friend is trying to join the marines. when he was 17 he had a drug problem and was sent away to a ... A: Beth, Short answer is maybe. According to the military medical regulations, he would only be ... | |
| scoliosis in the marines? | 8/27/2009 |
| Q: My 16 year old son has had his heart set, for years, on joining the marine corps after high school. ... A: Comment - At first I was quite pleased with Mr.Howell's response, including the actual guidelines ... | |
| Military Discharges | 8/27/2009 |
| Q: Has a soldier ever received an honorable discharge for academic failure in a career course? A: Emma, In short, yes. There are many factors involved here. For example, whenever I have to ... | |
| MEPS | 8/27/2009 |
| Q: my names kyle and im a healthy 17 year old male and a junior in high school. Im looking to join the ... A: Comment - Thanks you so much! The reserves has always been in the front of my mind. With high ... | |
| Marine Reenlistment and Discharge | 8/26/2009 |
| Q: I know you have heard a lot of questions about military discharge. So I will start with the ... A: Joe, This is going to be a long answer. 1. First off you're mixing the terms enlistment and ... | |
| Dentist in the Air Force, | 8/26/2009 |
| Q: I am a nurse in the Air Force but I want to become a dentist. Do you know of any program that will ... A: Tasha, Yes, such plans are available. If you haven't already befriended the Dental Clinic commander ... | |
| Joining the Army | 8/26/2009 |
| Q: I'm looking to join the army and after basic continue AIT as a scout. I was wondering if it is ... A: Eric, I don't know why you're looking at such a plan but there are several flaws with it. 1. First ... | |
| Reenlistment code | 8/25/2009 |
| Q: I'm currently 34 and I was medically discharged from the Army in 1998 due to knees and shins. My ... A: Marq, Don't see the recruiter you talked to on the phone, he doesn't know what he's talking about. A ... | |
| medical re-entry | 8/25/2009 |
| Q: On July 26th of 2007 I was medically discharged from the army for an EPTS (exsiting prior to ... A: Kris, Your Separation Code of JFW means exactly, " Erroneous enlistment; Medical condition ... | |
| Will the Coast Guard or Navy except me with a DWI on my record? | 8/25/2009 |
| Q: Mr. Howell I am currently 19 years old and have successfully graduated high school and have 24 ... A: John, All of the things you have listed are minor and are waiverable. By all means DO NOT DO JAIL ... | |
| Dental | 8/24/2009 |
| Q: I want to join the military but I need quite a bit of dental work. Will this disqualify me? I have ... A: Nichole, Normally dental work is not a disqualifier unless you have something really strange. ... | |
| Joining the USCG with shoulder surgery | 8/24/2009 |
| Q: I am trying to enlist in the USCG and received some bad news. Three years ago while I was playing ... A: Thomas, Go see a different recruiter. It's perfectly permissible to go "recruiter shopping". The ... | |
| coast guard | 8/24/2009 |
| Q: what are all of the requirements for me to join the USCG? A: Cody, There are several requirements, age, physical, legal, citizenship, education, etc. Some of ... | |
| medical re-entry | 8/24/2009 |
| Q: On July 26th of 2007 I was medically discharged from the army for an EPTS (exsiting prior to ... A: Kris, It's a little too late to fight the decision now. You could probably have successfully fought ... | |
| Medical Discharge RE-4 (want to re-enlist) | 8/23/2009 |
| Q: I entered into the Navy 10 years ago. I made it to the end, but could not pass the final PT test. I ... A: Jason, A Re-Entry code of RE-4 means exactly "Not recommended for reenlistment." Individuals with a ... | |
| Air Force active to Air guard without palace chase | 8/22/2009 |
| Q: Sir, I am currently in my second enlistment and just PCS'ed from a recruiting tour in West Virginia ... A: Luke, Palace Chase is by far your best option. What's the rush? When you apply for Palace Chase, ... | |
| Am I still eligible to join the ARMY? | 8/22/2009 |
| Q: Two weeks ago, I went to MEPS, and took the ASVAB scored a 95 with a GT score of 137 and the full ... A: Jason, I don't know why the MSGT or anyone else would want to see more details. The lack of ... | |
| RE-3G | 8/22/2009 |
| Q: Dr. Howell, I received an honorable discharged from the Navy in 1995. My separation code is GFX and ... A: Collin, Whatever you read was somewhat wrong. Waivers are very, very common. However, the TYPE of ... | |
| received honorable discharge but wants to go back in | 8/21/2009 |
| Q: I received an honorable discharge but would like to go back - my discharge was due to the fact that ... A: Anthony, I was hoping you made a mistake when you said RE-4 in your original question. A Re-Entry ... | |
| How to get out | 8/21/2009 |
| Q: I am in the air force stationed in germany, it is my first base and i have been in for about a year. ... A: Jonathan, Sorry to hear you're disappointed with the Air Force. Many AF folks would kill to have an ... | |
| Coast Guard & GED | 8/21/2009 |
| Q: My son would like to join the Coast Guard. He is 27 (as of July 2009) with a GED, no H S Diploma. ... A: Sandy, I'm glad you asked an expert, friends and family usually give bad advice on these matters. ... | |
| Medical Waiver | 8/21/2009 |
| Q: I have a question regarding a medical waiver. My son joined the Army National Guard and had to get ... A: Deb, A Chapter 11 discharge refers to Chapter 11 of Army Regulation 635-200 "Active Duty Enlisted ... | |
| USCG | 8/20/2009 |
| Q: I am currently A British, Royal Marines Commando and want to know if i can join the USCG Rescue ... A: Joel, Yes you can, but you must apply for U.S. citizenship first and be issued what's commonly ... | |
| received honorable discharge but wants to go back in | 8/20/2009 |
| Q: I received an honorable discharge but would like to go back - my discharge was due to the fact that ... A: Anthony, A Separation Code of JDA means exactly "Fraudulent entry". By this they're saying you ... | |
| Past Injuries | 8/20/2009 |
| Q: I have had a few past injuries that have required surgeries. Two knee surgeries (torn meniscus), ... A: Alyssa, For such a simple question it requires a long answer. Surprisingly your back surgery is not ... | |
| joining the navy after separation | 8/20/2009 |
| Q: How long do i have to wait to join the navy after being discharged from the army with an RE code 3 ... A: Aaron, The wait-time is different for each Service, but that's usually for re-enlistment into the ... | |
| API when you're already a pilot | 8/20/2009 |
| Q: I'll keep this brief. I'm currently enlisted. I'm almost done with OCS. I have my private pilot and ... A: Pavel, I'm glad you did your homework and researched my previous answers. Yes, prior pilots have a ... | |
| received honorable discharge but wants to go back in | 8/17/2009 |
| Q: I received an honorable discharge but would like to go back - my discharge was due to the fact that ... A: Anthony, Accutane quite often causes suicidal thoughts but you'd be hard-pressed to prove that ... | |
| Training of Pararescue and Force Recon | 8/16/2009 |
| Q: Dr. Howell, I am 21 years old and I would like to join a Special Forces team. So far from the ... A: Porfirio, I'm glad to see you've been doing your homework. Being informed is very important when ... | |
| RE Code 3P Qualifying for AFR OCS | 8/16/2009 |
| Q: Please forgive me if you have seen this same question multiple times. I was enlisted in USMC for ... A: Nathan, This is a tough one that could go either way. As I'm sure your already aware of, a ... | |
| Asthma and too many surgeries? | 8/1/2009 |
| Q: Mr. Howell, good evening. I am currently applying for a commission as an Officer in the US Navy, ... A: Detre, Your follow-up was still sent "Public" so I'll tell you what I can without getting specific. ... | |
| OVER 40 BUT I WANT TO FLY | 8/1/2009 |
| Q: I am 44 in September. I have a college degree with 23 years in Live Television Production. My goal ... A: Ercel, Thank you. Sometimes it seemed like I was becoming a professional student. Only the Army ... | |
| Coast Guard Policy re Cancer | 7/31/2009 |
| Q: Is it true that if you have cancer--even a curable one--the Coast Guard will discharge you? Is it ... A: Anne, What I'm referring to is for example: a Capt who works for me was diagnosed with Leukemia and ... | |
| APP unit icons for kinds of assets that don't exist yet | 7/31/2009 |
| Q: Sorry to ask such a weird question, but I'm writing a military science fiction book, and for realism ... A: Julian, Wow, you're right, I don't usually get this kind of question. But that's what makes my job ... | |
| Receiving a Masters in the Air Force | 7/31/2009 |
| Q: Howell, I am currently an undergrad at a University doing research in infrasonic sound and ... A: Colin, Congratulations on soon completing your degree. You'll have plenty of free time to work on ... | |
| Navy Reserve...Enlisted or Officer?? | 7/30/2009 |
| Q: I am currently 23 years old. I have an Associates Degree in Broadcast Communications. I have a full ... A: Melanie, Good thinking. Then it sounds like you may very well be a good candidate for the Reserves. ... | |
| Marriage and military | 7/30/2009 |
| Q: I am considering joining the Army as enlisted, and then applying to the OCS. My girlfriend of many ... A: No. The military is never going to tell you that you have to get "unmarried". She has an excellent ... | |
| Air Force and Navy | 7/30/2009 |
| Q: As of now I'm 18 and am 2 months away from starting classes at Community College, where after I will ... A: Zach, The NAVY flys nine different types of fixed-wing aircraft of which there are approximately ... | |
| enlisted to comissioned | 7/29/2009 |
| Q: I am 32 years old and have served for roughly 8 years in the enlisted ranks, 5 in the Navy and 2 in ... A: Julian, Yes, they will consider some of theses degrees. You should check with your education ... | |
| Transfer from Guard to Reserves | 7/28/2009 |
| Q: I am an 89D with the NG and a former Marine with 12 years active duty. The Guard EOD Program has ... A: John, As a member of the National Guard you are an asset controlled by the governor of your state. ... | |
| Rentry | 7/27/2009 |
| Q: I had a valvular replacement surgey back in APR 05 at WAMC. And was discharged the following year. I ... A: Edward, A direct quote from the military medical regulations is, "The causes for rejection for ... | |
| USAF Delayed EP | 7/27/2009 |
| Q: Sir. I am currently in the USAF DEP……Just recently I was book for a Mechanic job (I have not signed ... A: Micha, Your request is not unusual, but usually people want to get out of Security Forces for some ... | |
| delayed entry/ buddy system | 7/26/2009 |
| Q: A friend and i planned on going into the Air Force together but we're both only 17 and i wanted to ... A: Stephanie, Yes, it's possible. Buddies join together, may be stationed together, and may also ... | |
| USCG/USAF Officer Questions | 7/26/2009 |
| Q: I am a recent college graduate with a BA in history and a minor in sociology. I have 3.35 GPA and am ... A: Brandon, Sorry, I forgot to answer the other part of your question. The marijuana use can be ... | |
| Army advising new recruits on marriage | 7/25/2009 |
| Q: My daughter's boyfriend is currently in Army basic training. My daughter wants to enter the Air ... A: Brenda, I question his motives in fabricating such a story. It's definitely untrue and happens all ... | |
| U.S.Navy seals | 7/25/2009 |
| Q: are there any women in the seals , how many A: Denis, No. Women are not allowed to become Navy SEALS because our politicians have decided that ... | |
| Coast Guard OCS Question | 7/24/2009 |
| Q: I am thinking about applying to the Coast Guard OCS as a civilian college graduate. However, I am ... A: Benjamin, I'm sorry to hear you have that. I've heard it's very unpleasant to have. A direct quote ... | |
| GED | 7/24/2009 |
| Q: I have a 17 year old son who is considering early enlistment in the Air Force. He has passed his ... A: Christy, Yes. He can apply for an age waiver when he is 16, 17 or 18 years of age. My ... | |
| Coast Guard Policy re Cancer | 7/24/2009 |
| Q: Is it true that if you have cancer--even a curable one--the Coast Guard will discharge you? Is it ... A: Anne, To say yes or no would not be fair, because each military member is reviewed on a case-by-case ... | |
| Thinking about joining the reserve | 7/23/2009 |
| Q: What is the minimum years I can enlist in the Reserve. I'm active duty right now. I really just ... A: Dwayne, As a soldier with prior service, you may keep your Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) or ... | |
| USMC | 7/22/2009 |
| Q: I've read the marines have exceeded their quota to 117% and have stopped accepting recruits. I want ... A: Rochelle, A lot of major corporations have a "fiscal year" which they operate by. The military is ... | |
| upgrade/waiver | 7/22/2009 |
| Q: I was discharged back in Dec 2007 with a RE Code 3. I heard that i would have to wait 2 years to ... A: Chanelle, Yes, what the recruiter told you is true. There are only two months left in fiscal year ... | |
| Peanut Allergy | 7/22/2009 |
| Q: I understand that you yourself does not have any experience with the USAF, although based on your ... A: Jeff, Thanks for making me laugh today. I suppose my 30 years in the AF might have some influence ... | |
| keratoconus | 7/22/2009 |
| Q: well i was dq'd from the military due to keratoconus in my left eye. i wanna know what i can do to ... A: Jesse, You'd never make it in the military anyway if you SHOUT at a colonel. I told you, they're ... | |
| possible chapter 13 discharge from the Army | 7/22/2009 |
| Q: I would like to know if I would be eligible for medical disability benefits from the military for ... A: Carol, You are far better off meeting a MEB rather than taking a Chapter 13. This is because if it ... | |
| Navy Sailor/Army post housing...EXCEPTIONS PLEASE? | 7/22/2009 |
| Q: I am a new check-in at Mannheim Germany. The hosuing office says that I have o move myself, wife, ... A: Marshall, I've always thought the housing services branch had some weird rules. Unfortunately what ... | |
| joining the navy with a ged | 7/22/2009 |
| Q: im a 19 year old husband and father of 1. I have been trying to join the service for over 7 months ... A: Jake, Each of the services strictly limit the number of high school dropouts (which includes GED ... | |
| Childhood Asthma Waiver | 7/22/2009 |
| Q: My husband is currently in the process of trying to enlist in the Air Force. He had asthma as a ... A: Allison, That's wonderful news! I'm so glad for him. Also, it's nice to know I'm right. I never ... | |
| USCG CSPI eligible college | 7/22/2009 |
| Q: I have recently graduate with an Associate's degree in Computer Information Technology from Craven ... A: Sean, Why do you need 109 on the ASVAB? That's very high, but possible. A few years ago my ... | |
| Life in UPT | 7/21/2009 |
| Q: I recently graduated college with a degree in marketing, and am applying for the next Air Force ... A: Josh, Yes, you run that risk. You could also be selected as a UAV operator or even a navigator. ... | |
| Military Averages | 7/21/2009 |
| Q: What is the average Time in Service by paygrade for the DOD A: John, Such a simple question requirs a very long answer. I'm assuming (and hoping) you only want ... | |
| Ph.D. Programs | 7/21/2009 |
| Q: Greetings Dr. Howell! Do you know if there are any programs in the (USNR, USAR, or USAF Reserves) ... A: Rocco, Yes. What you're referring to is called the Direct Commission Officers (DCO) program. In ... | |
| wedding | 7/21/2009 |
| Q: My son is in 3rd FAST company, still training in Norfolk, VA. I am getting married on August 1st and ... A: Kim, Congratulations on your impending marriage. You should be honored that your son is in the most ... | |
| RE: Dual Officers | 7/20/2009 |
| Q: I served 8 years in the navy I was discharged withe a RE code of 6 (higher tenure E-3) is it ... A: Richard, Sorry if you receive this twice. I sent you a nice answer a week ago but your question has ... | |
| Careers in the Military | 7/20/2009 |
| Q: My husband is 30 years old and has a Bachelor's Degree in Spanish and a minor in Multimedia Design. ... A: Angela, At his age his choices are somewhat limited. Unfortunately he's too old for the active-duty ... | |
| USCG CSPI eligible college | 7/20/2009 |
| Q: I have recently graduate with an Associate's degree in Computer Information Technology from Craven ... A: Sean, Yes, yes, and yes. Yes, an on-line course receives less assistance $. That's because it ... | |
| Navy | 7/20/2009 |
| Q: I am 67 and was Lt. in the USNR. I received my commission through the NROTC. I left in 1968 when my ... A: Jim, I'm afraid that now that so much time has passed you aren't eligible for active duty. At this ... | |
| Regular Retirement versus 30% Medial Retirement | 7/18/2009 |
| Q: I have over 20 years and 2 years left to fulfill my service requirement before retirement. ... A: Donna, Sorry to hear you have the lung problem, but at least you found out about it now. Always go ... | |
| Marajuana arrest but no charges filed. | 7/17/2009 |
| Q: I live in the state of Arizona where they have harsh punishment for drug crimes. I am not a pot ... A: Ed, I thought the 4th Ammendment to the Constitution prevented that. Anyway, Arizona is one of a ... | |
| air force | 7/16/2009 |
| Q: My cousin had a possession of marijuana charge under a certain amount of grams. Well it was ... A: Jerry, Short answer is yes. But will it hurt him - probably not. A record can be expunged but one ... | |
| USCG | 7/16/2009 |
| Q: My Name is Michael and my dream is to be a USCG rescue swimmer, i have one concern that may stop me ... A: Michael, Rescue swimmers must have the strength, endurance, and stamina to function for 30 minutes ... | |
| keratoconus | 7/15/2009 |
| Q: well i was dq'd from the military due to keratoconus in my left eye. i wanna know what i can do to ... A: Jesse, This is a direct quote from the military's medical regulations: "The causes for rejection ... | |
| Expunging record to join the National Guard. | 7/15/2009 |
| Q: Salutations. I recently was talking to a recruiter about joining the National Guard, and all was ... A: Vox, Don't worry, we were all young and dumb once. The military understands that and won't hold it ... | |
| Navy Reserve...Enlisted or Officer?? | 7/15/2009 |
| Q: I am currently 23 years old. I have an Associates Degree in Broadcast Communications. I have a full ... A: Melanie, That's why I'm here, to give you the blatant and honest answers. Are you currently working ... | |
| Steroid testing in USCG | 7/15/2009 |
| Q: I am about to get drug tested by the USCG as part of my process to join OCS. I also have finished ... A: John, Yes, the military tests for steroids via urinalysis. If they find anabolic steroids that are ... | |
| Achieving a commission with an Honorable discharge and a RE-3 code | 7/15/2009 |
| Q: Colonel, I am a prior enlisted sailor that is just finishing up his MBA in Healthcare. I want to ... A: Walter, There must be more to your Re-Entry code than just RE-3. It should be followed by a letter. ... | |
| USMC | 7/15/2009 |
| Q: sir. I like to join the USMC, i have 2 questions. I have scoliosis. Is it possible to join the ... A: Ami, Sorry I haven't answered sooner, my computer has been down for repairs. Having scoliosis is ... | |
| What can I do with a degree in Spanish | 7/15/2009 |
| Q: Which branch of the military (and which occupation) could I have with a B.A. in Spanish? A: Jose, All branches of the military require only a Bachelor's degree in any subject. The major ... | |
| USAF Historians | 7/15/2009 |
| Q: Can you explain more about the Historian Career Field in the USAF? Is it an enlisted position only, ... A: TJ, Yes, there are both officer and enlisted jobs in the Historian career field. To put it ... | |
| ROTC or OCS? | 7/14/2009 |
| Q: Should I pursue my Master's degree and Commission via the ROTC option, or OCS and then night school? ... A: Cody, First let me apologize for taking so long to answer you. I was called out on a short-notice ... | |
| From Reservist to Full Time? | 7/14/2009 |
| Q: First, I'd like to thank you all so much for your service and sacrific you make for this nation and ... A: Jennifer, Congratulations on your forthcoming wedding! Sorry I was slow in answering, but my ... | |
| Hepatitis B | 7/14/2009 |
| Q: My 17 yr old was recently diagnosed with Hepatitis B. She is adopted from Thailand and is a ... A: Eileen, A direct quote from the military's medical regulations states: "The causes for rejection for ... | |
| failed meps drug tests for thc | 7/13/2009 |
| Q: my son failed the meps drug test for weed he had quit smoking it and made the decision to be in the ... A: Cindy, Yes. He will have to apply for a waiver and his recruiter can help him with that. As he ... | |
| Waiver for Air Force | 7/13/2009 |
| Q: I recently finished MEPS in Phoenix and am now Pending Disqualification due to 3 seizures that I had ... A: Tyler, Wow! 92% on the ASVAB is great! That means you're probably qualified to do just about any ... | |
| Air Force Officer | 7/13/2009 |
| Q: Colonel Howell I have recently been accepted to Air Force OTS with a Navigator slot. Needless to ... A: Jason, Just today I received an e-mail for Military.com advertising their new website which ... | |
| Civillian OCS DQ | 7/13/2009 |
| Q: I am a 29 year old civilian with a recent bachelor's degree in information technology. I am ... A: William, Both the legal problems and your age may cause you problems. Normally you must be no older ... | |
| PAO Officer | 7/13/2009 |
| Q: I am an enlisted Public Affairs Specialist currently in Afghanistan. I have 2 years of college ... A: Andrya, Yes, the Air Force has many options that you need to investigate. They're too lengthy to go ... | |
| medical wavier | 7/13/2009 |
| Q: I'm 25 years old and have had a bicuspid aortic valve mild regurgitation since i was 16. I lift ... A: Eric, Since your question is marked "public" others reading this may wonder what we're talking about ... | |
| USCG CSPI eligible college | 7/12/2009 |
| Q: I have recently graduate with an Associate's degree in Computer Information Technology from Craven ... A: Sean, Since ECU doesn't have a CSPI program then you cannot apply. If you enlist first, then yes, ... | |
| joinong the Airforce | 7/12/2009 |
| Q: I really want to join the Airforce, but i didn't finish high school cause i got pregnant, then i had ... A: Stephanie, I'm glad you asked an expert, friends and family usually give bad advice on these ... | |
| Benefits | 7/12/2009 |
| Q: Sir, I was active duty Air Force 1980-86, honorable discharge as e-4 sgt, and another 2 years ... A: Charles, Is Education benefits all you're interested in? By not contributing to the Veterans ... | |
| army or marines | 7/12/2009 |
| Q: I have a problem I would like to join but I have A criminal record. I am going to ask the judge if ... A: Rich, I wish I knew a little more about you...are you still in school, your age, any criminal ... | |
| awol | 7/11/2009 |
| Q: I know someone who is awol and I want to turn him in, I know his address who do I call? A: Mary, Just call your local police. They'll want to know what branch of the military he's in, and ... | |
| The Road to OCS: Non-Traditional E-4 | 7/11/2009 |
| Q: Sir. I am 35 years old and enlisted in the Army this past new year for many reasons: the benefits, ... A: Lee, First of all, the recruiter that encouraged you to enter enlisted and then go OCS later oughta ... | |
| DQ? | 7/11/2009 |
| Q: I have wanted to join the Coast Guard for years now. I was wondering if a laproscopic surgery would ... A: Bethany, Congratulations on a successful (I'm assuming) surgery. Your answer all depends upon what ... | |
| Medical Waivers USCG | 7/11/2009 |
| Q: Dr. Howell, I am a junior/senior in college (I'll graduate in 2011 with a dual degree, with a ... A: Patrick, You're right, some recruiters won't bother with you until you're within a year of joining. ... | |
| Marrying a foreign national. | 7/10/2009 |
| Q: Sir, I got your response to my question about marrying my german national girlfriend as an officer. ... A: Femi, I did not send a link. Maybe my message got garbled in transmission. Below is exactly what I ... | |
| math degree? | 7/10/2009 |
| Q: i am a math major and i want to go into the army as a officer i was wondering what mos's are in the ... A: Jesus, The normal choices for math are the same as computer science. First you need to know how the ... | |
| relistment | 7/10/2009 |
| Q: I'm 49 and have 8 years prior Air force enlistment,honorable discharged and i worked air cargo. Is ... A: Ken, Sorry, but no. Below is all the Service's age limits. Air Force 27 Coast Guard 27 Marines 28 ... | |
| education | 7/9/2009 |
| Q: I'm going to be a freshmen in college next year, i plan on doing afrotc and i am curious would a ... A: Josh, Absolutely! It's not required but it will be a big plus in your favor, especially if you wish ... | |
| Navy College Fund | 7/9/2009 |
| Q: My husband was honorably discharged from the Navy and will be attending college in the fall. In ... A: Jaime, I'm guessing he just recently got out? If he joined after 1985 he was automatically enrolled ... | |
| Felony charge | 7/8/2009 |
| Q: I have been convicted with a 3rd degree felony charge(stalking) for calling a girl who I went to ... A: Ho Jin, What branch of the Service were you in? That will make a little bit of difference. The ... | |
| get in! | 7/8/2009 |
| Q: i have been medically disqualified because of being born with a hole in my heart. i am appealing to ... A: Pete, In the U.S. more than 3,000 babies are born with Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) [hole in the ... | |
| Navy officer life | 7/8/2009 |
| Q: I am in the process of choosing a officer career path in the Navy, but I am concerned about long ... A: Rodney, The Navy recently changed its deployment policy for the first time in 22 years because of ... | |
| re enlist change code | 7/8/2009 |
| Q: Here is my situation. I had a issue in Aug 08 where I was having difficulty catching my breath and ... A: Matt, Your explanation makes perfect sense to me, however the Navy boils it all down to 2 simple ... | |
| Rentry code 3A | 7/8/2009 |
| Q: I seperated in 2006 because of pregnancy with a RE code of 3A, what does this mean and is there an ... A: Lindsay, Congratulations on having a baby! Separation and re-entry codes are not releasable in ... | |
| army wife rlc | 7/8/2009 |
| Q: hello my husbond is rejoing the army he has only been out 2 years hes going into rlc hes at deepcut ... A: Roxanne, Your husband made a wise choice joining the RLC after leaving Regular Service. It's a good ... | |
| eligibility | 5/7/2009 |
| Q: i was wondering if i would be eligible to join the marine corps or army if i have AD/HD A: Dylan, No. If you're on medication for it you're disqualified for ALL Branches of the military ... | |
| re-enlistment | 5/7/2009 |
| Q: Three months ago I was separated from the af due to erroneous enlistment....the doctors on lackland ... A: Terry, In short, your chances of getting back in are not good. In all likelihood you probably had ... | |
| usmc regualtions | 5/7/2009 |
| Q: if one gets a criminal mischief class A misdemeanor can a new recruit still enlist in the Marines ... A: Kate, In short, yes. A misdemeanor is usually not very serious so the Marines can issue you a waiver ... | |
| misconduct discharge | 5/6/2009 |
| Q: Sir, I unfortunately received an RE-4 misconduct on 27 jan 07. The charges were for 2 seperate days ... A: Marco, As you probably already know, a code of RE-4 means "Not recommended for reenlistment." ... | |
| goin to Marine ocs | 5/6/2009 |
| Q: I was discharged from the Marine Corps during bootcamp because the doctors diagnosed me with a torn ... A: Aaron, My god! If you lost 110 pounds would you mind sharing your secret with me? I can only ... | |
| should my son try to get a navy commission | 5/6/2009 |
| Q: My 25 year old son has a bachelor's degree in business administration and has worked for almost two ... A: Julie, Every now and then I run across a crooked recruiter and I see you have also. You son means $ ... | |
| Air Force- Joining with BSBA-Accounting. | 5/6/2009 |
| Q: I am a 25 year old college graduate who's having trouble finding a job due to the economy. I have my ... A: Amy, This is going to be a long answer, so I'll tackle your concerns individually. 1. Being an air ... | |
| Resident Alien | 5/6/2009 |
| Q: My name is Peter and I am thinking about joining the Navy. I am a permanent resident alien but lost ... A: Peter, 1. You will need to replace your Green Card. By law you are required to carry it on your ... | |
| Prior enlisted worried about losing benefits | 5/5/2009 |
| Q: I was in the Marines and am considering going back into the service. I currently receive ... A: Brian, A 60% disability is pretty serious. Does your recruiter think you can pass the physical? If ... | |
| Allowed to Change MOS? | 5/5/2009 |
| Q: Ok so i have gone through all of the process' of joining the military. Scored in the 50's on my ... A: Joe, Rule #1: Never listen to friends and relatives, they're seldom correct. In this case they ... | |
| Waiver needed for an arrest with no charge? | 5/5/2009 |
| Q: I was arrested at the age of 15. I was falsely identified as a participant in a criminal act. I was ... A: Jay, You should not have any problem entering the USMC. Everybody is innocent until proven guilty, ... | |
| Trying to join | 5/5/2009 |
| Q: My name is Kevin and I am currently 18 years old. Currently I am trying to enlist into the Navy. ... A: Kevin, Smart move, going to the Army recruiter. Sounds like the Navy guy just wasn't willing to ... | |
| goin to Marine ocs | 5/5/2009 |
| Q: I was discharged from the Marine Corps during bootcamp because the doctors diagnosed me with a torn ... A: Aaron, You're correct, the doctors should've had an MRI done but a lot of doctors think they're ... | |
| Qualifying for OCS | 5/4/2009 |
| Q: Qualifying for OCS I have considered joining the military but I have several questions and even ... A: Joe, Congratulations, so far you're the only one smart enough to realize and call me Dr. Short ... | |
| reg sex offender | 5/4/2009 |
| Q: I am a 4yr active 4yr in-active honorable discharge Marine. After I got out I got caught with 12 img ... A: J I consulted the regs and to exactly quote them: "POTENTIALLY DISQUALIFYING LEGAL SITUATIONS: A ... | |
| booted out of boot camp | 5/4/2009 |
| Q: I joined the marines when I was 18 yrs old. Sadly I failed the drug test(marijuana) and was booted ... A: Peter, It all depends upon what your separation documents say. On your DD214 form you'll see a ... | |
| Enlisting with ADD | 5/4/2009 |
| Q: Will the military not allow you to enlist if you have ADD? ANSWER: Laquita, Sorry, but no. ADD ... A: Laquita, Wow! I wonder where he came up with that tale? I thought I'd heard them all. I wonder ... | |
| after high school | 5/3/2009 |
| Q: How do I get my college education paid for? I want to be an officer in the marines but I know its ... A: Jacob, To get your college paid for, your only other choice is to apply for an ROTC scholarship. A ... | |
| USCG Pilot question (Age Waiver) | 5/3/2009 |
| Q: Mark, I am 38, served in the Navy for 6 years 89-94. I have been flying GA (General Aviation) ... A: Bobby, That's a nice assortment of ratings you have there. About all you're lacking is Multi-engine ... | |
| Trying to join | 5/3/2009 |
| Q: My name is Kevin and I am currently 18 years old. Currently I am trying to enlist into the Navy. ... A: Kevin, Congratulations on successfully completing your probation and getting your records ... | |
| History of injurie with surgery to repair | 5/3/2009 |
| Q: My son is 16 yrs old. He suffered a dislocated shoulder during baseball. Since original injury, ... A: Kim, I would have to say the Air Force or the Navy as my first choice. He really only has 3 choices ... | |
| Enisting as an officer with an expungement | 5/2/2009 |
| Q: I am trying to enlist as an officer in the Air Force. I was arrested about 4 years ago and was ... A: Heather, Congratulations on getting your record expunged. That's not an easy thing to do and it's ... | |
| Enlisting with ADD | 5/2/2009 |
| Q: Will the military not allow you to enlist if you have ADD? A: Laquita, Sorry, but no. ADD is usually treated by Ritalin or Concerta, both of which are ... | |
| History of injurie with surgery to repair | 5/1/2009 |
| Q: My son is 16 yrs old. He suffered a dislocated shoulder during baseball. Since original injury, ... A: Kim, In short, he's good to go! I thought the answer was favorable but just to be sure I checked the ... | |
| cross branching | 5/1/2009 |
| Q: I wanted to know if i will be able to go from navy to the air force once im done with my navy ... A: Art, Yes, you certainly may. Once your Navy ETS arrives you are free to do whatever you wish. When ... | |
| Drug | 4/30/2009 |
| Q: Mark it's me again. After re-reading your answer to my last question I have two more questions. If ... A: Christi, There's an old saying in the military, "Nobody messes with the Chaplain." Whenever a ... | |
| RE Code 2B | 4/30/2009 |
| Q: Colonel H I have contacted other recruiters in other states and they are saying that their manual ... A: Shaina, Was your discharge under "General Conditions", or was it under "Other-Than-Honorable ... | |
| careers after college | 4/30/2009 |
| Q: My son is a junior at Villanova University and is interested in possibly pursuing a career in the ... A: Mary Ann, Unfortunately he would not be allowed to join any of the Military Services. Here is a ... | |
| army | 4/30/2009 |
| Q: Sir, my son has a felony as a juvenile. if we get thi espunged does he have a change to get in... ... A: Rob, Expungement is a different story. If you can successfully get his record expunged, then he ... | |
| Relocation | 4/30/2009 |
| Q: My fiance is in the Navy and is stationed in Sasebo, Japan. He is not doing well there and his ... A: Jenna, I believe you're looking at the wrong solution to his problem. A person with Depression ... | |
| navy sniper | 4/30/2009 |
| Q: i am going to try to become a navy sniper i know most of the requirments non-corrected 20-20 which i ... A: Austin, Nobody can tell you how you will react. Everybody is different. Are you a hunter? If you ... | |
| Medical | 4/30/2009 |
| Q: I have hypothyroidism controlled with medicine. I am in and have always been in really good shape, ... A: John, As you know, hypothyroidism means your thyroid gland either stopped working or isn't working ... | |
| Meps,Army, Physical question | 4/30/2009 |
| Q: i am ADD and been told im borderline bipolar and i have been off medication for almost three years ... A: Michael, Unfortunately, yes. Both conditions are disqualifiers for the military, mostly because of ... | |
| ACL Surgery | 4/30/2009 |
| Q: My plans as of right now are to join the Coast Guard's Officer Program my junior year of college but ... A: Amanda, I checked the medical regulations that the doctors use at the Military Entrance Processing ... | |
| USAF Discharge policies. | 4/30/2009 |
| Q: My husband is to be discharged from the AF for marijuana. His commander told him he was debating on ... A: Megan, First of all, whoever told him it wouldn't go on his record is crazy. If he only gets a ... | |
| RE 3 Waiver/Army | 4/30/2009 |
| Q: I was discharged from the Army after I tried to commit suicide. I have since been reevaluated, and ... A: Kevin, Normally discharged soldiers are looking to upgrade their discharge code which automatically ... | |
| Joining the Reserve / National Guard | 4/29/2009 |
| Q: I will be 42 in November 2009, 6.0ft tall, 185 lbs. I am in very good physical shape. I have served ... A: Joe, You heard wrong. Your job experience doesn't figure into the equation at all. It's your ... | |
| Buddy System | 4/29/2009 |
| Q: I have been thinking about joining the navy. I have not met my recruiter yet, but I have a list of ... A: Tara, To be honest with you I've never heard of anyone wanting to do that before, so I called Navy ... | |
| Commissioning process | 4/29/2009 |
| Q: I am currently enlisted in the Air Force Reserves, 12 years. I am a ADN registered nurse of 4 years ... A: Andy, Good thinking, but not a good idea. What if both Services answer simultaneously with a Yes ... | |
| Question | 4/29/2009 |
| Q: If i sign up to the Marines when i'm 17 when do i leave for boot camp? A: Matthew, The waiting time for USSR Basic Training varies from month to month. Only your recruiter ... | |
| Changing MOS | 4/28/2009 |
| Q: My boyfriend left for OSUT at Fort Benning, GA on April 15th. He begins BCT tomorrow, but he regrets ... A: Veronica, Sorry to hear that, most soldiers would kill for the chance to go airborne. Changing his ... | |
| CSPI Program with USCG | 4/28/2009 |
| Q: I have a friend who applied for the CSPI program, went through the interview and completed the ... A: Steph, The board that met 13 April was CGRC Panel 05-09 (CSPI/PRE-COMMISSIONING PROGRAM FOR ENLISTED ... | |
| Navy Biochemistry | 4/28/2009 |
| Q: Col. Howell, I am considering a career in the Navy as a Biochemist. I will complete my PhD in ... A: Leodis, Congratulations on getting your Ph.D.! That's not an easy task. Wow, 6'1", 275 you are a ... | |
| need some answers | 4/28/2009 |
| Q: my husband was trying to reenlist in the army but he needs a waiver and no one can tell him any ... A: Amber, I'll need to know more details. Why was he told he needed a waiver (for what reason). You ... | |
| How many years can one serve. | 4/28/2009 |
| Q: my question to you sir is, how many years do you have to or can serve in the United States Coasted ... A: Edger, There are various options, depending upon how much of a bonus you want or what career field ... | |
| Interservice Transfer | 4/28/2009 |
| Q: What is the age limit to do a interservice transfer as a Navy O-1 into the USMC? I know the age ... A: My question was very specific, "What is the age limit to do a Interservice transfer to the Marine ... | |
| medical elegiblity | 4/27/2009 |
| Q: My son is graduating from H.S. soon and has decided to enlist in the Marines. We have a congenital ... A: Dan, As you know Beta thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder that results in a reduced amount of ... | |
| going from guard to AD | 4/27/2009 |
| Q: hey sir. my question to you is regards to a NG member going active. Here is my situation. I just ... A: Tony, You cannot simply transfer. The Army National Guard and Active-Duty components are different. ... | |
| PILOT HOURS | 4/27/2009 |
| Q: Sir, My sister is currently in the ROTC, and wishes to become a military pilot. I recommended that ... A: Maj Matt, What does she want to fly? I ask because helicopter flying time in the Services would ... | |
| AECP | 4/27/2009 |
| Q: i am going to enlist in the air force but want to be a pilot later. i was looking into the Airmen ... A: Dennis, Enlisting in the Air Force and then becoming a pilot just can't be done. "The AECP is not ... | |
| Drug Use | 4/27/2009 |
| Q: Mark, My daughter is in the USCG as a reservist. she had a tramatic event happen to her recently. ... A: Christi, I'm sorry to hear she turned to drugs, but at least she has opened to you and wants help. ... | |
| Marine aviation school Pensacola | 4/27/2009 |
| Q: My son is finishing TBS shortly and is going to Pensacola for pilot flight training school. He ... A: Ben, The hardest part of API, or at least that causes the most failures, is weather. Sounds simple, ... | |
| Enlisting with Child | 4/27/2009 |
| Q: My daughter is 26 yrs old with 4 yr old son. She has some college (about 12 - 18 hrs). She is in ... A: Marilyn, All of the military Services are pretty much alike, they just have different missions. For ... | |
| Med. question. | 4/27/2009 |
| Q: Can you have type 1 diabetes in any military branch? -thank you for your time! A: Sarah, No, As I'm sure you're aware, Type 1 Diabetes is lethal unless treated with exogenous ... | |
| Torn Medial meniscus and disqualification | 4/27/2009 |
| Q: Sir, my son received an appointment to the USAF Academy in March. We have just now discovered that ... A: Steve, Short answer is he should be OK to attend USAFA. First of all let me say congratulations on ... | |
| Coast Gaurd JROTC | 4/26/2009 |
| Q: Mr. Howell, I am currently finishing my junior year in high school, and have my sights pretty ... A: Matt, Being in the Junior ROTC does not really give you an advantage, but being in the CSPI ... | |
| Achilles Tendon and MEPS | 4/26/2009 |
| Q: About 7 years ago I lacerated my right Achilles Tendon. Had surgery and full recovery. I haven't had ... A: JD, According to the MEPS medical regulations "Surgical correction of any knee ligaments if ... | |
| Joining the Reserve / National Guard | 4/25/2009 |
| Q: I will be 42 in November 2009, 6.0ft tall, 185 lbs. I am in very good physical shape. I have served ... A: Joe, You've got a good idea. 42 is the age limit for the Army National Guard and the Army Reserves, ... | |
| Reenlistment | 4/25/2009 |
| Q: Good afternoon, I have been out of the Navy since June 1998. I have thus been to college and ... A: Jeff, Let me dissect your question and answer each piece. 1. It all depends upon what your ... | |
| DUI and joining air force?? | 4/25/2009 |
| Q: I recieved a misdemeanor DUI in October 2008 and was wondering what effects this would have on a ... A: Jared, If you have only ONE DUI it will not hurt you. Plus, the more time that has elapsed since ... | |
| Coast Guard | 4/25/2009 |
| Q: My son called today and told me he failed his urinalysis. He is in the last year of a 6 year ... A: Diane, DUI is a lot less serious, so it's not surprising they got off lightly. Since your son's ... | |
| Marine aviation school Pensacola | 4/25/2009 |
| Q: My son is finishing TBS shortly and is going to Pensacola for pilot flight training school. He ... A: Ben, That's correct, only about 20% make it through API. The syllabus consists of 177.5 hours of ... | |
| Joining the Navy | 4/25/2009 |
| Q: I saw a posting for administration jobs in the Navy and wanted to find out what kind of jobs they ... A: Sara, As I'm sure you already know, in most cases, nystagmus is irreversible. Which means you're ... | |
| color blind- marines | 4/24/2009 |
| Q: I took the color blind test and fail but I don't have a problem seeing green and red. Will this ... A: Samuel, Red green color-blindness is the mildest form of color-blindness and it will NOT keep you ... | |
| re-enlistment rates | 4/24/2009 |
| Q: What are the re-enlistment rates for the US Army, Navy,Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard for the ... A: The actual number of troops required each year vary greatly, so re-enlistment opportunities vary ... | |
| Weight issue in the USCG | 4/24/2009 |
| Q: My husband is in District one of the Coast Guard. As you know they have weigh in’s in I believe in ... A: Sarah, This has always been a sore subject for me. I hate weigh-ins and height/weight "standards." ... | |
| Navy vision requirements | 4/24/2009 |
| Q: I was denied a vision waiver from the Army. The waiver was passed by MEPs and made its way up the ... A: Billy, Sounds like you should go with the Navy. In my opinion you'll be better off there anyway. A ... | |
| Re Apply USMC | 4/24/2009 |
| Q: I joined when I was 18, got sick in boot camp and was sent to a recovery platoon. Started talking ... A: Bob, It all depends upon what your separation documents say. On your DD214 form you'll see a ... | |
| aerospace/occupational therapy | 4/23/2009 |
| Q: I currently have a 4yr degree in exercise physiology. I was told that i could come into the Air ... A: Jay, It works both ways. Often someone with a background or experience in physiology decides and a ... | |
| Getting a waiver for Air Force enlistment | 4/23/2009 |
| Q: I am a 25 year old male who is trying to enlist in the Air Force. I have 3 alcohol related tickets ... A: Lauren, In general, past alcohol abuse is waiverable, but if it led to other problems such as ... | |
| Coast Gaurd JROTC | 4/23/2009 |
| Q: Mr. Howell, I am currently finishing my junior year in high school, and have my sights pretty ... A: Matt, While there are over 1,000 Army and Air Force Junior ROTC units in high schools across the ... | |
| Coast Guard | 4/23/2009 |
| Q: My son called today and told me he failed his urinalysis. He is in the last year of a 6 year ... A: Diane, I hate to add to your worries but it is possible they will discharge him. But then again ... | |
| branch switch | 4/23/2009 |
| Q: I cant join the marines till i get my sleeve tattoo removed. That could take up to a year . I was ... A: Jon, Switching from the Reserves to active-duty in any branch of the Service is extremely difficult. ... | |
| dissorders | 4/23/2009 |
| Q: i was considering on joing the Army reserve. But im not shure if i can because i have Bipolor. I ... A: Mitch, If you are actively bipolar, and are currently under medication for such a condition, it is a ... | |
| Discharge Categories for Commissioned Officers | 4/22/2009 |
| Q: How do discharge designations for commissioned officers differ from those of enlisted men? What ... A: Gerry, 1. Discharges for officers and enlisted are pretty much the same except officers cannot be ... | |
| Marine aviation school Pensacola | 4/22/2009 |
| Q: My son is finishing TBS shortly and is going to Pensacola for pilot flight training school. He ... A: Aviation Preflight Indoctrination) at NAS Pensacola has a failure rate of approx. 80%. Very high, ... | |
| Joining the military | 4/22/2009 |
| Q: I graduated 6 months ago with a B.S. in Civil Engineering and now wish to join the military. ... A: William, Congratulations on earning your B.S. degree! Having just one DUI does not really harm you, ... | |
| Divorce and the marines | 4/22/2009 |
| Q: I know someone who is dating a woman who is married to a Marine. So basically she is committing ... A: Shalyn, If she is non-military there's little the Marine Corps can do to her. Obviously her husband ... | |
| Re-joining the Army | 4/21/2009 |
| Q: I am trying to go back to active duty army from the reserves. How long does the release paperwork ... A: Jennifer, Trying to switch from the Reserves to active-duty is extremely difficult and not many are ... | |
| Sleepwalking | 4/21/2009 |
| Q: Sill and has stayed there for AIT. During basic he was sleepwalking for about a month everynight. ... A: Gail, Sleepwalking is more commonly experienced in people with high levels of stress, anxiety or ... | |
| marine infantry | 4/21/2009 |
| Q: what would be a good infantry job to do in the marines as someone thats just about to go into ... A: Eric, There's no such thing as a bad job in the USMC Infantry. It's mostly just personal ... | |
| basic training: swimming | 4/21/2009 |
| Q: do i need to know how to swim before joining the air force? or will they teach me? A: Dennis, No you don't need to know how to swim. Because that's not a requirement for most jobs, the ... | |
| MEPS test | 4/21/2009 |
| Q: Mark, My brother recently applied for the Coast Guard. He found out, several days after testing, ... A: Alex, As he's discovered, smoking post can often stay in your system for 4-5 weeks. That's why the ... | |
| Navy Life - Marriage Compatibility | 4/21/2009 |
| Q: Howell, I am a 27 year old college graduate with a bachelor of arts in International Relations with ... A: Matthew, Happy Anniversary and congratulations on earning your BA! Let me tackle your concerns. ... | |
| wife living on base with me | 4/21/2009 |
| Q: I'm getting married real soon and my soon to be wife is 18 and still in high school and she still ... A: Donald, Each base is a little different, depending upon how much on-base housing is vacant. Usually ... | |
| College and Force Recon or Navy Seals | 4/21/2009 |
| Q: My ultimate goal is to be a Force Reconnaissance Marine or a Navy Seal. Would it help me to attend ... A: Allen, I have deployed on covert ops many times with members of the CIA SAD and have great respect ... | |
| Gastric bypass | 4/20/2009 |
| Q: I saw your responce to the question about gastric bypass. What I wanted to know is if that applies ... A: John, Reservists enter the military under the same medical restrictions as an active-duty person. ... | |
| wife living on base with me | 4/20/2009 |
| Q: I'm getting married real soon and my soon to be wife is 18 and still in high school and she still ... A: Donald, Congratulations on your engagement! Yes, of course you wife can live with you in base ... | |
| RE-8 reentry code | 4/20/2009 |
| Q: I got discharged with an RE-8 reentry code can you please help me understand what it means. I have ... A: Shawna, Each of the Services have variations or subdivisions of the 4 basic Reenlistment Eligibility ... | |
| Bipolar Disorder | 4/20/2009 |
| Q: My son is in the Coast Guard and has been recently diagnosed with bipolar disorder.The Coast Guard ... A: Tom, Unfortunately he will probably be discharged. Not medically discharged with a pension, because ... | |
| College and Force Recon or Navy Seals | 4/20/2009 |
| Q: My ultimate goal is to be a Force Reconnaissance Marine or a Navy Seal. Would it help me to attend ... A: Allen, You don't usually enter the Navy directly as a SEAL. The Navy usually accepts applicants ... | |
| marine infantry | 4/19/2009 |
| Q: i was wondering, if i leave for bootcamp august 31st, 2009 as infantry in the marines. by the time ... A: Eric, You have to ask yourself, "What good is a Marine infantryman if he's not deployed?" There's ... | |
| Getting Green card | 4/19/2009 |
| Q: sir. I have a question. I am a foreigner and i have student Visa. Is it possible for me to join ... A: Ami, You should definitely go to USCIS first. You can start by looking at their web site: ... | |
| Professionals Entering the Army and/or Air Force | 4/19/2009 |
| Q: What is the entering rank for a Doctor of Dental Surgery entering the Army and/or Air Force. How ... A: William, To answer your questions accurately I went to a friend of mine who has been an Army dentist ... | |
| Getting Green card | 4/18/2009 |
| Q: sir. I have a question. I am a foreigner and i have student Visa. Is it possible for me to join ... A: Ami, Not with a student visa. You must have a "Green Card" and you must have a valid amount of time ... | |
| college grad looking to go through OCS | 4/18/2009 |
| Q: I have been out of college about a year and a half now and turn 25 in June. My first question would ... A: Eric, Congratulations on earning your Bachelor's degree. You're in luck! You're not too old yet. ... | |
| OCS Entry | 4/17/2009 |
| Q: Colonel, My son recently informed me that he had made an appointment to see an OSO for the Marines ... A: Gail, You mentioned he was working out hard. Has he been taking Ibuprofen like Motrin, Advil or ... | |
| re-joining | 4/17/2009 |
| Q: I know someone who was released from army basic training for a knee injury. He has been out for a ... A: Peter, First of all he needs a four-year Bachelor's Degree, not just a two-year Associate's Degree ... | |
| pilot | 4/16/2009 |
| Q: My name is Steve. I am planning on joining the USMC after high school. I really want to pursue a ... A: Steve, Only the Army allows enlisted men to become helicopter pilots. All the other Services ... | |
| Enlisting in Army | 4/16/2009 |
| Q: I have been trying to enlist in the ARMY. I had gastric bypass surgery to loose weight 6 yrs ago. ... A: Gloria, Congratulations on having the surgery! Unfortunately gastric bypass surgery is a ... | |
| Marksmen | 4/16/2009 |
| Q: I am interested in being a marksmen but in the USCG. My brother is a gunnersmate and knows that ... A: Randy, The Coast Guard has what they call "designated marksmen" who use the RC50 laser-sighted .50 ... | |
| Bankruptcy and Uncharacterized Discharge | 4/16/2009 |
| Q: Col. Howell, I went to go into the US Army around 1998. I didn't get into Basic Training with the ... A: Mike, As I'm sure you already know, an entry-level separation, or "Uncharacterized Discharge", is ... | |
| Trying to join | 4/15/2009 |
| Q: My name is Eric I am 18 years old and trying to join the Navy. The problem is I am having some ... A: Eric, Short answer is, it's possible. By chance, are you from Texas? I'm just curious since ... | |
| Army Officer to Navy Officer | 4/15/2009 |
| Q: My husband is currently a 1LT air defense artillery officer in the army, and we are not liking the ... A: Allison, So he wants to become a Lieutenant again, huh? It's not easy but it can be done. ... | |
| Trying to join | 4/15/2009 |
| Q: My name is Eric I am 18 years old and trying to join the Navy. The problem is I am having some ... A: Eric, A Class D Felony is serious, even as a juvenile. It can be anything from Attempted ... | |
| Coast Guard | 4/15/2009 |
| Q: Can a person with flat feet qualify to enter the coast guard? A: Morgan, Short answer is: Sometimes. It depends upon how severe the problem is. If your civilian ... | |
| disqualifications | 4/15/2009 |
| Q: i underwent reconstructive acl surgery. Does that or any other reconstructive ligament suregery ... A: Nick, Having had ACL surgery is NOT a disqualifier, as long as the surgery was successful and you ... | |
| want to join but afraid of disqualification | 4/15/2009 |
| Q: i really want to get into the military but i am afraid that a single medical issue may keep me out, ... A: Richard, Unless you have a back spasm while the doctor is examining you I know of no way he will ... | |
| my question | 4/15/2009 |
| Q: what garantee to i have of joining the Navy, Army, or Marines if i have diabetes since i was 10 ... A: Yesenia, Unfortunately no. You cannot serve in the military with diabetes. Even those that have ... | |
| Hostile area service | 4/14/2009 |
| Q: While in the Army in the 80's I was dispatched to a Central American site to provide transport ... A: Rene, Since you were only TDY it won't show up. This is only going to be important if you're trying ... | |
| artilery | 4/14/2009 |
| Q: I would like to ask your help on history of artillery. About when the fist time men found explosive ... A: Thomas, I hope this helps. Colonel H HISTORY OF ARTILLERY Artillery is basically any large weapon ... | |
| DUI + NROTC Scholarship? | 4/14/2009 |
| Q: Mr. Howell, I just received a 4 year NROTC Nursing Scholarship in February 2009 at the cutoff age of ... A: Will, Congratulations on your scholarship! You are probably alright if it was a simple misdemeanor ... | |
| USMC OCS Qualification | 4/13/2009 |
| Q: Mr. Howell, My name is Greg Cucino, I am looking to enlist with the USMC in the OCS program as I am ... A: Greg, RE-3 codes usually mean you CAN re-enlist with a waiver. RE-4 codes are the bad ones that ... | |
| USMC OCS Qualification | 4/13/2009 |
| Q: Mr. Howell, My name is Greg Cucino, I am looking to enlist with the USMC in the OCS program as I am ... A: Greg, Your code JDA1 means just what is spelled out: FRAUDULENT ENTRY INTO MILITARY SERVICE. It ... | |
| spouse colocation | 4/13/2009 |
| Q: im about to get married in june to my fiance who has been in the navy for 4 years and has changed ... A: Amanda, Congratulations on you engagement! The Navy has an assignment program called "JOIN SPOUSE." ... | |
| artilery | 4/13/2009 |
| Q: I would like to ask your help on history of artillery. About when the fist time men found explosive ... A: Thomas, You're in luck, military history is my speciality. How many pages do you need? Glad to ... | |
| stress fractures in BMT | 4/11/2009 |
| Q: My sister was sent home on convalescent leave from USAF BMT due to stress fractures and stress ... A: Holly, Stress fractures occur most commonly in a weight-bearing bone such as knees or the lower ... | |
| MCRD Intake Processing Medical Problem | 4/11/2009 |
| Q: Ok, so here is my question. My son joined the USMC, he was entered into the DEP and completed all ... A: Shelley, It absolutely IS NOT standard procedure to check his hearing again. Only if he said he had ... | |
| Reserves to Active Paygrade | 4/10/2009 |
| Q: I was Active Duty Navy for almost 7 years, then transferred to the Navy Reserves. I took the E6 exam ... A: Norm, Congratulations on taking the E-6 exam, I hope you make it. That's one of the most difficult ... | |
| MCRD Intake Processing Medical Problem | 4/10/2009 |
| Q: Ok, so here is my question. My son joined the USMC, he was entered into the DEP and completed all ... A: Shelley, I don't quite understand this one, not enough details. His medical evaluation comes BEFORE ... | |
| discharge | 4/10/2009 |
| Q: can you get into any other branch of the military if you are being administrative separated from one ... A: Jasaon, An administrative separation is when a servicemember is separated from the military before ... | |
| medical waiver | 4/10/2009 |
| Q: I went through the MEPS process today...wonderful experience. I have been put on hold pending a ... A: Michelle, Don't worry. If you thought the MEPS was wonderful you MUST be on drugs! Inderal is one of ... | |
| U.S. Coast Guard-Accepting waivers? | 4/9/2009 |
| Q: Is the U.S. Coast Guard currently accepting waivers for "adverse adjudications" for a juvenile ... A: Janet, In short, yes. Federal law and Department of Defense directives give the military Services ... | |
| Academy admissions/OCS | 4/9/2009 |
| Q: Colonel Howell, My son as a junior in highschool. He is intrested in going to the Coast Guard ... A: Tim, It's good to shop around and explore his options because getting an appointment to a Service ... | |
| Recruiting question... | 4/9/2009 |
| Q: I am currently serving a six month probation period for a misdemenor where they have withheld ... A: Matthew, Short answer is, it's possible. By chance are you from Florida or Texas? I'm just curious ... | |
| Army/Navy | 4/9/2009 |
| Q: hello i am 31 years old an i am trying to figure out whether to go into the army or navy i have no ... A: Justin, First of all, you're too old for the Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard so Army and Navy ... | |
| USMC OCS Qualification | 4/9/2009 |
| Q: Mr. Howell, My name is Greg Cucino, I am looking to enlist with the USMC in the OCS program as I am ... A: Greg, Before I can give you a good answer I need to know two things: If you look at your DD Form 214 ... | |
| Basic Allowance Housing entitlement | 4/9/2009 |
| Q: Sir, A married O4 with dependents detaches his command in Kansas June 5th. He transports his ... A: Will, Evidently the previous base is sending him TDY enroute to his new location. Which means that ... | |
| Can i get stationed where i want? | 4/9/2009 |
| Q: S Army and im waiting to ship to basic and A.I.T in Ft. Lenordwood Missouri for all of my Military ... A: Timothy, Somewhere in the fine print of all that paperwork you signed says you agree to go wherever ... | |
| disqualification | 4/9/2009 |
| Q: My son was recently disqualified from the air force for failing a urine test at MEPS for marijuana. ... A: Angie, As he discovered, it can often take 4-5 weeks for marijuana to leave his system. The M in ... | |
| Voluntary Recall | 4/9/2009 |
| Q: I retired from US Navy in 1994 with 20 years, 4 months service. I collected O6 pay for the year ... A: Dan, Good thinking, but it won't work for a couple of reasons. As you know, you had to have two ... | |
| Discharge from DEP | 4/8/2009 |
| Q: I am wondering if my son is getting the run around. He was told by his recruiter to lie about his ... A: Lisa, He should try the AF again. Most Air Traffic Controllers are enlisted and don't need a ... | |
| weight limit to join | 4/8/2009 |
| Q: i want to join the air force but don't know if they will take me i am 5'10 and 250 pounds but i can ... A: Nelson, The only waivers given to weight standards are to bodybuilders whose muscle density causes ... | |
| Air Force Commission | 4/8/2009 |
| Q: Col. Howell, I have been recently trying to join the Air Force, preferably as a scientist. I have a ... A: Drew, Unfortunately you're dealing with a recruiter who's either not completely honest or ... | |
| waiver for kerataconoous | 4/7/2009 |
| Q: During my process of joining the USMC i was disqualified from meps for having an eye condition: ... A: Rashamen, Now I understand what you're saying. I personally have not heard of a waiver being ... | |
| Discharge from DEP | 4/7/2009 |
| Q: I am wondering if my son is getting the run around. He was told by his recruiter to lie about his ... A: Lisa, I'm glad he's got something else in his favor. That's the kind of things that recruiters know ... | |
| Mortuary Affairs Specialist | 4/7/2009 |
| Q: I am currently enrolled into the Mortuary Affairs Course through AKO/NKO, and I have 17 years active ... A: Anthony, I'd say your chances are good if you meet the requirements listed in the job description. ... | |
| Army National Guard enlistment | 4/7/2009 |
| Q: I was separated from the Air Force back in March 1996 with an Honorable hardship 4A discharge. I ... A: Tom, A Reenlistment code of RE-4A means exactly, "Hardship or dependency discharge." Usually, ... | |
| felony | 4/7/2009 |
| Q: my son has a felony on his record for selling drugs, but was given probation for 5 years. He is ... A: Lisa, How old is he now? Is his probation over yet? Was he a minor at the time of the offense? ... | |
| Discharge from DEP | 4/6/2009 |
| Q: I am wondering if my son is getting the run around. He was told by his recruiter to lie about his ... A: It's a common-practice to not admit having ADHD for several reasons. Some of the most common ... | |
| Prior Service Trying to Rejoin | 4/6/2009 |
| Q: I was previously enlisted in the Navy for about a year and three months. I was discharged at my ... A: Monica, Let me tackle the several parts of your question individually: 1. The Navy recruiter that ... | |
| OTS | 4/6/2009 |
| Q: I am a 28 yr old enlisted Airman, I want to go to OTS. If the Air Force won't take me I will apply ... A: Nate, Getting your M.A. first is a very, very good idea. An AF officer is expected to get a ... | |
| biochemistry in the U.S. Military | 4/5/2009 |
| Q: I was considering of getting a degree in either biochemistry, or chemistry when I go to college, but ... A: Charmaine, The military does not have much of a demand for chemists but they have many opportunities ... | |
| USAF active duty age limit | 4/5/2009 |
| Q: I'm interested in enlisting with the United States Air Force.. I've never served in the military ... A: Ariel, Are you limiting yourself to just the AF? If so unfortunately, 27 is the age limit for the ... | |
| is kerataconous a dq disease for the marine corps | 4/4/2009 |
| Q: Good day. My name is Rashamen Green and my dream is to serve my family, future, and country by ... A: Rashamen, I inquired at the Surgeon General's office. They said they do not keep statistics on a ... | |
| waiver? | 4/4/2009 |
| Q: In 2001 when I was 13 I walked into a minor league baseball field with 4 buddies at the time and as ... A: Marcos, We were all young and foolish once. Hopefully you've seen the error of your ways. I can't ... | |
| re-appointment and call to active duty | 4/4/2009 |
| Q: Regarding re-appointment and concurrent Call to Active Duty program for officers, the website and ... A: Mary, The actual message that started the Army's RECALL TO ACTIVE DUTY program states that you must ... | |
| is kerataconous a dq disease for the marine corps | 4/3/2009 |
| Q: Good day. My name is Rashamen Green and my dream is to serve my family, future, and country ... A: Rashamen, As you know, Keratoconus is a condition of the eye which literally means "conical or ... | |
| Funeral Director/Embalmer/Mortuary Affairs | 4/2/2009 |
| Q: Col Howell,I have been a funeral director/embalmer for many years. While I know this is my calling ... A: Dianne, Last week I had a very similar question from another mortician wishing to serve his country, ... | |
| Medical Discharge | 4/2/2009 |
| Q: I was wondering what the chances are for me getting a medical discharge and how long it could take. ... A: Physical or mental health problems that are incompatible with military duty or that result in ... | |
| do i have rights? | 3/29/2009 |
| Q: my ETS date is april 18th 09, i have been in the IRR for the last 2 years waiting for this date to ... A: James, Your ETS date trumps everything else. The folks in personnel just aren't talking to each ... | |
| ? how to change my mos | 3/27/2009 |
| Q: ok I am still in basic training I got sent home for 30 days on medical leave. Something about i have ... A: Daniel, Changing your MOS is not easy but it can be done. If you're still in ET, you must wait ... | |
| Evaluation of Foreign Degree | 3/26/2009 |
| Q: Do you have any advice on obtaining an evaluation of my foreign earned degree for the purpose of ... A: Melissa, 23% of FAO's in the AF are from the Intelligence career field, which makes Intel the #1 ... | |
| Evaluation of Foreign Degree | 3/26/2009 |
| Q: Do you have any advice on obtaining an evaluation of my foreign earned degree for the purpose of ... A: Melissa, What is your degree in? The majority of Air Force FAOs are officers that come from the ... | |
| Rejoining the airforce... | 3/25/2009 |
| Q: Actually my question is can I join the airforce? I was in the Navy 98-02, Honorably discharged ... A: Paul, You waited a little too long. According to the regs, "A prior-service applicant must not have ... | |
| Navy questions | 3/25/2009 |
| Q: Greetings Sir, My questions are in regards to the Navy, but I could not find one of you special ... A: Madeline, I have a lot of experience working with the Navy for a few tours, so I think I can help ... | |
| Eligibility | 3/25/2009 |
| Q: Mark, I am 28 years old and I am coming up on the end of my 3rd year in a graduate program in ... A: Toby, Short answer is, it's possible. Since your question is marked "public" and not "private" I'll ... | |
| REINLISTING IN THE NAVY AFTER HONERABLE DISCHARGE | 3/24/2009 |
| Q: MY HUSBAND SEPARATED FROM THE U.S. NAVY ON MARCH 31, 2008. IT HAS ALMOST BEEN ONE YEAR AND WE HAVE ... A: Heather, Yes, in all likelihood he can if his discharge orders say he's eligible. Have him look at ... | |
| Air Force | 3/24/2009 |
| Q: Is it true that they are changing the qualifying score from 36 to like 65 on the ASVAB for the Air ... A: Kevin, The Air Force still requires a 36 on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB). ... | |
| Grad school in the Army | 3/22/2009 |
| Q: I am interested in pursuing a career as a Foreign Area Officer in the Army. I have a BA in history ... A: Melissa, FAO training is for Captains in the Army. The Army stresses the importance of doing well ... | |
| nystagmus | 3/21/2009 |
| Q: Hi ok a simple question for you maybe I have horizontal Nystagmus which does not affect my vision at ... A: Roger, I'm sorry to hear the military is telling you "No" without telling you why. The MEPS station ... | |
| very curious to know | 3/21/2009 |
| Q: My boyfriend recently left for basic training for the Army. During receiving I believe its called he ... A: Amanda, I'm afraid the damage is done now. On his discharge papers there will be a Re-enlistment ... | |
| Re: CSPI coastguard officer question | 3/20/2009 |
| Q: .. well my question is i am applying for the CSPI coastguard ROTC program kind of thing but i dont ... A: Keegan, That's what I'm here for, to answer your questions. CSPI and ROTC accepts approximately ... | |
| VARIOUS | 3/20/2009 |
| Q: First of all, I received a General Under Honorable Conditions discharge from the U.S. ARMY in 2003, ... A: Joe, Short answer is probably. As you already know, a separation code of JKA means "Discreditable ... | |
| Decisions Decisions | 3/19/2009 |
| Q: Howell, My name is Adam and I'm in quiet a dilemma I was accepted to five colleges ... A: Adam, Congratulations on getting a scholarship! Let me start by saying I'm completely biased toward ... | |
| Cross Commissioning | 3/19/2009 |
| Q: Howell, My name is Stephen. I always thought I would grow up to fly fighter jets for the Air ... A: Stephen, Now I see. You've got the fighter pilot bug. Pilots come primarily from 3 sources; Service ... | |
| Cross Commissioning | 3/18/2009 |
| Q: Howell, My name is Stephen. I always thought I would grow up to fly fighter jets for the Air ... A: Stephen, Short answer is yes, it can be done. Since you mentioned helicopters I assume you wish to ... | |
| Re: CSPI coastguard officer question | 3/18/2009 |
| Q: .. well my question is i am applying for the CSPI coastguard ROTC program kind of thing but i dont ... A: Keegan, From what you've told me I'd have to say you're very competitive. I'm surprised that your ... | |
| Transfering service from Army to a Fderal Position. | 3/18/2009 |
| Q: I was emailed by a federal agency stating that they review a resume i place on their web page about ... A: Ernesto, To enter Federal Civil Service you must be separated from the military. That's what they ... | |
| Navy Marine Mammal Program | 3/18/2009 |
| Q: My name is Emily and I am doing a research project for my English class, my subject is on the ... A: Emily, I recently answered the same question for a girl named Tamika. Hopefully she's not in your ... | |
| Joining the Air Force | 3/18/2009 |
| Q: I have recently learned that I will not be accepted into the Air Force with a GED. I was considering ... A: Each of the services strictly limit the number of high school dropouts (which includes GED holders) ... | |
| Age Waivers / DD 214 Question | 3/18/2009 |
| Q: I was in the Air Force way back in the early 1980's and unfortunately was too young and dumb (and in ... A: Cheri, You make me sound old when you say "way back in the 1980's" :-) Unfortunately you're over ... | |
| weight | 3/18/2009 |
| Q: i am a 5'7 girl who is 115 lbs am i to small to be in the air force? A: Jeanetta, Yes, you're just a little under the minimum. AF regulations state that a woman your ... | |
| re-enlistment with wife and child | 3/17/2009 |
| Q: I was honorably discharged two years ago and want back in, I've since been married and my wife has a ... A: James, Yes, that changes a lot of things. Usually the civil courts direct the parents who are ... | |
| Re: CSPI coastguard officer question | 3/17/2009 |
| Q: .. well my question is i am applying for the CSPI coastguard ROTC program kind of thing but i dont ... A: Keegan, It sounds like you've met all the requirements for the College Student Pre-Commissioning ... | |
| pregnancy | 3/16/2009 |
| Q: Good evening Sir I am an IRR soldier who has been mobilized for 3 years now. I am an Arabic ... A: Sam, No, by law they cannot discharge her because of pregnancy. In 1976 the Courts ruled that ... | |
| re-enlistment with wife and child | 3/16/2009 |
| Q: I was honorably discharged two years ago and want back in, I've since been married and my wife has a ... A: James, Congratulations on your marriage! Just because you married a lady with children that should ... | |
| Ritalin use | 3/15/2009 |
| Q: My son was on ritalin from 5 years old until 7/8 grade. I'm not absolutely sure, but definitely not ... A: I still think he'll be OK with the Air Force because it's been so long since he used it. If for ... | |
| I am lost | 3/15/2009 |
| Q: I have a few question. First. I am currently in college. A sophomore double majoring in technology ... A: Joey, No it's not too far-fetched to try and be a pilot. The worst you can do is join, go to pilot ... | |
| Military use of dolphins | 3/14/2009 |
| Q: I am currently doing an inquiry project for my high school english class. The question that I'm ... A: Shamika, Wow! Way to go! I'm glad you got such a good grade. Our bosses here at AllExperts don't ... | |
| Seperation and Reenlistment Codes | 3/14/2009 |
| Q: Have an ex-troop who I think was railroaded out while he had PTSD. He has 2 DD214s; 1st lists ... A: Bob, In general, Airmen with an Air Force RE Code of "1" may reenlist in the Air Force or another ... | |
| Ritalin use | 3/13/2009 |
| Q: My son was on ritalin from 5 years old until 7/8 grade. I'm not absolutely sure, but definitely not ... A: Donna, Your son shouldn't have any problem getting a waiver. What the military requires is that he ... | |
| Air force jobs | 3/13/2009 |
| Q: I wanted to inquire about which jobs transfer well out of Air Force into civilian work force. I ... A: Terrence, I know you asked me an "in general" question but I'd really to be more specific for you, ... | |
| I am lost | 3/12/2009 |
| Q: I have a few question. First. I am currently in college. A sophomore double majoring in technology ... A: Joey, Congratulations on having a double major. I had a double major in Math & History so I know ... | |
| enlisting with/ without a college degree | 3/12/2009 |
| Q: My brother will be receiving his AA degree in communications from a junior college this spring and ... A: Damon, By all means, he should finish his degree first. He'll need a Bachelor's degree to become an ... | |
| My Airman Daughter's Hip Pain | 3/11/2009 |
| Q: My daughter has been complaining about hip pain. She is on a restricted PT schedule. She is ... A: Debbie, What base is she currently at for tech school? What is her rank? First of all, regulations ... | |
| RE-4 | 3/11/2009 |
| Q: I was in the Navy's Nuclear power Pipeline. I got discharged after some mental health issues and ... A: Jesse, I assume you mean a government Civil Service job, working with the Navy in that same career ... | |
| which branch should i join | 3/10/2009 |
| Q: I am 19 yrs old and know i want to join the military. I was recently scuba certified and wanted a ... A: Justin, I'm sure your recruiter is right, there's not a lot of Navy divers and they tend to enjoy ... | |
| Becoming a naval officer | 3/10/2009 |
| Q: I am 27yrs old and is thinking of enlisting into the navy, it has been a passion of mine since I ... A: Tashawn, You're in luck..The age limit for a Navy officer is 34. Now your next step is to decide ... | |
| if my husband can consider his father-in law (my dad) part of his dependant | 3/10/2009 |
| Q: . i was wondering if my husband who is serving the Air Force can qualify his father-in law part of ... A: Apple, Yes, normally he can be your husband's dependent. If I understand you correctly, your dad is ... | |
| Dependency Status | 3/10/2009 |
| Q: My mother recently passed away, so now (other than an estranged sister), there aren't any family ... A: Thomas, You really need to go to you Military Personnel Flight (MPF) and ask them these same ... | |
| Dependency Status | 3/9/2009 |
| Q: My mother recently passed away, so now (other than an estranged sister), there aren't any family ... A: Thomas, Making your father your dependant doesn't necessarily mean he'll get the same medical care ... | |
| Going from ANG to active duty navy | 3/9/2009 |
| Q: Im wondering if i have to go through navy basic? Im currently enlisted in the Air National Guard and ... A: Johnnie, What's your current rank? That will determine a lot, because you will probably lose a ... | |
| I am a high-school student interested about the Airforce. | 3/9/2009 |
| Q: I am a junior in high school and i am debating whether i should go straight to college or if the Air ... A: Tiffany, I'll lay out the pros and cons for you to help you decide. I'm going to give you an answer ... | |
| Direct commission into USAF with VA disability. | 3/9/2009 |
| Q: I have been trying to find answers everywhere, so I really appreciate it if you can help. I was in ... A: Miles, According to the VA, your recruiter is mistaken. Call the VA at the number I gave you and ... | |
| OTS | 3/8/2009 |
| Q: I recently graduated with a B.S. with Psychology from a State University a little under a year ago ... A: Erin, Sounds like you're good to go. (We all could stand to be in better shape) I also joined for ... | |
| Re-Enlistment | 3/8/2009 |
| Q: I recieved a General Discharge during my active duty career in the Air Force. Now, if I get that ... A: Taurean It all depends upon what you separation documents say. On your DD214 form you'll see a ... | |
| Direct commission into USAF with VA disability. | 3/6/2009 |
| Q: I have been trying to find answers everywhere, so I really appreciate it if you can help. I was in ... A: Miles, Congratulations on getting your Masters degree! I contacted VA headquarters to get you an ... | |
| OTS | 3/5/2009 |
| Q: I recently graduated with a B.S. with Psychology from a State University a little under a year ago ... A: Erin, I need to know a few other things about you. Are you under 27 years old? That's the limit ... | |
| Denied. | 3/5/2009 |
| Q: I am 28 years old and have been recently denied joining the air force because of my age. i took the ... A: Bo, Yes, your waiver goes to the same person. You're right about the AF stopping age waivers, I ... | |
| re enlistment | 3/4/2009 |
| Q: I am a former active military member with the us coast guard. I was discharged with an honorable ... A: Robert, As I said above, Regulations state: "Individuals with a Navy/Marine/Coast Guard RE Code of ... | |
| re enlistment | 3/4/2009 |
| Q: I am a former active military member with the us coast guard. I was discharged with an honorable ... A: Robert, You were given an Administrative Discharge for a reason. Since it is Honorable it means you ... | |
| USAF - Commission | 3/4/2009 |
| Q: Mark / ALCON, I am 34, USAF-AD 7 years, E-6. BS and MS in Intel and National Security Studies. ... A: Mike, Congratulations on getting your Master's degree. Yes, I'd say you have an excellent shot at ... | |
| requirements for airforce acceptance. | 3/4/2009 |
| Q: How old do you need be to join the air force? must you have ged or hs diploma? What classes would be ... A: Jill, Minimum age for all the Services is 17. 17-year old applicants require parental consent, over ... | |
| Passing the health screen with past history of depression | 3/3/2009 |
| Q: I experienced an episode of severe clinical depression during 2003-2004. I saw 2 different ... A: If it helps your case, sure he should wait and include it. As I said before your past condition was ... | |
| Nursing and Coast Guard | 3/3/2009 |
| Q: I am graduating next year and getting my bachelors in Nursing. I know the army offers the ... A: Maria, No, the USCG does not have a nursing program. The Army opportunity you're referring to is ... | |
| Dependent parents | 3/3/2009 |
| Q: I was curious if there was a figure out there that showed the number or percentage of military ... A: Terri, No apologies necessary, I've been called a lot worse. Notice the statistics said 3.6% of all ... | |
| Exception in Policy | 3/2/2009 |
| Q: I have been trying for a couple of years to work on achieving a commission in the USAF. I left the ... A: Tony, How old are you now? If you aren't way over 35 you stand a good chance of getting a waiver. ... | |
| Air Force Academy | 3/2/2009 |
| Q: I am looking into all of the service academies, and my main interest in the military has always been ... A: Allyson, As for the two choices you mentioned, go for the Intel. It's a highly visible job with ... | |
| Denied. | 3/1/2009 |
| Q: I am 28 years old and have been recently denied joining the air force because of my age. i took the ... A: Bo, Are you limiting yourself to just the AF? If so unfortunately, 27 is the age limit for the Air ... | |
| Commissioning | 3/1/2009 |
| Q: My son just rec'd his BS in criminal justice, has been in the NAVY (TAR program) active duty for 7 ... A: Martha, Sounds like your son is not getting the whole story. Who told him that? If it was a ... | |
| Medical Exams | 3/1/2009 |
| Q: About a year ago I had to go to the emergency room for a wrist injury and I was currently on pain ... A: Grant, It depends upon how you approach the problem. When you talk to your CG recruiter he will ask ... | |
| DQ'ed at MEPS | 2/28/2009 |
| Q: I want to know if I was DQ'ed at one MEPS station(i.e. it went up to the Surgeon General) and was ... A: Sarah, Once you've made it as far as any one MEPS you're out of luck. A MEPS processes all branches ... | |
| Failed Drug Test - Unexplained | 2/28/2009 |
| Q: My boyfriend failed a drug test a few days after we had gone to a concert. He has been fighting ... A: Michelle I know exactly how you both must feel. The first time I walked into a federal courtroom I ... | |
| WW2 Army Air Corp | 2/27/2009 |
| Q: Can you tell me where to write for medical records from Ft. Leonard, Missouri military hospital from ... A: Kathy, That would have been the Army post Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, at the hospital called ... | |
| Becoming a helicopter pilot | 2/27/2009 |
| Q: I've been thinking about joining the Marines after i graduate college in the future. My ideal job ... A: Kyle, You deserve a thorough answer so you know what you're getting into. Short answer - it's a crap ... | |
| Separation codes / re-entry code | 2/27/2009 |
| Q: I was in the Active Duty USAF back in the mid 90's. I was discharged with my DD214 with Honorable ... A: Vince, What's your age and what was your rank upon separation? Do you no longer have the hardship ... | |
| MEPS??? | 2/26/2009 |
| Q: I want to know can a medical waiver be sent to two different MEPs station, if it is not approved at ... A: Sounds like you're trying to game the system. Unfortunately it won't work. You can jump from one ... | |
| Failed Drug Test - Unexplained | 2/26/2009 |
| Q: My boyfriend failed a drug test a few days after we had gone to a concert. He has been fighting ... A: Michelle, This is going to be a very difficult battle. The board has heard just about every excuse ... | |
| Active Duty Army Re-Enlist | 2/26/2009 |
| Q: Sir, My husband forwent his commission as an H-60 pilot in the Active Duty Army about a year ago; ... A: Sarah, I'll bet you're living in a small-to-medium size town aren't you? By that I mean not from ... | |
| DQ'ed at MEPS | 2/26/2009 |
| Q: I want to know if I was DQ'ed at one MEPS station(i.e. it went up to the Surgeon General) and was ... A: Sarah, I'll give you an "A" for creative thinking. Sounds like you're trying to game the system. ... | |
| misdemeanors | 2/25/2009 |
| Q: My husband, who used to be in the airforce 4 years ago, is trying to get into the air national ... A: Brooke, I understand your situation, but what happens if he joins and suddenly gets a court date ... | |
| AFROTC preparation | 2/25/2009 |
| Q: I am a college freshman and I am planning on joining the AFROTC here at my school. As of right now ... A: Sam, If I were in your situation, and knowing what I know now, I'd spend a lot of time simply ... | |
| Dependent parents | 2/25/2009 |
| Q: I was curious if there was a figure out there that showed the number or percentage of military ... A: Terri, Sorry for the delay but I had to consult with several friends to come up with a good answer ... | |
| Military Upgrade | 2/25/2009 |
| Q: In 1998 I was discharged from the Navy for Marijuana use. If you are wondering; Yes, it was my ... A: Stephanie, This may be a long answer but I want you to have all the facts. First of all, I commend ... | |
| misdemeanors | 2/24/2009 |
| Q: My husband, who used to be in the airforce 4 years ago, is trying to get into the air national ... A: Brooke, No on both questions. Sorry, but one of the first things they'll do is fingerprint him and ... | |
| Deployment | 2/23/2009 |
| Q: I am going to be deployed to Iraq to work with military as a civilian interpreter. I will be going ... A: Fars, You're correct, after you arrive in Kuwait then they'll tell you exactly where you are needed. ... | |
| Mortuary Affairs | 2/22/2009 |
| Q: I am a licensed Funeral Director/Embalmer who has been in the funeral business for over 10+ years. I ... A: Jeff, Because of your age and experience it would be in your best interest to enter via government ... | |
| pilot question | 2/21/2009 |
| Q: I'm a 22 year old female with 20/20 (if not better) vision and a Bachelor's degree in Biology. I ... A: Cohri, Congratulations on having excellent eyesight. If you're otherwise healthy you stand a good ... | |
| Air Force enlistment | 2/21/2009 |
| Q: Mark, my nephew is interested in joining the Air Force. He is one class short of an associates ... A: Rick, By all means, he should finish his degree first. He'll need a Bachelor's degree to become an ... | |
| Vision Requirements | 2/21/2009 |
| Q: My son is 15 and would consider joining the Air force, if he can pass the vision requirements. His ... A: Florencio, I doubt it. It's something that's easily noticed by doctors. He has Sixth Cranial Nerve ... | |
| arthritis joining the RAF Regiment | 2/20/2009 |
| Q: I'm at the fit age of 17 and i take part in a numerous amount of activities like Hiking, Mounting ... A: So you wanna be a "Rock Ape," eh? I've spent quite a bit of time deployed with these folks and have ... | |
| Rated Slots | 2/20/2009 |
| Q: Good Evening Sir, I currently got selected to become an Air Battle Manager for the United States ... A: Yes, you'll have an opportunity to retake an exam later on, that will be easier to pass because ... | |
| Rated Slots | 2/19/2009 |
| Q: Good Evening Sir, I currently got selected to become an Air Battle Manager for the United States ... A: Congratulations, Not many folks get to be Air Battle Managers (ABMs). It's not easy, but yes, I've ... | |
| Im 25 and want to enlist then to become officer in the navy | 2/16/2009 |
| Q: What would be the best path to follow to do this? ANSWER: Are you in college or a college graduate? ... A: William, First of all you need to know there are NO Navy firefighting jobs ashore! The Navy ... | |
| Im 25 and want to enlist then to become officer in the navy | 2/16/2009 |
| Q: What would be the best path to follow to do this? A: Are you in college or a college graduate? That answer will help determine the path you must take. ... | |
| Enlisting in Air Force | 2/16/2009 |
| Q: My only problem is that I have a suspended lisence and I have an active bench warrant for fauilure ... A: Bryan Yes, you should be okay so long as you get it straightened out in advance. Stay out of jail at ... | |
| Airforce medical waivers | 2/15/2009 |
| Q: My 23 year old son has been trying to enlist in the Air Force since October. When he went to MEPS ... A: I surprised to hear that, because 140/90 is considered high normal in the Air Force. Usually the ... | |
| STRESS FRACTURE? MEPS? SURGEON GENERAL | 2/14/2009 |
| Q: What are the chances of the Air Force Reserve Surgeon General approving my medical waiver for ... A: Pretty good. If your recruiter has elevated your waiver to the Air Force Reserve Surgeon General ... | |
| Enlisting in Air Force | 2/13/2009 |
| Q: My only problem is that I have a suspended lisence and I have an active bench warrant for fauilure ... A: I'm glad to see you're considering the military. The short answer is Maybe. Gone are the old days of ... | |
| diqualified for knee injury | 2/12/2009 |
| Q: I'm a Senior right now and had dislocated my knee in my Freshman year. My knee dislocates frequently ... A: Your answer depends upon how badly you wish to join the military. At the AFEES (Armed Forces ... | |
| air force | 2/11/2009 |
| Q: my name is taylor and i am seriously considering the air force. it is something that i have always ... A: I'm glad to hear you're considering the Air Force. If your knee is OK now and doesn't prevent you ... | |
Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard
Answers by Expert:
MARK A. HOWELL
Top Expert on this page
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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