Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/can i jorn a branch if i have cerebral palsy

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Expert: - 12/7/2007


Question
QUESTION: hey,
 my name is Paul carlson, im 16 but im looking to the future and i have cerebral palsy. i was wondering if i can get in to any branch of the military?

ANSWER: Paul:

 No, I'm sorry, you can't enlist with CP.  

Jason

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

QUESTION: so i cant do anything may i ask why i just a boy who wants to protect his country

Answer
Paul:

 I'm sorry, those are Dept of Defense rules that have been in place for literally, decades.  People in the military have to do extremely strenuous work, often with little or no sleep, in places that have no 'modern' medical facilities.  There are plenty of folks who want to serve, but can't, because of physical conditions that aren't their fault (high blood pressure, for example...but there are hundreds of others).  Yes, it sucks.   No, it's not 'fair', but military folks are not only responsible for their own lives and mission, but the lives of other military members.  Strict physical standards are required to do those missions.   

Simply put, the Air Force requires you to run 1.5 miles, the Marines, 3 miles, the Army 1.5 miles...just to pass boot camp.  There are time limits to those.  And those aren't the only qualifications that have to be passed.   At 18 years old, with CP, you could possibly pass them.  But what about at 19..or 20..or 22?  

Again, it's not fair, but that is one of the non waiverable conditions.

You could quite likely look into other jobs that also let you protect the United States, that don't require such strict physical standards.  That's what I'd suggest you do.  There are plenty of jobs in federal service that would be available to you.

Jason

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

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Jason Grabill

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Questions relating to US Marine Corps; rank, awards, uniforms, career choices. I can also help people spot and expose fakes (people pretending to be Marines or have awards they didn`t earn). Considering the Marines as a career? Or another branch, like the Air National Guard? Drop me a line. HOWever..know that I am NOT a recruiter. I can offer my expert opinion and advice, but can't (and won't) over rule what a recruiter says, they are the 'on duty' expert.

Experience

Infantry Rifleman, MOS 0311: 3 years. Marine Barracks Security (Marine Barracks, Annapolis, Maryland(not Embassy Duty): 3 years. Parachutist: MOS 9962: Got my wings in August of 1984. Intelligence Specialist: MOS 0231 10 years working as an Intelligence Analyst with a Fixed Wing Fighter Squadron, Force Service Support Group, and at Headquarters, Marine Corps. Field Radio Operator: MOS 2531. Served as a Platoon Sergeant in a Communications Platoon assigned to MEU Service Support Group 24 (Special Operations Capable). Did a hitch in the Army reserves as an 11B (Infantryman), 3 years. Finished out my career in the Air National Guard as a BioEnvironmental Engineer MOS 4B3X1, did that for a few years. I"ve been collecting and selling Marine Corps and other military uniforms, medals, and field gear since I was 8 years old.

Organizations
United States Marine Corps Logistical Company.

Publications
I was an Editorial writer for Marine Corps Times from 1998-2000.

Education/Credentials
Extensive library of research materials relating to uniforms, medals, and equipment of the military and the Marine Corps. 22 College credits, Community College of the Air Force. Certified Historical Interpreter.

Awards and Honors
Kosovo Campaign Medal w/1 star Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with 4 stars. Numerous other unit awards. I was on duty on 9/11 at HQMC, near the Pentagon, and responded to that location to try and lend a hand if needed...

Past/Present Clients
United States Marine Corps Historical Company, Guardian Security and Investigations, lead Investigator for 'Stolen Valor' cases.

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