ff21jonesre
03-14-09, 12:09 AM
I am currently 22 and met with a recruiter today to sign up for the delayed enlistment program and have several concerns about my past medical history. I had asthma when I was young and was prescribed inhalers for several years. The last time I used an inhaler was when I was 12, but due to my mom's concern for another asthma attack she made sure that I always had a inhaler available at the school nurses's office until I was 15. Second, I made a stupid mistake in 1999 and threatened to shoot myself, which was a unfortunate one time occurance that never should have happened. In the end I was seen by a counselor for less than 4 months as an outpatient for depression. I was never hospitalized or put on any medications. Finally I had Lasik eye surgery in December 2007 and my vision is now 20/20.
When I spoke with the recruiter today I was told the waiver for Lasik would not be a problem, but that the history of depression and asthma would be very difficult to get waivers for. He suggested that I only list the Lasik and never mention anything about the asthma and depression. I believe I made a terrible mistake by doing this and going against the Marine Core Values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment.
My situation is also somewhat unique as I will be leaving for Iraq on April 13 as a contract firefighter through Wackenhut. I am very excited about getting the opportunity to help support the troops and I am positive that being over there will only strengthen my desire to become a United States Marine. I will be stationed in Iraq for one year and once I come back to the states I hope to ship off to boot camp in one month. My father was also a Devil Doc who served in Desert Storm and after growing up on both Marine and Navy bases I knew that I wanted to become a Marine more than anything.
Finally I will be calling my recruiter tomorow and letting him know I want to request waivers for the asthma and depression because I would never forgive myself for not telling the truth. I am concerned that this will eliminate my chances of becoming a Marine and only make my recruiter upset. I would truly appreciate any feedback/guidance from any Marine as to whether to pursue the DEP and obtaining the waivers now or wait until I get back from Iraq and start over. If it helps at all I have been a firefighter now for the past three years where I am responsible for driving $300,000+ fire trucks and as an emergency medical technician responsible for the care and treatment of patients. I don't know if this would help my case, but once again any feedback would be appreciated.
When I spoke with the recruiter today I was told the waiver for Lasik would not be a problem, but that the history of depression and asthma would be very difficult to get waivers for. He suggested that I only list the Lasik and never mention anything about the asthma and depression. I believe I made a terrible mistake by doing this and going against the Marine Core Values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment.
My situation is also somewhat unique as I will be leaving for Iraq on April 13 as a contract firefighter through Wackenhut. I am very excited about getting the opportunity to help support the troops and I am positive that being over there will only strengthen my desire to become a United States Marine. I will be stationed in Iraq for one year and once I come back to the states I hope to ship off to boot camp in one month. My father was also a Devil Doc who served in Desert Storm and after growing up on both Marine and Navy bases I knew that I wanted to become a Marine more than anything.
Finally I will be calling my recruiter tomorow and letting him know I want to request waivers for the asthma and depression because I would never forgive myself for not telling the truth. I am concerned that this will eliminate my chances of becoming a Marine and only make my recruiter upset. I would truly appreciate any feedback/guidance from any Marine as to whether to pursue the DEP and obtaining the waivers now or wait until I get back from Iraq and start over. If it helps at all I have been a firefighter now for the past three years where I am responsible for driving $300,000+ fire trucks and as an emergency medical technician responsible for the care and treatment of patients. I don't know if this would help my case, but once again any feedback would be appreciated.