Just one question. :-)

Hello, my name is Brian. I am currently 17, and I am a Junior, about to be a Senior in High School. My cousin is a Major in the United States Army, and I was thinking about enlisting in the United States Marine Corps. I go to the Beverly Hills High School, and I can almost bet that I am only one of three, that are interested in the military. The Career Center in my school has military stuff, chef stuff, doctor stuff, lawyer stuff, and so on. I spend almost all of my recess in there. Sometimes Marines come to talk, but sadly... I am the only one who actually is there, when they come. I can also bet that I am one of the few Patriotic people in the school. All I can say is: I Love My Country.
Anyways, I was recently diagnosed with Kyphosis, so in July I will get an operation. The doctor said that after the surgery it will be like I have never had Kyphosis in the first place. I currently have 100% mobillity, and will too after the surgery. (Except for the hump back)
Anyways, after searching for hours on the internet, I saw that Kyphosis is a disqualification. But what if I get the surgery? After the surgery, I'll be 100% normal. Will I still be disqualified? Thanks for your time, and thank you for your help. :-)

Brian I did a quick bit of research on Kyphosis and the US Marine Corps and found that indeed it is waivable so you have a chance depending on the severity. Do a google search as I did and you will find some good information including DOD and Marine Corps guidlines. Below is a recent link regarding the problem here at Leatherneck. I applaud you for daring to be of the few at your school and for your love of country and wish you luck.

Jim

http://www.leatherneck.com/forums/sh...829#post572829

Hi Brian.
I looked up your condition and tried to find everything I could about waivers for you but there are so many other things that come along with having Kyphosis and I don't want to get personnal nor should you share things you don't want to.

You have 6 months until your surgery so that will give me some more time to look into it for you and you can do the same.

Keep us posted with what you find and so will I.
That way all of us can share the information with others should the question come up again.

Good Luck to you,
Rocky

Thanks for the helpful replies! Thankfully I do not have Shermans Kyphosis. Shermans is a very severe case of Kyphosis. Also, even though it depends on the severity, if I get the operation, the severity will be gone. So will the severity still count, even though after the operation, it will have 0% severity? Will they use the severity from before the operation? That would seem wierd though. Believe it or not, I wrote down each of my questions in google, and it shows the department of defense medical things, but it doesn't show if you get an operation. Anyways, thank you both for taking the time to help me, by searching for the answer for my question. I really appreciate how helpful you guys are! :yes:

There was a post on this same condition a few weeks ago...do a search and you may find some info.

The only thing in addition what what said that I have to offer is I would caution you with even having surgery that the weight of gear is heavy on the shoulders,back and spine.

So with that being said I would look into an MOS if found fit that you would not need to hump much gear...as in later life it will take its toll on you with other debilitating medical problems.

Good luck!:evilgrin:

I saw that post, but it is different from mine. He has Shermans, which is a lot more severe, like I said in my other post in this thread. But, just out of curiousity, is there an Active Duty Public Affairs MOS for enlisted? Thanks in advance for your help!:D

The Public Affairs field gathers, prepares, publishes and disseminates news and feature materials about Marine Corps plans, policies, programs, regulations, operations and exercises. This information is disseminated to military and civilian broadcast and print media outlets. Marines in OccFld 43 conduct community relations programs to promote harmonious relations with civilian communities, produce command newspapers, magazines, and radio and television programs. Public Affairs Marines also act as the Marine Corps' official spokespersons. They arrange interviews for and escort members of the civilian media within the confines of military bases and installations, or in the area of operations during exercises and contingencies. Public Affairs Marines are assigned to all major commands, Marine Expeditionary Units, Recruiting Districts, Recruiting Stations, and many Joint Staffs. Marines entering the 43 OccFld are assigned as' Basic Combat Correspondents, MOS 4300, until they complete training in print and broadcast journalism skills.

Below are the Marine Corps Enlisted Military Occupation Specialties which are organized under this occupational field:

4313 --Broadcast Journalist

4341 --Combat Correspondent

Thanks for the info! It seems like a very interesting MOS. I know it seems like a dumb question, but is it an MOS available directly after boot camp?

Brian:

First, welcome aboard!

Next, to answer this question, yes, this MOS is available as an enlistment option. (i.e. 'Right after Recruit Training').

Last, keep us in the loop. Hang out here, read, and learn.

v/r

Thanks for the information! :banana: