Needing information

[Chopkins]

Hello,

My name is Chris and I am new to this forum. First and foremost I want to say that I am not looking for a hand out. I am currently going through the process of enlisting into the Marine Corps. I was told that before I can DEP in, I must first acquire an allergy test due to having a shellfish allergy. I, nor my family has the money to pay for such a test. Being as the test is quite expensive. Does anybody know of any programs available for assisting people trying to enlist into the armed services to help with the cost of the test? I am NOT looking for somebody to pay for it for me. I am just looking for some kind of program that may allow for financing for me to pay monthly installments. I am a firm believer that nothing in life is free and you have to work for what you want. I want nothing more than to earn the EGA and title of Marine.

[jp2usmc]

Snack on some popcorn shrimp from Long John Silvers while filling out the paperwork in the Recruiter's Office.

That should get you a waiver.

If they need more than that, the government will probably send you some place for testing while you are in.

[Rocky C]

Do NOT take the above advice, you could die from that !!!


Call your State Dept. of Human Services.
If you and your Family fall under the income guidlines you can get the test done for free or at reduced cost. Depends on your State.

Good luck to you.

[Tennessee Top]

First of all, are you allergic to shellfish? Did you tell them you're allergic? Are you going to fail the allergy test? If so, they are going to disqualify you at MEPS (otherwise, why would they want the test results?). If this is the case, why bother?

If you are not allergic and know the test will be negative then it is worth your time/expense to get the test done.

Good luck.

[Chopkins]

First of all, are you allergic to shellfish? Did you tell them you're allergic? Are you going to fail the allergy test? If so, they are going to disqualify you at MEPS (otherwise, why would they want the test results?). If this is the case, why bother?

If you are not allergic and know the test will be negative then it is worth your
time/expense to get the test done.

Good luck.

I do have a shellfish allergy. I have been through MEPS and they do know about it. The doctor there informed me that I still can join. He stated that I would need to have my recruiter make a waiver. My recruiter has filled out the form and told me that I would need to have the test done so that the results can be filed with it.

I have not had any reaction to it since I was twelve, due to knowing that I'm not supposed to eat it. I have heard of people outgrowing certain food allergies. I am hard headed and I have had shellfish in small amounts to test to see if I am still allergic to it, with no reaction. I have never been issued any kind of Epi Pen for it because I have only had a reaction one time and only broke out with a rash. But for fear of falsifying information and getting discharged from the military I wanted to be honest. Like I stated in the original post, I want nothing more than to earn the title of Marine. A Marine is always honest so I couldn't lie at the MEPS site or it would be like soiling the morals and dignity of the Corps.

[Chopkins]

Do NOT take the above advice, you could die from that !!!


Call your State Dept. of Human Services.
If you and your Family fall under the income guidlines you can get the test done for
free or at reduced cost. Depends on your State.

Good luck to you.

Thank for the information. I will call and check on that ASAP.

[Tennessee Top]

You did the right thing. You displayed integrity which (I'm sure you know by now) is one of our 14 leadership traits.

Good luck with getting the test and your medical waiver. Be sure to let us know how it all works out.

[Chopkins]

I will definitely let you all know how things turn out. I appreciate people like you all that take time out of your lives to help answer questions that Poolees and wannabes have. There is a wealth of information on this site. All you have to do is dig a little and most of the time you can find an answer. I have visited this site on many occasions while having a question or concern. Thanks again.

[Chopkins]

I am happy to inform those that have read this thread that I have located an allergy specialist that will bill me for the cost of the test. I just have to pay outright for the initial consultation and the rest can be payed off in a few months.

[Rocky C]

Outstanding !!!

[Chopkins]

Hello there again Marines! I just wanted to let everybody know that I received my allergy test today. When the Doctor found out I needed it for the Corps, he gave me a very unexpected bill. He charged me about 15% of what I was originally told. To top things off my allergy test popped negative for any allergies. I go to meet with my recruiter in the morning so he can finish up my paperwork and set up a time to send me back to MEPS to get swore into DEPS and get my date to ship date.

[Tennessee Top]

Good for you! Congratulations!!

[Chopkins]

Thank you Top! I am ready to move on to the next step in pursuit of becoming a Marine.

[jp2usmc]

Chopkins, that is good news! Full steam ahead! ...wait - that's Navy. :P

[Chopkins]

Thank you jp2usmc. I will either be going to MEPS on Monday or Tuesday to finish my processing and get my ship date.