Medical/Mental/Criminal/Tattoo Waivers/Lying to MEPS...READ THIS FIRST

[Sgt Leprechaun]

I'm noticing a disturbing trend of late, and that is folks coming here and asking various and sundry medical questions most of which WE cannot answer, not being doctors. However, through long experience, perhaps this short tutorial will assist in the answering of questions, and avoid the seemingly constant questions of "I have.....can I?"

The 2nd part of this is to avoid adding yet another sticky to this thread, so I'm combining 'criminal' waivers as well. That will be in part 2 of the thread. If you are curious about 'criminal' issues, skip this and go to the next post.

First, and foremost, you may WANT to be a Marine/Recon/Infantryman etc etc with all your very being, your heart and soul, and it's been your dream since you were knee high to a grasshopper. Alas, all that 'want' and a dollar, will buy you a cup of coffee at the 7-11.

"Want" don't hump the pack in the Afghan Mountains, nor does it toil through the swamps and heat of Camp Lejeune. The Marine Corps needs FULLY FIT Marines, not Marines who need inhalors, have food allergies, or anything ELSE that would make them a liability to themselves, and others in wartime, or even in a peacetime training environment. Read that again, slowly....LIABILITY to OTHER MARINES and YOURSELF.


Conditions which won't even be considered include ANYTHING that has to do with breathing difficulties since age 13, (if you were prescribed an inhalor, had/have asthma, missing a lung, or any OTHER breathing issues...) you are disqualified. Confirm this with a recruiter, but plan on that being the answer. Now, you might very well run marathons, play football, never used the equipment, and so on and so forth, but if you were PRESCRIBED it, the law PRESUMES you USED it. Go blame your overprotective parents, society, teachers, or whomever. That's just the way it is, and the way the Marine Corps will view it. No amount of complaining, crying, begging, or pleading will change that fact. Seek career opportunities elsewhere.


Next on the list, Mental disorders. No offense, folks, but if you suffer from depression, manic depressive, schzio, ADHD, ADD, attempted suicide, spent time in a mental ward, institution, or padded room of any sort, AS DIAGNOSED BY A LICENSED PHYSICIAN/MEDICAL PROVIDER, you are disqualified from enlistment. IF you were prescribed medication for any/all of the above, you will need to be COMPLETELY MEDICATION FREE FOR A MINIMUM OF ONE YEAR, AND HAVE A DOCTORS CERTIFICATION STATING YOU NO LONGER HAVE THE CONDITION WHICH RESULTED IN THE MEDICATION BEING PRESCRIBED to be "Considered" for a waiver, which in all likelihood, will be disapproved. (The military as a whole is realizing that it has taken in too many people with prior diagnosed mental issues that have re-occurred....). Why in the WORLD you believe you could successfully handle the rigors of Recruit Training, not to mention heavy and sustained combat, multiple deployments, and close living in somewhat harmony with 100 of your closest "Friends" without making any or all of those conditions WORSE, and becoming a liability to YOURSELF AND FELLOW Marines, is beyond me. Trust me, it's hard enough on folks that don't start out with these issues, much less already having them. Seek other career paths.

Broken bones: If you suffered a normal broken bone and it healed normally, with no issues, a waiver will likely be granted. IF you had to have pins, parts, metal things, etc, added, your chances of a waiver are poor. Still, YOU should contact a recruiter.

Taking medication of ANY kind, as prescribed by a LICENSED PHYSICIAN. You can't take it to recruit training. Disqualifed. See a recruiter for specific details. The one year rule may or may not apply.

Major surgeries: If you were born with missing parts (kidneys, testicles, etc etc) you are disqualified. If you had parts removed, including fingers, kidneys, testicles, breasts, etc, for any reason, you are disqualified. See a recruiter for fingertips, toes, toenails, or very MINOR things like that, including hernias getting fixed.

Scoliosis, diseases of the spine. Disqualified. Period.

Blood diseases: Generally disqualifed.


So, that's about it. Take it as a "General rule of thumb" that if you are NOT in good health NOW, the military is really not interested in you. Perhaps you've been told otherwise, or believed it to be so, but I'm afraid that answer is incorrect.

******

USMC TATTOO POLICY:

Added on 15 May 2011:

The Marine Corps released additional rules to its tattoo policy last month, banning more places on the body where Marines cannot get them and setting tougher rules for officers.

In addition to the already prohibited head and neck, Marines cannot get tattoos or brands on their hands, fingers, wrists or inside their mouths, according to Marine Administrative Message 29/10 released Jan. 15, 2010.

Both commissioned and warrant officers are now limited to four tattoos or brands visible when wearing the standard physical training uniform, according to the new policy.

The policy's intent is "to ensure Marines can be assigned whenever and wherever they are needed," stated the message.

The recent change helped to clarify the March 2007 overhaul of the Corps' tattoo policy, which prohibited excessive tattoos covering arms and legs.

"I believe tattoos of an excessive nature do not represent our traditional values. Some have taken the liberty of tattooing themselves to a point that is contrary to our professional demeanor and the high standards America has come to expect from us," said Gen. James T. Conway, commandant of the Marine Corps, in a March 19, 2007, message.

The new policy also clarified the size of any tattoos visible in PT uniforms cannot be larger than the wearer's hand with fingers extended and joined and the thumb touching the base of the index finger. The 2007 policy was vague on the size, stating only that very large tattoos or collections of smaller tattoos covering all or most of a person's arms or legs - also called sleeve tattoos - were unauthorized.

For officers, band tattoos wider than 2 inches are now prohibited. Enlisted Marines are allowed bands only as wide as one quarter of the arm or leg where it is tattooed as seen in the PT uniform. Band tattoos can either partially or fully encircle the circumference of the arm or leg.

Additionally, any enlisted Marine who had grandfathered sleeve tattoos can no longer apply for any Marine Corps commissioning or warrant officer programs.

"A Marine with tattoos doesn't mean you're a bad Marine," said Sgt. Maj. William Wiseman, Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron sergeant major. "However, since tattoos are a visual reminder of your personal thoughts, feelings and ideas, a Marine with visible tattoos may not be the best candidate for a high-profile assignment. Since the Marine Corps has the most recognizable uniform in the world, this makes the Corps a high-profile assignment. ... You joined the Corps; the Corps didn't join you."

In September 2008, Marines with excessive tattoos were banned from holding the special-duty assignments of recruiter and Marine security guard at U.S. embassies. Marines in those jobs "have a significant impact on public perception," according to MarAdmin 494/08.

The recent message also reiterated that tattoos or brands continue to be subject to review in some cases pertaining to promotion, future assignments and training to determine if any might tarnish the Corps' reputation.

Any tattoos that are racist, sexist, drug-related, vulgar, anti-American or are associated with any extremist group or gang are already not permitted on Marines.

The new policy also banned apparently invisible tattoos that use ultraviolet ink only visible under a black light.

Marines who currently have any of the now-prohibited tattoos won't face any punishment, but they must document the tattoos with photos in their service record books no later than June 1, 2010.

Lance Cpl. Jakob Schulz contributed to this report.

*****

Now hear this wannabees....this message/report was intended for MARINES. Think long and hard on that. If the Marine Corps is telling already serving Marines what they can and cannot do, or get certain 'body art'....do you really think that that 'tat' you really, really want to get is going to be 'waivered' and you'll be allowed to enlist? If you believe that, I've got some fine swampland to sell you.

The easiest way to avoid this? DON'T GET ANY. At least until you are already a Marine.

If you have hopes of becoming an officer....DON'T GET ANY. Ever.

Whining about how unfair this all is will only get you laughed at and thrown out of here for failing to read the above. Esp. the large block letters.

Naturally, those of you who want piercings, gauges, or other expressions of your 'individuality' should seek employment....elsewhere. Or be prepared to let all of same grow shut, if possible, or pay for the corrective surgery, if not.

[Sgt Leprechaun]

Next up....Criminal Stuff....

1: There are plenty of Law Enforcement officers that are former Marines here on site. Trust me, their knowledge of the law far exceeds YOURS as a poolee.

2: The simple fact of the matter is, IF you have CRIMINAL CHARGES pending, been found guilty, had 'probation before judgement/deferred prosecution' or anything else, either as a JUVENILE OR AN ADULT, unless they are of a MINOR/MISDEMEANOR type, (Explained below), you will be disqualified from enlistment at this time. The Marine Corps is NOT taking those with multiple arrests (even with no convictions), felons, or those who are students of modern chemistry. You are disqualified. Period. Several years back you could apply for, and perhaps get, a waiver. Not any more. I don't care WHAT someone on the 'block' has told you. Criminal convictions and charges nowadays are an automatic "DQ". OH, and as a further point, if you try to hide something, it'll be found out. If you were printed/charged, sure 'nuff the FBI has your records, and they'll 'pop' when your name and SSN runs the system. Guess what? YOU SIGNED A RELEASE. That allowed the Marine Corps to pull/request your records. Privacy act does NOT apply. Nor will it.

3: Something along the lines of "Minor in Possession of Alcohol" or "Truancy", "Minor in Possession of Tobacco", charges, IF you only have ONE, would be considered, as I understand. ANYthing that involves violence, grand theft, arson, domestic disputes, weapons, assaults.....as stated above, Forget it. By all means, you should STILL speak with a recruiter, as things change. You want to know for sure. But lying to the Recruiter won't help, tell the truth and do what has to be done. You just never know, you might get lucky.

4: Traffic: Minor citations will likely be waivered. DUI, Driving Revoked, Fleeing the Police, Hit and Run with injury, anything 'felony' related, will likely result in a DQ. Still, if they are ONLY traffic charges, you may want to check with a recruiter.

5: Mentioned above, but will mention it again...IF YOU ARE A 'STUDENT OF MODERN CHEMISTRY', first, it's illegal. (This isn't a debating society and your opine of legalization isn't asked for or needed). IT'S ILLEGAL. STOP. Stop doing it. Let me repeat....STOP DOING IT NOW. Oh, and if you 'pop hot' at MEPS, or when you reach the Recruit Depot, you are done for good.......and there's always Barber College.

6: As mentioned in the above post, I'll requote myself: "First, and foremost, you may WANT to be a Marine/Recon/Infantryman etc etc with all your very being, your heart and soul, and it's been your dream since you were knee high to a grasshopper. Alas, all that 'want' and a dollar, will buy you a cup of coffee at the 7-11."
In other words, likely you should have thought of that prior to doing the illegal act that got you into trouble in the first place. Sorry about your luck, but the Marine Corps has a slew of folks attempting to enlist who do NOT have some sort of criminal issue hanging over their heads. In a tight economy and a shrinking Corps...WHO do you think they are going to pick?

[Sgt Leprechaun]

Since it appears there are those who have had difficulty figuring out the 'mental' part of this....I'm posting this here as well: (Copied from above)....

Mental disorders. No offense, folks, but if you suffer from depression, manic depressive, schzio, ADHD, ADD, attempted suicide, spent time in a mental ward, institution, or padded room of any sort, AS DIAGNOSED BY A LICENSED PHYSICIAN/MEDICAL PROVIDER, you are disqualified from enlistment. IF you were prescribed medication for any/all of the above, you will need to be COMPLETELY MEDICATION FREE FOR A MINIMUM OF ONE YEAR, AND HAVE A DOCTORS CERTIFICATION STATING YOU NO LONGER HAVE THE CONDITION WHICH RESULTED IN THE MEDICATION BEING PRESCRIBED to be "Considered" for a waiver, which in all likelihood, will be disapproved. (The military as a whole is realizing that it has taken in too many people with prior diagnosed mental issues that have re-occurred....). Why in the WORLD you believe you could successfully handle the rigors of Recruit Training, not to mention heavy and sustained combat, multiple deployments, and close living in somewhat harmony with 100 of your closest "Friends" without making any or all of those conditions WORSE, and becoming a liability to YOURSELF AND FELLOW Marines, is beyond me. Trust me, it's hard enough on folks that don't start out with these issues, much less already having them.

Seek other career paths.

***
Now, there may be those of you who, in your vast knowledge of all things 'mental' in one form or another, may decide this offends your sense of self, id, ego, hurts your little feeeeeelings or whatnot. Well, let me say right now....sorry. Sorry that your parents or your doctors put you on some stupid pill when you were a kid to calm you down/hype you up/keep you from 'acting out' in class/acting like a boy should, or whatever. Really, I think it's a danged shame. Those people in my opinion, did you a dis-service. However, please place the blame squarely where it belongs....on THEM (and, taking a good long look in the mirror, maybe yourself). It is not my fault, the Marine Corps fault, the recruiters fault or the MEPS doctors fault. There IS a process (waiver) once you are off the meds, and adjudicated as 'all better with no issues' by your doctor, for a period of at LEAST one year. However, it's been my experience that if you were on the meds long term (and are STILL on them) then your chances of being 'cured' aren't very good. If you only took the things a week or a month, your chances are likely good.

Again, though, if you've been diagnosed with 'depression', bi-polar, manic depressive, or something of that sort, seek alternative careers. Politics, Hollywood, underwear blogger or some such. Seriously. The military will only make those issues WORSE, as I state above. Please don't come here and lecture me/us/Marines about how you are now all better and we'd be the better for taking you, it's societies fault, give peace a chance, ad nauseum. You will be dogpiled, and banned. That's not rude, that's truth. Something that, perhaps, you've never (In our touchy feely society these days) been told in blunt terms before. What is rude/bad manners is allowing you to continue on in life thinking you can do certain things.....when you cannot. That does YOU a disservice.


****

Last point:

LYING TO MEPS/YOUR RECRUITER/THE MARINE CORPS, REGARDING ANY OF THE ABOVE:

Simply put....DON'T FREAKIN DO IT! Yes, there are Sea Lawyers floating around who'll tell you all sorts of stories about the Marines they know who lied about such and such or whatever. Know what? Those Marines are stupid to begin with....and playing with fire. The Corps can still, even after several years of service, decide to arbitrarily toss your azz into the street for false enlistment.

Tell...the...truth.

If you have to get a waiver....GET ONE.

If you are disqualified, well, sorry. There is no 'right' to serve. Seek other career paths.


****
Thus endeth the lesson.

[Rocky C]

Bump.

[Lisa 23]

Looks like this topic needs to be bumped again.
There are way to many questions being asked lately that can only be answered by a recruiter or the folks at MEPS.

RECRUITERS - There are a couple of recruiters who try to come on here and answer wannanbes and pooles questions from time to time, but you have to realize that they have a job to do, which being a recruiter, has very, very long hours.

MEPS - To the best of my knowledge, there is no one from MEPS that comes on here to answer any types of medical/mental questions.

You want straight up honest answers, go and talk with a recruiter face-to-face, not over the phone, and take it from there.