No more military for me...

[PhoenixCadet]

...according to the medical staff for both the Army and the Marine Corps.

If you all remember the thread I posted a while back regarding "Military Medical Disqualifications", that's what started my investigating on the subject of my eligibility to join the military (specifically, either the Army National Guard or Marine Corps Reserve).

A little background on myself. I have two medical conditions that are considered permanant disqualifiers (PDQ) for entry into military service.

The first (and one that "pulls more weight" in my being disqualified) is called hydrocephalus (I won't say who, incase this person doesn't want it to be further known publically, but another member of this website also has this). I didn't intend for this to be a medical thread, but if you Google "hydrocephalus", you'll find plenty of info on it. I am extremely lucky in that my case does not prohibit me in any way, physically or mentally.

The second condition is called pectus excavatum (in laymens terms, a sunken chest). My sternum is (was) concave about an inch and a half in from where it should have been, crowding my heart and basically squishing it. This is also listed as a PDQ in the military's eyes, if it interferes with vigorous physical activity (in regards to endurance). In my case, it did, and I previously said "was" because I just had it corrected about a week and a half ago through what's called the "Nuss Procedure". (Again, I don't want to turn this into a medical thread, so if you're further interested in that, Google it.)

I recieved further guidance from Mr. Larry Mullen with DoDMERB, this time, in the form of direct responses from both the Marines and the Army. Their responses were near identical in that I'm pretty much out of luck, with most of that weight lying on the hydrocephalus. As said, I just had the pectus excavatum fixed, by insertion of a steel bar under my sternum which "bent" it upwards, and into a normal position. The bar will stay in place for 3 years, and I was informed that this would definitely ruin my chances of applying for an ROTC scholarship, but given I'm already disqualified for the hydrocephalus, that's a moot point.

I had been interested in the military as long as I could remember, and had mainly been interested in serving in either the Marine Corps or the Army. If that didn't work out - didn't matter! I had "backup" plans that involved every other service. Now, those have been thrown out the window. Regardless of that, I have improvised, adapted and since overcame this (in the words of the Marines).

My new plans include everything from my most sought after career choice with the Port Authority Police Department of NY & NJ to things like other PD's and FD's in the area I'll be living in, to the CIA, FBI and ICE. I know it's not military service, but everything else in that regard is just as important!

I'm posting this in hopes that this helps to inspire those who are in the same position as I am. I remember when I first found out there was a possibility that I might be DQ'd from the military, I was extremely upset.

If anyone has anything regarding my situation or anything else on your mind you'd like to talk about or ask me, please feel free to shoot me an e-mail or PM. I'm more than glad to talk!

-PC

[Drill for life]

PC I feel you man. I have never been in the place your at well because my Dogtags say Marine DEP but I have had my dreams crushed. It is horrible knowing that you can't even serve in the united States Military. Keep trying,keep your head up high, and pray. I wish I could help but, I can't but I am here for moral support. Good luck man, I'm here for you and love you.
Sincerely with much love and honor
Drill for life

P.S. My church,family, and myself will be praying for you Phoneix Cadet.

[TruBlu]

I'm sorry to hear about that PC. But it is good that you had your back ups, and are enthusiastic about them. Which is an example everyone of us military hopefuls should be following. No matter what type of health you are in or position that looks right on track for a military career, something can always happen (if you disagree, you probably don't need to be serving our country anyways). If you don't have a back up plan and some options, you are most certainly royally screwing yourself.

It is sad that PC has come to this, but he was prepared. Like him, we should try to look on the bright side of situations like this, and learn a valuable lesson: Don't bet it all and be prepared for anything.

[Landwarrior]

I'm sorry to hear that you won't be able to join the military. It sounds like you really wanted to join the Army or Marine Corps.

If you're thinking about going into law enforcement, I would suggest checking out the Border Patrol, in addition to other local/state/federal agencies. I know the Border Patrol is recruiting new agents right now. If you wanted to stay in NY or NJ, I would also suggest Customs and Border Protection.

[PaulR]

I am sorry to hear about this. At least you will have the ability to earn some real cash!

[MP_Girl]

Alex,

First off, I want to thank you for respecting my privacy, but because most people that know me personally and professionally on this site, I don't mind. I'm the other person on this website that has this condition. It is something that Alex and I became coincidentally friends over..because I had made a post on the old grunts forum about appeals, medical waivers and all that stuff.

Pretty much, hydrocephalus in a nut shell is referred to as "water on the brain" not literally water, but more specifically too much cerebral spinal fluid in the brain. It is fixed by several surgical procedures, but depending on the severity it varies on a case by case basis. The most common procedure is insertion of a shunt to keep from too much fluid from entering the brain.

In my case, this "fluid" was what caused my excruciating migraine head aches for so long, in some cases which caused me to black out. Mine was fixed by a temporary "shunt" later removed, after the fluid had been taken from my brain and releasing the pressure essentially.

Secondly,

Alex, I've known you for what..four years now? I know that you were hoping to get into the military. I know you were told by higher up people with much more knowledge then I that you don't have a chance, but if something you want to do with your life is the Military, don't become discouraged. All it would take is for you to prove to MEPS that this would not affect your job, and that you obviously had the motivation and dedication to want to serve. Lastly, it might take persistence and a lot of waivers, but if you want to truly do this, you can. Look at me, I was able to get in with persistence and dedication. I needed to fill out lots of waivers granted, but I managed. The military is not like it was back then when it was harder to get in.

If you no longer want to attempt your goal at becoming a service member, I'll support your decision of becoming a Port Authority person in NY 100%, but also consider Government Contracting Jobs, maybe even border patrol.

Lastly,

Don't loose hope or sight of your goal. You are a very persistent, motivated individual, and you have come a long way already with everything you have been through. Shoot high for your goals, and accomplish them at your own pace.

If you need anything, feel free to PM me. I support whatever you want to do 100%

[devin0116]

I'm sorry to hear that. My medical condition (mild color-blindness) may keep me from any combat related MOS and piloting but not out of the military all together. But I am going to try and show that my color blindness is minimal and get a combat MOS (perhaps foolish,but I am a youngin and foolish is what I do) anyway I wish you luck on whatever path you choose. I am not the religious type and cannot say that I will pray for you, but I will hope.

Best Regards,
devin0116

[army_grunt_11B]

Originally Posted by devin0116

I'm sorry to hear that. My medical condition (mild color-blindness) may keep me from any combat related MOS and piloting but not out of the military all together. But I am going to try and show that my color blindness is minimal and get a combat MOS (perhaps foolish,but I am a youngin and foolish is what I do) anyway I wish you luck on whatever path you choose. I am not the religious type and cannot say that I will pray for you, but I will hope.

Best Regards,
devin0116

If you have any color blindness the eye checker at meps will catch it, even if you tell him no. What may be/seem minimal to you, could be huge in terms of combat. Also since you know about it now, and say you get lucky and get into a combat mos, then next thing you know, your straping some NVG's and you can't see a single thing. You would be p'dq from military service, falsefying your enlistment terms ( known medical issue). Also could possibly be hit with fines and or jail time.

[PaulR]

Originally Posted by devin0116

I'm sorry to hear that. My medical condition (mild color-blindness) may keep me from any combat related MOS and piloting but not out of the military all together. But I am going to try and show that my color blindness is minimal and get a combat MOS (perhaps foolish,but I am a youngin and foolish is what I do) anyway I wish you luck on whatever path you choose. I am not the religious type and cannot say that I will pray for you, but I will hope.

Best Regards,
devin0116

Color blindness is a pass or fail ordeal. Either you are or you are not. As stated above, MEPS will be the determining authority. I wish you the best of luck!

[fjer]

Mild colorblindness isn't necessarily a dq. I have it, but I can distinguish vivid red/green, so I'm good.