OK... Here's my story. I've wanted to be a Marine ever since I can remember. The conflict is I had childhood asthma (a disqualifying factor at meps). I haven't displayed any symptoms since 2004. Which would still be disqualifying because it was after my 13th B-Day. I am 20 years old. I contacted a recruiter and he advised me to not mention it to MEPS. I did some research and it seems recruiters do this often for various reasons. He said that I cannot get in trouble and if something happens I'll get a medical discharge. He also said that MEPS would DQ me forever if I told them about it. My figuring is that I'd like to attempt to accomplish my dream. It may sound selfish, but I'd like to do this. I just want my chance. Is the recruiter being truthful? What's your opinion? And has anyone been in similar situations? Thanks and Bless you all.
2007-07-18 21:24:19 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Military
Saying the recruiter is being truthful is a stretch. He is trying to fill his quota. You can lie to MEPS and probably get away with it. But did you ever consider that there might be a reason for the rule?
What happens if under the stress of battle in a hot, dry, dusty environment your asthma kicks in? Now your comrades are in danger and they must rescue you.
You have an admirable dream but you have responsibilities also. Plus Marines are known for their pride and integrity. You are going to start your life as a proud Marine with a lie?
2007-07-18 21:34:19 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Wish I could answer this thoroughly.
My first suggestion could be in the terms of medical check up regarding your symptoms, if that would be a hindrance in being a marine if you ask it honestly with a doctor of your choice. Since you told us that it doesn't displayed in your life eversince your 13th bday. So to be sure why not ask a second opinion on this by a medical expert. And if he did told you that is just minor or will never return back then your chances of being a marine is probably 99.9%.
That is not a good idea of lying about your past especially this one since sooner or later the Corps. will find out the truth about you, then they will dismissed you of lying and dishonesty yet this is the main characteristic of a marine of being honesty and a good gentleman plus an officer. So if you cannot even stand up for being truthful and honest, you donot deserve the ensignia of the MARINE CORPS. Remember always, "the truth shall set you free..." Recruiters are deceitful in nature since they want everybody to be admitted maybe because of the quota regarding the number being ask by the corps. You can definitely get into TROUBLE.
Your dreams donot stop in the Marine corps, there other branches of the government you could share your talent such as police department, sheriff department, fire department, government services...etc see there are countless department who still needed someone like you. Imagine me giving you such an advice, I am not an American or living in the US yet I could provide this kind of suggestion.
2007-07-18 23:08:15 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would go with Nice-n-easy and capt. on this one.
I can tell you first hand that in USMC boot camp you will be doing a lot of running and fast pace hikes (humps) with heavy gear on. So if you have been running regularly and your not struggling with that then you should be fine. Get a civilian doctors oppinion if you feel you need too.
The other thing is that many children have asthma when they are younger because they have not fully developed their lungs yet. I had asthma when I was younger but I don't struggle at all in my life now. I have beem in the Marines for three years now.
My Greatest advise is that you know your body better than any doctor or anybody else. When it comes down to it you honestly know what you can do.
2007-07-19 07:56:20 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I hate to be one of those people, but most recruiters will tell you things just so you will sign up. You are not their responsibility after you ship out. If you have asthma, marine boot camp will be quite dangerous, you will be in a hot environment while doing an extensive amount of pt. The medics won't let you die in training, but in combat (if that's what you're into), your heart rate will increase dramatically (an average fighter will burn about 9000 calories in a combat situation) and you will almost definitely have an asthma attack. If you feel the Marine Corps is your destiny, you should go for it, otherwise, I would look elsewhere.
2007-07-18 21:32:31 · answer #4 · answered by tribunis_laticlavius 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Go for it, and don't tell them about it! If you haven't exhibited any signs of asthma since you were 13, they will never find out about it.
Military recruiters have good incentives to reap as many recruits as possible - don't always take their word for granted. But suppose a magical bird told them you lied about it, what's the worse they could do? Discharge you. It's always worth a shot, if that's what you really want to do. Some people go to training, realise it wasn't the challenge they had in mind and admit to things they didn't before enlisting, just to get out. It doesn't usually work out for them, from what I hear.
A word of caution - once an asthmatic, always an asthmatic. It's possible that you haven't had symptoms of asmtha since you were 13 because you stopped being exposed to whatever triggered it, and didn't encounter it until now. For instance, quite a few Australian Navy recruits mysteriously suffer from asthma in the cold, moldy conditions of HMAS Cerberus, but immediately return to otherwise perfect health when they return home to whatever more balmier or clearer place they're from.
2007-07-18 23:15:55 · answer #5 · answered by Gotta have more explosions! 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There are very few recruiters that are there for you. That is a fact. I suggest that you see your personal doctor and get check before you go to meps. Ask the Doc if its fine. My oldest son was born with it and he is 9 and has not had an attack for 5 years. The Doc said he may have grew out of it.
2007-07-19 01:46:09 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
My recruiter told me the same thing, I had a biopsy of a mole on the back of my leg when I was like 14, and it left me with a nasty scar, and he told me not to say anything about it, well, I didn't and the doctor/nurse who was looking me over asked me about it, and thinking fast i told them it was birth mark, after wards, i call my recruiter and told him about it.
If you want to do it bad enough you won't say anything, BUT just know depending on the time of the year that you got to BMT (aka boot camp) it may catch up with you. And if the doctors that reat you if/when you have an attack or flare up, suspect that at any point you had an issue w/ asthma they can get your medical records and if they find anything you will get in some serious trouble.....so, just be prepared, obviously, you are going to do what you are going to do, but just think really hard about what you are going to do before you do it.....
Also, be careful with those USMC recruiters, when my hubby was in high school, he wanted to join, and his USMC recruiter nearly killed him because he would eat, run and then take magnesium citrate which give you explosive diarrhea. He did this like 4 time a week and ended up int he hospital dehydrated and nearly dead, so if anything, please please please be careful, and if you get in and when you get there it will be the hardest time of your life, but the most rewarding and most memorable time as well, and those people you meet in BMT will be your friends for life.....
Good Luck, and please be smart
2007-07-19 01:40:07 · answer #7 · answered by nikkipitt0805 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no, the recruiter is NOT being truthful
His butt isn't on the line if you lie.. YOURS is.
and you won't get a medical discharge, you will get a FRAUDULENT one, meaning to lose any and all benefits you would have otherwise retained, like the GI BILL.
He won't get into trouble if you lie. But you WILL, and you will lose any chance of ever getting in.. and trust me you WILL get caught. the first time you have an occurrence, or bronchitis, they will look into your past medical records, they will find out that you omitted information, and out you will be.
2007-07-19 01:26:20 · answer #8 · answered by Mrsjvb 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is better to ask forgiveness than for permission. You are not covering up a criminal history. I say go for it. You might get yelled at if it all goes to hell but no one is going to throw you in the brig.
Capt. USMC (Ret)
2007-07-19 03:30:31 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why do you want to become a marine?
its not suitable.
2007-07-18 21:30:05 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 9⤋