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I am applying for a Marine officer program, and of course have to fill out the standard medical questionaire. At first my recruiter told me to "omit" that I have a history of migraines. I don't really get them any more, and have been off my meds for a while, but I know it's a can of worms to lie to MEPS so I'm going to fully disclose.

My question is, so long as I provide my medical records to them and consult with the doc at MEPS about my current status, do I have a chance at obtaining a waiver to serve? I know any history of migraines dq's me from aviation, but I am not averse to doing ground anyway.

2007-11-15 11:09:53 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government Military

11 answers

You're absolutely correct. I don't care what service you apply for... or what program. Be honest... 100% honest. Down at the bottom of the application somewhere it says something about "accurate and complete th the best of your knowledge."

Absolutely go for the wavier. If you can't get it. at least you gave it your best shot. Thank you for the effort. And thank you for your honesty.

And, if your recruiter tells you to lie, or to withhold the truth, you look him or her right in the eye ask him/her that same question. He/she will have a name badge. "Sergeant Smithers, do I understand correctly -- that your recommendation is to lie?". If he or she says yes -- or tries to tell you it's not really a lie to withhold information, or tries to lay it back on you, ask to speak to the senior person in the office. Tell the senior person present that Sergeant Smithers recommended that you lie on an application. Explain that recruiters have a less than sterling reputation with the public, and that recruiter such as Petty Officer Smithers are not improving that image. Explain that one of the reasons you considered the Marines was their reputation for honor, duty and pride. The recruiters need to do it better and cleaner than the rest of the military because they're often the first, and sometimes the only contact the public has with their particular service. Then, explain to them that this conversation will be in your report to the district recruiting command. Then report the Sgt. Smithers. Likely, if the senior person in the office hasn't already filed a report, they both may be in deep stuff.

It is your signature that appears below the declaration of truth and completeness, not the recruiter's. He/she is asking you to put your future on the line.

2007-11-15 11:53:46 · answer #1 · answered by gugliamo00 7 · 0 0

It doesn't sound like you have a history of migraines, but rather you suffered an injury that resulted in a symptom of headaches for a temporary period of time. Since you haven't had a migraine in 3 years, I think you're perfectly fine in signing up for the Marine Corps. Good luck!

2016-03-14 14:36:07 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

My recruiter lied for me when I went into the Corps. I was diagnosised with ADHD as a kid and was on Ritalin. But, they never thought to ask me. So, its up to you. If asked, I would have told the truth, as its an integrity thing. In your case, it may not be an issue. I would talk to the OSP trying to get you in. See what the restrictions regarding Migraines may be, cause if you are taking medication for it...there stands a very strong possibility they won't take you. Reason being, what if you are on deployment or are a POW, and you don't have your meds with you. Then what happens to you.

2007-11-15 11:14:50 · answer #3 · answered by Kiker 5 · 0 0

If you tell them about it it is a good possiblity you will be disqualified. I was just at MEPS yesterday and they disqualified people for allll sorts of reasons. Doctors at MEPS are there to weed out people from joining the military, NOT help them get in. They are not your friend.

Also, it may not seem like much now but say you are in a battle in the field and get hit by a migraine, you may not be able to help yourself or troops under your command.

2007-11-15 12:20:49 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

MEPS does not have access to your civilian medical or dental records.

Believe me, if you tell them you "used to have migrains", or broke a bone, or cut your finger, or farted yesterday - - your enlistment will stop abruptly until you can to provide very specific medical paperwork that the MEPS doctor will review "when they get a chance", possibly holding up your enlistment process for weeks.

And if they aren't satisfied, you will have the added stress of obtaining any additional paperwork. Which means you having current doctor provide whatever MEPS needs "when they can".

It really is a can of worms. Listen to your recruiter. They are telling you this for a good reason and they know what they're talking about.

2007-11-15 12:25:40 · answer #5 · answered by Snuggly 2 · 0 0

History of migraines is only disqualifying if it happened within the past three years. If that is the case with you, then you need not worry about it. But, do bring the records from your civilian doctor to buttress your case.

2007-11-15 14:19:21 · answer #6 · answered by desertviking_00 7 · 1 0

Don't lie on your MEPS, I would say the recruiter is trying to look out for his stats when tell you to lie, so he gets his quota. But if you lie, you could loose your ret. grade and to prison for it.

As for can you get a waiver, you may get one, but I don't think so as a new recruit.

My Brother was turned down for service for the same reason with a 3.8% GPA

Maybe you culd serve in some other way?

2007-11-15 11:41:59 · answer #7 · answered by John M 6 · 0 0

What you do is tell the truth, but go to a doctor and get it in WRITING that this is no longer a problem for you and that you do not take meds for it. and make sure there is no follow up with the doctor! MEPS will make you get released from the doctors care before they will do anything for you.

2007-11-15 12:47:13 · answer #8 · answered by Kayleigh 2 · 0 0

Usually with things like that, if you have you been off your meds for 2 years its okay. If not, you may want to talk to a military doctor or your recruiter and ask it as a "hypothetical question"

2007-11-15 11:47:03 · answer #9 · answered by screamingeagleosi 1 · 0 0

If you do lie, and they find out, you could get DISHONORABLE discharged. If you tell them the truth, you WILL get a waver and if you have them again they MIGHT give you a MEDICAL discharge (much better).

2007-11-15 11:40:54 · answer #10 · answered by Marine 5 · 0 0

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