My Marine recruiter told me to lie.?

Question

I'm trying to join the Marine Corps, and I am scheduled to go to MEPS on the 3rd of December. I only got a 65 on the AFQT (no advance studying..), and I'm now concerned about something. My recruiter had me omit my pyschiatric history on the prescreen form. Namely, I was diagnosed with ADHD and OCD as a child, and prescribed medication for it as recently as 15. At the same time (15), I was also "diagnosed" with depression. Now, I have had no problem with either condition since then, and I was never really depressed. I haven't suffered from ADHD since I was a young child. None of these things affect me in the slightest, so my recruiter told me that "it'll just add unnecessary paperwork". Will they uncover my lie at MEPS? I want to be a Scout/Sniper, will the necessary security clearance uncover my lie? What if I eventually become Force Recon? If I change my story now, will my recruiter get in trouble? Will I? Could I get a waiver for my pyschiatric history? Thank you :(

I'm relatively intelligent (I've scored as low as 119 and as high as 146 on I.Q. tests) and rather motivated. I have no criminal history and have never done drugs. My personal trainer as a reference would attest to my work ethic and toughness. I desperately want to enlist and I consider myself an above-average recruit.

If I change my story now, will I get my recruiter in trouble?

Answer 1

I do not think you should worry about the recruiter....You should worry about yourself.....When this gaff" is discovered.....It will only be your word that you told the recruiter "everything".....they will consider you the one who "lied".....
It is ALWAYS best to tell the complete truth.....they can and often will excuse almost anything EXCEPT lying.....
I assume there are records of your childhood condition.....people who know of this condition........ When they do a background check.....it will probably be discovered....
My advice is to forget about the recruiter.....Write a letter to the MEPS commander.... start by saying how much you want to serve.....how much you want to be a sniper and in Force Recon.....but that you are worried about some possibly bad advice given to you by the recruiter.....something that could eventually cause you to lose your dream.....maybe even be thrown out of the service. Then tell him what was done.

Better to not qualify and be released.....than be dishonorably released for falsifying you enlistment documents.

Answer 2

MEPS will say that they can look up your medical records but they can't, however the CORP can call your doctor and ask if you are or have ever been on medication which could disqualify you, and if so, what kind and how long.

If at MEPS you admit to using ADHD medication such as adderall or ritalin you will be disqualified. There is a chance the CORP will find it when they do your clearance checks, so that's up to you. you get caught lying about it after enlistment and you're found guilty of fradulent enlistment you will be in a world of ****.

If you're going for Scout/Sniper or Force Recon there is a very good probability that they will catch it either during your psychological interviews or security clearance checks.

The military sees people who have been on amphetamine medication as "unstable".

Recruiters who will tell you to lie will say anything to trick you in to joining.

Answer 3

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RE:
My Marine recruiter told me to lie.?
I'm trying to join the Marine Corps, and I am scheduled to go to MEPS on the 3rd of December. I only got a 65 on the AFQT (no advance studying..), and I'm now concerned about something. My recruiter had me omit my pyschiatric history on the prescreen form. Namely, I was diagnosed with ADHD...

Answer 4

I use to be an Army Recruiter. You should NOT lie. If you go for a job that requires a secret clearance, there might well be questions asked. Something diagnosed as a child might not affect your enlistment in any way. Get the facts, and avoid trouble for yourself in the future. Recruiters are required to enlist a certain amount of people monthly. Some will use deceit to do so. Ever considered the Army? Regardless, congratulations on choosing to represent, and protect this country. We need more people like yourself in this world.

Answer 5

All I will tell you is that you should let the Marines know this beforehand. You might be able to hide it for a while but the depression may reappear at the worst possible time. For instance when you deploy (and you will) it is natural to become depressed, but given your history it may affect you adversely. Then it won't only be your problem but your units as well and they may feel that you lied to them. I think the worst they'll do if you tell them now is have you reevaluated and if you are given a clean bill of health then you will feel a lot better about the whole situation.

Answer 6

I think your recruiter is just trying to score heads (recruited). I've never been in the armed forces, so can't speak with any knowledge of it. It's up to you, and if you don't speak up now, it may come out in the basic training. If you make it thru that, you're probably okay. Do you get a physical from them after joining? They may get more into that stuff then. Good Luck whatever you do!!! I hope you make it!
(Just saw Matt above me...he sounds like he knows what he's talking about...and I agree with him & what he says about getting caught in a lie)

Answer 7

If the Military finds out that you hid pertinent medical information during your enlistment process, you will be discharged. You could even face brig time. I would re-evaluate your situation.

Answer 8

i would tell the true about the meds and everything else for when you enlisted you are going to get everything check from soup to nuts about your life it would be good to go into with a clean slate

Answer 9

This once again confirms my thoughts on nasty recruiters. They just lie so much they no longer have a conscious.

Answer 10

Well my Navy one told me not to disclose any debts lol.