Posted on May 2, 2018
PVT Cannon Crew Member
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So, I am a couple weeks out from basic training at fort sill, I was wondering how exactly reception will go? because I have heard that it sucks and is the worst part of basic training, I am also nerveous because I have a scar on my head that is not in my paperwork ( I dont think, my recruiter went down to meps with me and said he talked to a head guy there that he is good friends with and got it put in my paperwork). Will there be issues with my head scar or will it not be a problem? I don't really know what to expect at reception. I really want to join, I have wanted to join for years and its what I want to do with my life. If you can give me any information, I would be very grateful, Thank you!
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SPC(P) Automated Logistical Specialist
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Reception is just a lot of sitting around and processing while being yelled at in a nutshell. You will be placed in a temporary barracks, for about 3-4 days at most. Sometimes it is longer. There will be a lot of waiting in line and standing around. Getting shots, briefs, paperwork and more sitting. The reason it is the worst part is because you are not actively engaged in training. You can't really do a lot of physical exercise or training because Your actual training company will be preparing everything "Down Range". Honestly its not hard its just boring. You will be fine. The moment you will start getting nervous is when those Drill Sergeants come yelling at you to get on the bus and then get off. But that's what comes with the career. Don't worry about it, just embrace the suck and you will be fine.

As far as the scar goes, as long as the scar doesn't have any obvious effects to your daily functions and abilities and it did not impact your health to a degree that you cant perform your military duties you should be fine. They will make a notation of it in your medical record just so you cant attempt to say you didn't have it before joining the army.
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PVT Cannon Crew Member
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Thank you, I appreciate it
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PVT Cannon Crew Member
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The scar doesn't effect my daily life whatsoever. Its not anything that would bother me when trying to do my job as well. I just didnt get it on my paper work at meps, and now that I am shipping out soon, I don't know what to do about it.
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SPC(P) Automated Logistical Specialist
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Honestly MEPS will probably make you delay your shipping and everything. I would just show it to them when you get to reception. They will just notate that its there. Since it doesn't affect anything you should be fine.

So long as there is no metal plates or anything like that in your head of course.
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PVT Cannon Crew Member
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SPC(P) (Join to see) - Okay, Ill wait till reception for it. I dont have any plates in my head from it, just a scar from staples.
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Reception is not difficult. You will be there for a week. It is easy and it is boring. It is common for you to stay up all night if you arrive to Fort Sill at night. Prepare for the first day to be tiring. Surprisingly, some people do not even make it through reception. Be prepared to have a bunch of reception Drill Privates in your ear giving you information that is false. I suggest you pack minimally, as they will give you a card with $250 to buy all of the supplies that you need. As for the scar on your head, we have encountered Soldiers at reception before that had scars on their head. We usually make them get medically evaluated but they're always cleared. If the scar is big or seems like an issue, you will likely be sent to see a doctor. It is nothing to worry about though. Just do what you're told and you will be fine.
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PVT Cannon Crew Member
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Okay, that some really good information to know. Thank you. What if the scar isnt in my paperwork though? Will the send me home or still send me to a doctor to get it evaulated and cleared?
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SGT Emergency Care Sergeant
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They will still send you to get evaluated.
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CPT Army Reserve Unit Administrator
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Reception is nothing. Sitting around getting your kit issued, etc.

How did you get the scar? Do you have a plate in your head that you didn't tell your recruiter about? Did you fracture your skull at some point? Those are going to be the deciding factors.

If you just opened your scalp and needed stitches, you'll be fine...
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CPT Army Reserve Unit Administrator
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Just the medical records. Go to the Hospital where you received care, sign a release of information & pick a copy of the records up.
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PVT Cannon Crew Member
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The hospital that I got the surgery at is in california and Im in missouri now. Can I get it from my doctor out here in missouri?
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CPT Army Reserve Unit Administrator
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You might have to do some things by mail.
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PVT Cannon Crew Member
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CPT (Join to see) - okay, ill look into that then. thank you
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