Posted on Jul 9, 2019
Sgt Dave Knight
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I spent 10 years on Active duty in the Marines and really miss serving. I used to hear recruiters say, "Everything is waivable." I am starting to wonder if that is true. Here's the deal, I have an 80% VA rating for a combo of GERD, PTSD, and Anxiety. I am currently being treated for insomnia, ADD, and sleep apnea also by the VA. What is the realistic likelihood that I can receive waivers for these conditions and continue serving in the National Guard? Some of these issues I can fix on my own (losing weight vs. sleep apnea for example). Some of them may need a waiver. I am already getting back down to my "fighting weight" and working on the PT requirements, just in case. However, I fear that my medical history might be a huge barrier to serving again. My RE code is 1B, I have a BA & MBA, and I am looking to enlist as 09S for OCS. I have read the entire DoDI and see a few issues, but there is a ton of grey area in there (that would best be answered by a medical professional). So, is everything waivable or would I just be wasting everyone's time (including my own)?
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Responses: 4
SSgt Geospatial Intelligence
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Sgt Dave Knight 80% might be hard. I had a hell of a time w/ just 10%. Have to get a waiver to go to MEPS. MEPS then has to clear you for service. Then you have to get a waiver from the Surgeon General from discharging branch.
I got out in 2000. Was finally successful in my fight 24 Sept 2018. Though, a lot of that has to do w/ recruiters who disappeared at the first sight of difficulty.
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Sgt Dave Knight
Sgt Dave Knight
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SSgt (Join to see) I have a feeling that I am going to run into that as well. How long did you fight it? Don't tell me it was the entire 18 years, lol. If so, you are about as stubborn as I am.
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SSgt Geospatial Intelligence
SSgt (Join to see)
>1 y
Sgt Dave Knight - Not the entire time. There were some long breaks in there. But the final fight took about 2 years - the recruiter I had knew all the dominoes she needed to stack, and exactly where to place them so they'd fall at the right time.
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CMSgt Sr Maintenance Training Manager
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I was Air Guard in IN (both units) and your best bet is to get yourself in as good a shape and as healthy as you can and then go talk to a recruiter. You have nothing to lose and you are healthier even if they don’t take you
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SGT Javier Silva
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Sgt Dave Knight I think it is going to be difficult for you to get back in, even into the Guard. I would definitely talk with a recruiter.
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Sgt Dave Knight
Sgt Dave Knight
>1 y
SGT Javier Silva , I don't know why but I have always set lofty goals for myself. They keep getting harder as I get older. I joined the Marines on my 18th birthday after my Pops told me he wouldn't let me join at 17. I went aircrew even though I was a point shy of eligibility on one of my tech scores. I even somehow got into the Notre Dame MBA program on a whim, knowing for sure I wouldn't meet their requirements...after that, I graduated thinking full well I was in over my head. This one though...this one is gonna be hard.
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SGT Javier Silva
SGT Javier Silva
>1 y
Sgt Dave Knight - I commend, brother. It's not impossible, but it sure will be difficult.
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