Posted on Nov 28, 2020
Can I join the Coast Guard with an R3 reenlistment code (JFW for failed medical/physical) from the Army and an uncharacterised discharge?
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Hello, to keep a long story short...
Went to Army Basic Training and got an R3 reenlistment code (JFW for failed medical/physical) and the discharge was uncharacterised (I didn’t finishing basic training and was diagnostic with arthritis but I’ve never had it or anything else) This was all a year ago and I have all my medical documentation ready. Point is, I’ve spoken to a CG recruiter last week and he told me to wait for a MEPS to send him all my medical documentation to see if I can re-do a physical...just what are the odds of getting into the Coast Guard do to my situation? He told me to wait until January but I’m asking here to get an idea of what might happen...if any need more info I’m more than glad to share.
Went to Army Basic Training and got an R3 reenlistment code (JFW for failed medical/physical) and the discharge was uncharacterised (I didn’t finishing basic training and was diagnostic with arthritis but I’ve never had it or anything else) This was all a year ago and I have all my medical documentation ready. Point is, I’ve spoken to a CG recruiter last week and he told me to wait for a MEPS to send him all my medical documentation to see if I can re-do a physical...just what are the odds of getting into the Coast Guard do to my situation? He told me to wait until January but I’m asking here to get an idea of what might happen...if any need more info I’m more than glad to share.
Discharge
Coasties
Coast Guard Reserve
Posted 4 y ago
Responses: 4
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I don't want to discourage you, but the Coast Guard is stricter than the Army when it comes medical. If the Army discharged you for medical reasons, you will likely not get through MEPS a second time to have the opportunity to be on the Coast Guard's wait list. Also, the Coast Guard is a much harder service to get in due to it being smaller than the Army & Navy. I'm just trying to be straight with you.
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CPT Lawrence Cable
SPC (Join to see) - Why did they suspect that anyway? Are the movements that you found painful? Did they X-ray and MRI that locations of the suspected arthritis?
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SPC (Join to see)
CPT Lawrence Cable I have no idea why...back then only my right knee was causing the pain but nothing showed on the x-rays when I was at the troop clinic or at my private doctor when I came back home. I’ve gone throw various medical examinations over the year and all my doctors have told me that Im fit to serve...I’m also 23 years old, pretty young to have “arthritis” so I’ve been told.
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CPO (Join to see)
SPC (Join to see) If you want to be in the Coast Guard, and you can get cleared medically then try. If the arthritis is not going to prevent you from the job you put in for then go for it. If the docs clear you then get the waivers you need from the recruiter. Bear in mind the recruiters are like agents in a sense. They vet the people for their respective service branch. Win them over with respect, professionalism, & fortitude. Convey to them you would be an asset to the service. PT with them in group sessions if there is an opportunity, so they can see you are ready and able. The rest will fall into place. Also, the recruiter may have pushed you back into January for budget reasons. Not to slight you or disregard your ambitions. Best of luck in your endeavors.
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SPC (Join to see)
CPO (Join to see) thank you for the info and good vibes. Let’s see what happens now in January
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Slim to none leaning more towards none. You are going to need at least one Waiver request. As CPO (Join to see) said, the CG is harder to get into.
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1. Keep in mind the USCG is the oldest branch, and their way is very often different than everybody's else. Looks like 3 waivers needed, and in the Army it would have to go HRC- which means a long wait. Right now, as I understand it, everyone made goal this year, so there is no critical shortage of body's. . So don't be surprised if that much work being needed to just get you started back in- they tell you "Thanks but NO Thanks!"
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