Can I still join the Marine Corps after they denied me for having suicidal thoughts?

2023-07-13T13:18:02-04:00

So when I went up to MEPS to try to enlist Into the marine corps they denied me for having suicidal thoughts which was a joke back in the 9th grade so my recruiter sends the paperwork up to BUMED and they look at it and I thought that there is no way they should deny it but two weeks pass by and they deny it so I’m wondering if there is anyway I can join the marine corps still.

Response by CSM William Everroad made Jul 13 at 2023 1:31 PM

2023-07-13T13:31:25-04:00

Depends on what MEPS recorded in the denial action. Only they can tell you that (or a recruiter can look).

I haven't been through the process lately, but MEPS typically does not evaluate information they do not have. So you either:
1. told MEPS you had suicidal thoughts (either to a behavioral health (BH) specialist, or checked the box on the health and fitness questionnaire)
2. told MEPS you had suicidal thoughts and joked about it
3. provided MEPS with a behavioral specialist's medical report detailing that you had suicidal thoughts, but joked about it and you are cleared (behavioral health speaking).

I can think of no other way that MEPS could have found out that you had claimed suicidal thoughts and joked about it, unless you gave them that information. In any case, if they found out, they would act accordingly with the information they received. If that is the cause for denial, I don't see any other reason they would change their mind except maybe if you provide documentation from a BH specialist that you are not suffering from poor BH. They could still deny it based on the information they already have that you joked about it.

Double check with a recruiter to see if they can shed light on the specific cause for denial.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Jul 13 at 2023 8:47 PM

2023-07-13T20:47:17-04:00

Talk with your recruiter and find options but you’ll most likely need documentation from a mental health professional documenting your mental health and clearing you.

If you have a documented event of suicidal thoughts with nothing to follow up or dismiss it other than you saying “it was a joke” I have no doubt that they denied it.

Just like anyone else who is trying to pass a medical screening at MEPs you need documented proof from a medical professional anytime there may be a red flag or questionable entry. The folks at MEPs can’t dismiss anything without vetted proof. They won’t take your word on it just because.

If this is what you want you’re gonna have to work for it a little

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 13 at 2023 9:53 PM

2023-07-13T21:53:57-04:00

Can't have been much of a joke of slight if this caused you to be denied entry into the Marines. You need to present hard documentation that you're not suicidal if you want the Marines....or any branch.....to gra t you a waiver.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Jul 14 at 2023 6:40 AM

2023-07-14T06:40:34-04:00

Somehow MEPS found out, it did not drop from the sky, speak with the recruiter and seek the source. Hopefully you did t bring a joke up in screening (why would you), that could be seen as a cry for help.

In any case the how is vague, no service will accept you unless you get cleared. When you speak with the recruiter and MEPS, identify the source and ask what needs to be done to clear you.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 15 at 2023 9:58 PM

2023-07-15T21:58:04-04:00

As we are all telling you, the primary means by which you can serve seems to have dried up. However, It wouldn't be wrong of you to keep challenging this with your recruiter, citing that you have been cleared by a psychiatrist like you said. Provide paperwork attesting to this from a medical professional. In the meantime, take some action to prove your character. See if you can come in during the week and receive a little training from the recruiter. I did that back in the day when I enlisted and went to boot camp with a promotion. Get in some volunteer work, help out your local community to show your committed to others, not just yourself. Get in shape and ask to take the PFT with your recruiter when they have a chance.

All of this is to say that in the U.S. military there is usually a way to make seemingly impossible things happen. BUT, it takes buy-in from leadership. In your case, you need to get the buy-in of your recruiting office so they can fight for you. Arm them with what they need so they can do that.

There is a senior officer somewhere in the chain of command, managing the recruiters in your region, that needs to be convinced. If your recruiting office sends that senior officer an email citing that you have been cleared by a psychiatrist and show no signs of concern, have completed over 20 hours of training in the local office, committed over 40 hours of volunteer work with the local VFW, and have successfully passed the PFT.... I hope you can see where this going. If all that was presented to someone with authority, they may just be able to bypass the issues at MEPS for you.

If you want it bad enough, you can make it work. Prove your worth it. This is the marines we're talking about, after all.

Response by LCpl George Gocheff made Jul 15 at 2023 10:17 PM

2023-07-15T22:17:54-04:00

If you are not 99% + mentally DO NOT go into the Marine Corps. You will not survive nor will the men in your combat unit. I have seen suicides in just boot camp to confirm this opinion as well as Marines in the FMF where I served.

Response by 1SG Brian Adams made Sep 7 at 2023 12:07 PM

2023-09-07T12:07:04-04:00

Short answer, No...psyche eval waiver submitted and disapproved may be a one year period of time. After one year you can re try the waiver. Maybe regs have changed on this.
Did you discuss this with your recruiter prior to going to MEPS? At any rate, good luck to you. Keep trying, the are exceptions and waivers to almost everything...