If I got DQed from enlisting in the army (for 2 years), do I have any chance enlisting in a different branch (see details)?

Josh Rinehart — Sun, 24 May 2020 03:51:03 -0400

I was DQed for scoliosis and having a 5mm leg length difference. The MEPS doc said the scoliosis didn't even need a waiver but the 5mm leg length difference waiver got declined and I was DQed for 2 years from the last date i was "seeking care" for it. After being DQed, I talked to a Guard recruiter and he said that he couldn't find any denied waivers or any evidence I got officially DQed. I have talked to a few recruiters around here and they all give conflicting information, or only seem to care about getting a potential recruit. I only want a straight answer. Do I have any chance at enlisting in any branch, do i have to wait that two years, or do I just need to give up? Id love to hear input from anyone with recruiting experience.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 24 at 2020 4:54 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 24 May 2020 04:54:59 -0400

You can always try another branch
But 5mm is actually a lot when it comes to running, walking and normal every day wear and tear on your body

Response by COL David Turk made May 24 at 2020 8:01 AM

COL David Turk — Sun, 24 May 2020 08:01:49 -0400

It appears you are partial to the medical field. If you can get the advanced schooling (via the Army?), you might try as a nurse or PA. I believe they do a modified PT and don’t carry gear.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 24 at 2020 12:33 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 24 May 2020 12:33:07 -0400

Josh Rinehart Great comments from SFC Private RallyPoint Member, GySgt Dawson Webb, and COL David Turk. When you check with the other branches, do not forget the Coast Guard. As others have mentioned, the military can put a lot of wear and tear on your body in a short period of time. Keep us posted on what you find out. Good luck.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 24 at 2020 3:20 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 24 May 2020 15:20:46 -0400

All branches go through MEPS but all branches have different enlistment standards. The only hurdle I foresee is if you go to MEPS and they DQ you again

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2020 12:36 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 25 May 2020 12:36:31 -0400

They have to look at the totality of the circumstances like did you complete Basic and AIT?

What's different from when you were discharged? If nothing has changed from your last checkup, then the MEPS doctor most likely won't approve.

If you're a civilian, that's never entered military service are your issues going to affect training and future military service.

My absolute best advice is to go to a local, national guard recruiter and go through the process up to and including medical. From their have the recruiter start the waiver process if they say no, then that's if you tried.

If they approve the waiver, then your set. I had to go through the waiver process, and it takes time the doctors want to insure my knees and back would be up to the rigors of Army life.

Response by Josh Rinehart made May 26 at 2020 7:39 AM

Josh Rinehart — Tue, 26 May 2020 07:39:27 -0400

Thanks to all who posted with the valuable feedback, it is greatly appreciated.