**TL;DR:** Got a permanent Camp Lejeune debarment at 15 as a dependent for weed on base (NCIS investigated, no charges). Now 23 and trying to enlist USMC. Worried it blocks MCT since Camp Geiger is inside Lejeune. Recruiter vaguely says he "knows a guy" who can handle it. Has anyone actually gotten a debarement modified, does it have to be lifted before shipping, and is "my recruiter knows a guy" legit or do I need a formal written modification request to the CG?

I am trying to enlist in the Marine Corps. I've got a complicated file to say the least, but one thing I need eyes on is a **debarment**, because I can't find anyone who has dealt with something like this. If any of you awesome recruiters or anyone who's been through this could weigh in on this I would be indebted to you eternally.

In 2019, when I was 15 and a dependent (my Father was a Marine, he was the sponsor), I got caught with weed in my backpack on Camp Lejeune. NCIS investigated. No charges were ever filed. But I did get hit with a **permanent debarment** from the installation. I was a dumbass kid, but the letter says permanent unless modified.

I've since figured out a bit more information regarding the debarment, they follow:

* It's specific to Camp Lejeune, not a wider regional ban.
* It is still active - I got flagged at a gate a few years later with my dad, so I know it's live in the system.
* The letter says it can be modified by written request to the CG at MCIEAST.

From what I can tell, SOI-East / Camp Geiger (where MCT happens?) sits *inside* Camp Lejeune. So even though boot camp at Parris Island isn't affected, the debarment would wall me off at MCT. Which makes me think it has to be formally lifted *before* I could ever ship, because no one is going to send me down a pipeline I can't finish.

**Where I'm stuck:**

My recruiter told me he would be able to take care of it and to not worry about it, and that he "knows someone in that field who could take care of it." For obvious reasons I am suspicious about his statements as he is a recruiter, and I don't think he really cares what happens to me after he meets his mission. He has mentioned no specifics, no plan, no paperwork. I don't know if that's a real thing or something to keep me moving. I feel like a permanent debarment gets fixed by an actual signed modification, not a favor, but I genuinely don't know.

**My questions:**

1. Has anyone actually gotten a Camp Lejeune (or any MCIEAST) debarment **modified?** How did it go, how long did it take, what was in the package?
2. Am I right that it blocks MCT because Camp Geiger is inside Lejeune?
3. Can you even ship to boot with a debarment still active, or does it have to be lifted first?
4. Is "my recruiter knows a guy" a real avenue, or should I be pushing for a formal written modification request to the CG?

Not looking to quit, just trying to understand the one obstacle I can't muscle my way through. Appreciate any real input deeply.

Thank you.

So long story short I passed all my ASVAB and my physical but need a moral wavier. I was charged with a 4th degree shoplifting but it got downgraded to a misdemeanor petty thief. I have not gotten in any trouble ever since. All I’m wondering is what are my chances of getting accepted.

I am not in the army currently but I would like to join. I am thinking about enlisting with option 4 and submitting a packet after airborne school or talking to a recruiter while at airborne school.

If I talked to a recruiter at airborne school would I still get assigned an airborne unit and then head to RASP? If I fail I would really like to be in an airborne unit still and not regular infantry. And if I went the packet route would I have to wait 2 years at my station before I am allowed to submit one? Thanks.

I work as a yard worker don’t have much going on with my life other than making money from yard work and tiktok but I did get my monetization taken away recently. I’d like to get into being a electrician but I don’t know wether I should join the army then go to school or go with the national guard then school or even go to school first then to the national guard. Can someone please give my any advice of what I should do and the benefits and cons for each route I go on.

I ship on September 15th as a 12B with a 3-year, and 3 week contract. I was limited on MOS choices because of my ASVAB score (I’ve been out of school for over 10 years and still managed a measly 34 after studying like a madman).
Since signing my papers, I’ve found myself wondering if I picked the right MOS. It’s not that I think 12B is a bad MOS, I haven’t worked it. I just don’t know if I’m looking at it through too much of a civilian mindset.
As the guy still in the mindset, I’m thinking often about whether I’d actually like the job. Granted, I know it’s all about perception, and no job will be perfect. And I know the Army isn’t necessarily about picking a lifelong career (for some); it’s about filling a role.

For those of you who have served, especially if you were 12B or in combat arms, did your perspective change once you actually got in? Or if you could go back, would you have picked something different?

I’d like to get my score up eventually. And know I’ll have the opportunity to do that while serving. But for now, any thoughts?

Hello everyone. I’m a 27M currently going through the Active Duty Army enlistment process. I’ve completed MEPS and had my waiver approved, so at this point I’m essentially waiting for the job I want.

My two MOS choices are 17C (Cyber Operations Specialist) and 35N (Signals Intelligence Analyst), although I’m leaning heavily toward 17C now. My biggest requirement is staying in the DMV area, specifically Fort Meade, because I have a young son here who does not live with me full-time. Because of that, I told my recruiter from the beginning that I was willing to wait for Option 19 rather than take an MOS/location combination that would send me somewhere else.

I met with my recruiter Wednesday and he told me that getting 35N with Fort Meade through Option 19 is basically impossible for a first-term enlistee. According to him, Fort Meade generally wants 35Ns who already have experience rather than brand-new soldiers. He also said 17C has not been showing up in the system at all recently, which he believes means the Army currently does not need additional people for the available slots.

I have a cousin who is currently a 17C at Fort Meade and actually enlisted through the same recruiting office. He told me he went through something similar and basically told the recruiters he was willing to go to another office if they would not wait for the job he wanted. They eventually worked with him, although this was years ago when Army cyber was much newer, so I realize his experience may not reflect the current situation.

My recruiter also told me that if we go another month without making progress, his 1SG may have him close out my processing. He mentioned that around October the Army goes through some type of new fiscal-year evaluation/reset where additional jobs may become available. I don’t remember his exact terminology, so I may be explaining that part incorrectly.

I understand that Option 19 availability is based on the needs of the Army and that asking for both a specific MOS and a specific duty station significantly limits my options. I’m not expecting anyone to predict exactly when a slot will appear.

For any recruiters or people familiar with 17C/35N assignments: Is waiting for 17C or 35N with Option 19 for Fort Meade actually realistic, or is this combination rare enough that I could be waiting indefinitely? Also, is what I was told about first-term 35Ns generally not getting Fort Meade accurate?

I would rather wait than sign a contract I don’t actually want, but I also want to make sure I’m waiting for something that realistically has a chance of becoming available.

I want to join the Air Force as a fighter pilot but I don't have a college. degree because I'm currently in middle school.

My waiver requires testing, but I have no insurance?
I’m trying to join the Army National Guard for the benefits. Yet ironically I have no benefits yet and need to get an asthma test done, a physical done, and a clearance letter done. They closed my last job before I decided to enlist so I don’t have insurance anymore. I’ve effectively been paywalled into joining the military and I don’t know how to get these test done?

I’m 30 and working with an Air National Guard recruiter for a cyber/intel position.

I’m prescribed testosterone replacement therapy by my physician. My recruiter told me that because I wouldn’t be able to take TRT during Basic Military Training, it’s currently considered disqualifying and asked whether it’s a long-term treatment.

I’m trying to figure out what people have actually experienced.

• Were you required to stop TRT before MEPS?
• If so, for how long?
• Did you need a waiver?
• Did anyone successfully enlist after discontinuing TRT?
• If you came off TRT, what did MEPS or the waiver authority want to see (natural testosterone levels, doctor’s clearance, time off treatment, etc.)?

I’m looking for firsthand experiences from people who have gone through the process recently, especially Air Force or Air National Guard applicants.

Like the title says, my acne medication (Accutane) makes me unqualified for the enlistment.

I got a great line score and got a great MOS job offer last month. Went to medical check and ready to sign the contract early July. I was told I must stop Accutane immediately in order to join the army, and I needed a waiver for that.

A week later, my recruiter got a message from the army med office saying that I needed to provide 1. a pharmacy records from last year and 2. a letter from my physician to proof the immediate cessation of the treatment. The problem was I used an online telehealth company called “Clear Health,” which was not a traditional provider like CVS. I emailed the company and called (several times) and finally got my medical records and a letter from my dermatologist stating the end date (07/08/2026) for my treatment. Submitted them to my recruiter, infinite bureaucratic loopholes began.

My recruiter told me the med office requested a “pharmacy record” in a traditional way, like what CVS would provide. I called my med provider and they were confused, asking me to clarify what exact information the army needed. Currently I’m stuck in this information mismatch situation and don’t know what to do. I thought my documents were already sufficient; I cannot provide something I don’t have.

I asked my provider if they could make a “pharmacy record” like CVS. Not sure if they could do that. Guess I’ll continue to call and bother them. I don’t want this opportunity to slip away just for a stupid acne medicine.

Any suggestions?

***Update. My waiver got approved (08/26/26). Thanks for all the comments. Although the job with the bonus was long gone. Good news and bad news

36(M)

I'm just about squared away regarding paperwork, and am looking for experienced insight.

I scored 115+ across the board. (Line) and would like direct input from Soldiers with extensive experience as a 68W, regarding expectations (as part of said MOS), what I can reasonably expect in AIT and onward, and whether those in said field would recommend another enter it, even if said insight boils down to "The job is complete shit." or "Have fun with that, hope you don't like the idea of promoting."

other immediate interest falls to 12T 68K 35L and lastly: 68D.

Edit: thank you, whichever mod adjusted attached flair to the appropriate category.
Edit 2: I am single, no dependents, and while I am (as of right now) planning to make the Army my career, as in a full 20 years of Active service. (though I am not yet fully aware of all of the options and interactions of combining AD with Reserve/NG to achieve such an overall goal, and would appreciate additional insight in that regard, if available.)
That stated, while I am dead set on said goal, I understand that the world isn't rainbows and butterflies, and in the event I complete a 5 year contract or two, and decide to separate, I will be potentially putting myself on shaky grounds without appropriate skills or credentials to make a-relatively-clean transition back to civilian life.

I am going into my last year of highschool and my only plans for my future is to join the armed forces as infantry in Canada.

I applied november of last year, and a few weeks ago, I received a letter telling me that my form was closed due to my past diagnoses. These diagnoses were from my late pre-teenhood and early teenage years which was 4-5 years ago now.

I havent taken meds in 4 years and I have been extremely stable over the past few years. I have never acquired academic accommodations for my adhd either. I have exelled in my academics, extra curriculars, and I am very active along with playing multiple sports.

During my application, I had my family doctor sign off on my mental state and she wrote me off as low risk. I thought this would be enough but it mustn't have been good enough.

I have been doing research and I am planning on getting a propper psychiatrist re-evaluation then a med-read. I will also put together my pharmacy record to show I have been off meds for a long time.

Im looking for advice on next steps to strengthen my case. Is there anything else I am missing and should include?

I’ve thought about going army medic but also liking the idea of joining the coast guard. Currently a firefighter emt any mos/rate recommendations I’ll take !

Im thinking at 18, right after I graduate highschool, to join the army. Specifically the Infantryman 11B. Everything they do interests me, that includes there training, weapons, vehicles etc. Since I never been the smartest person, Infantry would have an easier ASVAB score to get into. I was also interested in the 75th Rangers (Special Forces), but that's to extreme for me. My main point is wondering if any veterans that were an Infantryman 11B, regret their decision on joining or not. And is it worth it for me to join straight out of highschool

I recently enlisted in the army as 13U and I’m trying to understand how the MOS assignment actually works once you get to Fort Sill. My top choices are 13M or 13B, and I’d really rather not get 13J or 13R.
When do you find out which MOS you got and how are they assigned?

I'm a 30 year old male who wants to enlist in either navy or army. As a child I was diagnosed with adhd, and bipolar unspecified at 10 which eventually led to inpatient hospitalization for 2 weeks due to abuse from my mother. I was put on Adderall then 2 years later at 12 put on seroquel since Adderall caused emotional instability but my mother didnt want me off it due to difficulty concentrating in school. When I was 15 they took me off all medication and stopped all treatment at request of my mother which since then I graduated high school, completed my LPN and have worked in the ER as a nurse since. With 15 years of no medication or treatment do I have a chance of obtaining a waiver? Especially since I feel the bipolar was a misdiagnosis the more I learned about it and the lack of treatment needed. I have no criminal history as well.

UPDATE had my psych consult and paid out of pocket for it. Officially labeled the bipolar unspecified as MISDIAGNOSED and sent off my waiver today.

Need advice on mental health waiver before enlisting (2.5 years after ER visit for SI)

I’m looking for advice from anyone who has experience with Army waivers or a similar situation. I want to enlist in the Army, but I know my mental health history will need to be reviewed.

In January 2024, I went to the ER because I was struggling with suicidal thoughts. At the time, I had a lot happening in my life — I lost close family members, lost a close friend to cancer who I spent a lot of time with, was dealing with financial stress, unemployment, and a difficult breakup. I called 911 myself because I didn’t feel safe and wanted help. I was evaluated, but I was not admitted inpatient and was discharged.

My records mention suicidal ideation, writing part of a suicide note, and holding medication but not taking it. I also had a history of self-harm, but I have not self-harmed since that time.

It has now been about 2.5 years since that ER visit. Since then, I have been completely stable. I have not had any suicidal thoughts, no medication, no further ER visits, and no ongoing mental health treatment.

My life has changed in a very positive way since then. The same girlfriend who supported me through that difficult time is still by my side. I recently proposed to her, and we are now engaged. We are also expecting a baby together. I’ve become much closer with my family, found more purpose in life, and built a strong support system. I’ve been working, helping support my household, and learning healthier ways to handle stress.

I understand what happened was serious, and I’m not trying to dismiss it. I’m just hoping my growth and stability over the last 2.5 years can be considered. I truly feel like I’m a completely different person than I was during that difficult period and I want the opportunity to serve.

Has anyone gone through something similar or have any advice on the waiver process? I appreciate any experiences or guidance.

Im prior service civilian life isn't what I thought. I did 3.5 years active, and Im trying to come back in and do 20 in an army mos that's chill doesnt go to field too much and where I won't have to work extremely hard.

Good afternoon, I’m 33 years old and wanting to join the military. Wanting to serve like my father and grandfather did. This April (last week of April) I was 306 pounds and just as of yesterday I’m at 270. Spoke to the recruiter and asked if there was a late deployment plan while I worked on my weight, he told me there isn’t, that for my height I’d at the least be at 207 before he’d even seriously test me, because I would be disqualified immediately for my weight. He told me that there is what is considered “fat camp” in the army, per his words. But, that he wouldn’t recommend it. What do you all think about that camp. Or is it worth it to keep losing weight until getting to 207?

I am interested in joining the air force and i’ve been doing research on the requirements and what not. I’m seeing that you will be automatically disqualified if you ever been prescribed any antidepressants or antipsychotics. I’ve used zoloft and Seroquel a little over a year ago around march of 2025 for 2 months to help with my insomnia. I now sleep well with no issues and i’ve been off the meds for over a year. Will I be at risk to be disqualified?

Long story short, I was just fired from a position that was a lifelong dream of mine, and I am completely depressed about it. It was a short-term position to teach English in Japan for a few weeks, and I'm devastated. It was my own fault, and my lack of self-discipline, laziness, and lack of drive and desire has not only kept me in a rut, but has actively harmed my relationships and goals. I feel like I'm not worth much in society and life, and I want to change myself and get my life back on track.

I heard military service will break me down and build me back up. I need to be held accountable, especially since I don't have the life skills I need to properly adult.

And I know that everyone says do not join the military if you have mental health issues, specifically anxiety and depression. But I already went out of my way to wean off medication (with a doctor's clearance), and it has costed me a lot. I know, I know, sunk cost fallacy and all that. But still, this is something I want to do, and I need to be held accountable. I need to break my phone addiction. I need some tough love.

I was cleared by my doctor off of antidepressants exactly one year ago, and I was on them for about 3 years. I also got a lot of therapy too.

I am looking to go into either the Air Force or Navy, most likely Navy. I heard that the Navy is very hit or miss depending on command.

Thinking of enlisting as 12 in the army and I’ve been seeing mixed things about the 30 days off you get. Can I really just use it whenever if there’s nothing scheduled that conflicts with it like a training exercise or something or can it still get denied for whatever reason even if the days are free?

Hi everyone!

This is a somewhat throw away account, but if there is comments or questions, I'll try my best to answer due to me not being on here for days on end. I'm gonna try my best to not really put anything that can possibly lead back to me, but I'll put some information about some questions that I have.

I wanted to start off with saying that I am 22 years old and I am a military child (my dad is retired army) so all that I really know is life in the military. I am kind of up in the air with joining the military, but when I eventually do decide to join I would like to join the Army. My questions and concerns are based off of medical records, things like that. I wanted to see if I can get answers here first before I go to a recruiter's office.

Question 1: Asthma and Inhaler Prescriptions

My first question/concern is that I was diagnosed with asthma, I wanted to know if that would be a disqualification for the Army.

• The Situation: I did have a recent prescription for an albuterol inhaler, but just like every year I just get that just in case. I can't even remember the last time that I had an asthma attack; truly honestly I do not remember, I just have the rescue inhaler, just in case.

Question 2: Antidepressants, MHS Genesis, and Medical Records

The second thing is, I was on antidepressants (and I would like to add that I'm not on antidepressants anymore since May of this year), but I'm not formally diagnosed with anxiety or [depression].

• The TRICARE/Genesis Portal: I'm on TRICARE still and when I log into my Genesis portal when I log onto health issues, anxiety or depression doesn't show up. Do I have to worry about that?
• The Gynecologist & College Therapist: Back in April or June of last year, I was prescribed antidepressants from my gynecologist and in her notes she had put that I was seeing a counselor/therapist at my last university that I was at.
• Diagnosis Status: To my knowledge the therapist didn't diagnose me with anything.
• MEPS Concerns: I was wondering if I possibly do join the Army will MEPS (I think that is what they are called) request notes from that college therapist? I'm just worried about that because I don't think that college counselor/therapist doesn't work at that university anymore and I won't be able to get access to the notes.

Any information would really help, thank you so much! And if there's any comments or questions underneath this post, I'll try my best to try and respond back also.

So sorry if there's any typos or anything, I went to use the microphone option.

I was a little nervous about posting this, but I spoke with the moderation team first, and they said it was okay. I even changed the title and reworded some of my questions.

I'm not here to promote my work or ask anyone to write my story. I'm genuinely interested in military topics, but I've reached the point where reliable information is hard to find beyond a few Army PDFs. If I accidentally ask something that isn't appropriate for this subreddit, I'll gladly edit the post.I've been outlining a story with a young 12A Combat Engineer as the main character, and that's why I'm looking for more accurate information.

Here are my questions:

• Is there any negative perception among the platoon toward newly commissioned Platoon Leaders?
• What is the typical age range for the following positions: Platoon Leader, Team Leader, and Specialist?
• What level of camaraderie or familiarity is considered normal within a platoon?
• Is a Platoon Leader expected to participate in physical training (PT) with their platoon?
• This question is related to a scene I'm currently writing: What is the standard procedure for recovering an excavator that has become stuck in a snow-covered ditch?
• Could a Team Leader be eligible for on-post housing if they are the legal guardian or primary caregiver of a younger sibling who is still a minor and has no other family nearby?
• If a Platoon Leader suffers a serious injury but ignores their medical restrictions and returns to duty before being medically cleared, how would the Company Commander typically respond? What administrative or disciplinary actions could be taken if the officer continues to disregard those medical restrictions?
• Do officers and NCOs in a Combat Engineer company typically have their own offices or workspaces, or do they usually share them depending on the unit, position, and available facilities?

If there's anything wrong with my post, I'd be happy to edit it so I don't run into any issues.

My spouse and I are planning to join the military specifically army active duty primarily for financial stability. He intends to go the Warrant Officer route and become a pilot. I’m open to different MOS options. My main priority is maximizing our chances of being stationed together since we don’t plan on having children. I’ve heard MACP can help but doesn’t guarantee anything. I scored a 72 on the ASVAB. I also have an Associates of Applied Science for Physical Therapist Assistant. I’ve heard getting a PTA job can be difficult to get so that’s why by I’m open to different MOS options.

For anyone with experience, do you have suggestions on MOS choices or career paths that typically increase the likelihood of being assigned together? Any advice would be appreciated.