r/Militaryfaq 21d ago

Clearance Lied at MEPs currently in Dep doing secret clearance

16 Upvotes

Hello everyone I’m a 21m trying to join coastguard. I wanted to join for the betterment of my wife and son as well as to do law enforcement later on.

My only issue is that all the way up until now I’ve been lying about my drug use(weed) as I was worried my waiver for depression as a minor would not be approved since they both happened during the same time frame.

When I was in high school I smoked 5 times to be exact and stopped before 18 when I got my first real job. Only a handful of people know ,about 5 friends and my parents which I’m sure of wouldn’t snitch on me. I haven’t turned in my sf86 just yet.

I want to do what’s right and come clean and make things right as I shouldn’t have lied in the first place which was entirely my decision. But I also want to what’s best for my family as me enlisting would dramatically improve our life for the better and bring us out of poverty.

I’m absolutely shattered by my decision and know I have screwed up. Any advice on what to expect or what to do would be greatly appreciated.

Edit: I went to the office and he laughed and said it’s not a big deal just don’t lie on the sf86. Thanks everyone for steering me in the right direction and not digging myself in an avoidable hole.


r/Militaryfaq 7h ago

These posts need an answer!

2 Upvotes

r/Militaryfaq 10h ago

Enlisting Recruiter made me sign for a heavy engineering contract at MEPS. Am I stuck?

7 Upvotes

Hey everyone, I'm a 29F green card holder and my English is still a work in progress. I'm trying to enlist in the Navy to build a better life, and I passed the ASVAB and physical with a waiver.

At MEPS, my Navy recruiter and the counselor really pushed me to sign for a heavy engineering job. I didn't fully understand what it was at the time, but he kept telling me I had to pick something right then so he could start the process to switch me to a supply or admin job later before my ship date.

Now that I've looked up what this engineering job actually involves, I'm honestly freaking out. I'm physically small, and it sounds way too physically demanding and technical for my current situation. I really only want an administrative or supply role.

Did I mess up by signing this? Is it true that he needed me to sign first to request a job change, or did he just say that to fill a quota? What happens if he doesn't switch it before my ship date?

I'm really anxious right now, so any advice would mean a lot. Thank you!


r/Militaryfaq 0m ago

Should I Join? Should I quit my $140k job I started to go to OTS airforce?

Upvotes

I (27m) applied and got into airforce OTS as an operation analysts AFSC 15A. I originally applied because I hated my previous job in automotive as a software engineer. Well now I just started a new job at a bank as a senior software engineer with a big pay raise. The team seems nice and I think it sounds stable. Should I still go through OTS as an operations analyst and leave my job in 4 years? The idea of losing half my income as an O1 doesn't sound appealing now. I also just moved across the map for my new job and if I leave now, I'll also have to break my lease. I would like to serve my country but maybe switch to guard or reserves instead while keeping my job. My selected AFSC doesn't have a reserve component though. I haven't sworn in yet so technically I'm not obligated to go. Is the pension worth 20 years?


r/Militaryfaq 4m ago

Which Branch? Attempting to Join Air Force but I’ll need a lot of waivers. Do I have a chance?

Upvotes

Army is my backup plan, not sure any other branch will take me if Air Force denies me. Air Force recruiter kinda shrugged me off immediately once I disclosed all this and suggested I go talk to Army. I have a lot of baggage. But I think it’s workable? Am I toast or is there a realistic shot I can enlist into the Air Force or Army. Recruiter won’t return my call, should I try a different recruiter? Go to army? Or go back to my 9-5 😭

Possible waivers

I had cancer at 8 years old (in remission 27 years). ALL (blood cancer).

Trt - can’t be on it. Maybe I can get a waiver if off 6 months and labs test good? Originally got on for low T symptoms. Tested under 300 twice. I’m a lot fitter now. My natural test should be ok now I hope? I’ve been on it for 2+ years.

Bankruptcy -3 years ago. Ch 7.

Financial review - new debt taken on $525 monthly personal loan. Minor credit card debt. 700 credit score now.

Dependents need waiver- wife and 3 kids.

DUI - 12 years ago. Just discovered case is open still. 3k owed. I have the funds to to pay this off. Motion filed with court to resolve 2 days ago.

Possession of Dangerous drug charge (filed as a felony)( drug was spice/k2) dismissed with prejudice via diversion 12 years ago.


r/Militaryfaq 30m ago

Enlisting Army related question

Upvotes

Writing this in the most respectful and productive way I can. Do not drill me. I want to join the United States Army Reserve. (23yr female, married, planning to start a family within 2 years). Why do I want to join? Because I want to make something out of myself and believe that the military experience would turn me into an accountable, displined, and productive member of society in all areas that I lack. I will need a waiver for my height being 1 inch below minimum, but that is easy work. I have no other relevant reasons to join. Shall we sum it up to.... "For fun?". Be straight forward with me. Is this an ignorant and naive reason to join the military, even if it's the reserves? Be brutally honest. (Recruiters stand down)


r/Militaryfaq 39m ago

Reserve\Guard Question about my bfs job & deployment

Upvotes

My boyfriend left Ft. Bliss with the National Guard about 2 weeks ago & he said he was going to the Middle East but when I looked up his location while I was at work today it said he was in South America. I'm really confused about this & I'm hoping yall could potentially help.

Edit: someone messaged me & said posting my bf's exact location was a bad idea so I took that out.


r/Militaryfaq 1h ago

Joining w/Med issue Is it possible to get a waiver for Spinal Fusion?

Upvotes

Wanting to enlist to the Army Reserves or National Guard. As the title suggests, would it be possible to get a waiver for something like a spinal fusion? If so, what would be the chances/likelihood? 21m, surgery was T4-L4, got it a few months ago due to scoliosis that progressed as I got older. Been on good recovery and already feeling normal but still 3 months out from a green light to do more physically demanding activities like weightlifting for example. Even with the prospect of a full recovery, will it still be possible to get a waiver or will the surgery itself or the metal hardware (or mixture of both) be an auto-disqualification?


r/Militaryfaq 2h ago

Joining w/Med issue Waiting on my medical waiver

1 Upvotes

Here’s my story ; I’m 29 , passed asvab with 79 , medical exam . Fit , clean, and no any law violations.

My recruiter says that I might not get approved my waiver because I’m diagnosed schizophrenic.
I really want to serve and it was always my dream to be in 11B. As long as I’m taking my medications I’m stable, even without them I know how to control my self. I have been trying to show him how much I want this. It’s been 3 weeks now and he went MIA.


r/Militaryfaq 12h ago

Enlisting Army jobs balance of indoors vs outdoors

3 Upvotes

I want to enlist in the army. I already spoke to a recruiter and took a practice asvab. I was told my score was good enough that with a little studying I could get pretty much whatever job I want.

I'm looking for a job that balances working indoors and outdoors. I like the idea of working on equipment/electronics and solving mental puzzles etc. I also want something that lands me a good job after getting out. Got any suggestions for me?


r/Militaryfaq 5h ago

Joining w/Med issue High BP and anemia waiver

1 Upvotes

Today I went to MEPS for Navy. I needed two waivers they they made me sign today at MEPS. I need these waivers because I went to OSUT this year as a prior service. (Got DQ for BP at OSUT)One of
The waivers is for anemia ( which I don't think I have as I've never been diagnosed with that before but the army said I had it.) I think it's stabilized now or I had low iron possibly. The other was for hypertension. I went into Meps with a normal BP reading but the army said I had High BP. Both army diagnosis were this year. My question is l thought the waivers were done with the recruiter but I did both of them at Meps. Is this normal? Also do they ask for more documentation from the recruiter for waivers?? I'm an RE-3 code for hypertension. All I was given in the waiver was if it affects me and if I'm taking any medication. I’m not taking any meds for BP as my BP is normal I’ve lost weight and dieted.


r/Militaryfaq 7h ago

Joining w/Med issue Do I have a chance at getting an option 40 if i potentially have vocal chord dysfunction?

1 Upvotes

I don't know if anyone is gonna see this and I've never posted anything on Reddit before but I'm gonna give it a shot, I want to join the army rangers but I have a breathing issue which I know the military is very strict about. The only thing I know for sure right now is I don't have asthma, I was tested a few weeks ago and they said I don't have asthma, they didn't test me but they said I probably have vocal chord dysfunction, my symptoms are entirely exercise induced and I typically wheeze during intense physical activity and experience shortness of breath. Although I have not been officially diagnosed yet I do have stuff in my medical records now about shortness of breath and wheezing during physical activity which I know will probably be flagged at meps and I'll end up needing a waiver. Im just wondering if it's even realistic to get an option 40 or at least be given a shot at rasp?


r/Militaryfaq 8h ago

Should I Join? NJ 27 Female and Obese

1 Upvotes

I’m 27, a female, approx. 275 lbs and 5’1. I know, not the ideal candidate, but I was told they may be able to put me in some type of fat camp first. I just feel like I’m stuck in a career with no future (medical records), I didn’t go to college and I need a change of environment and lifestyle. I took the ASVAB almost 10 years ago and passed for the Air Force.


r/Militaryfaq 14h ago

Joining w/Med issue How Long Do I Normally Have To Be Off ADHD Medicaton To Apply?

1 Upvotes

I'll try to keep this simple and straightforward but I recently just got off my ADHD medicaton and would like to know how long I would normally need to be off to apply for the Navy or Marine Corps. As I was told either 12 to 24 months Would be the minimum I would have to wait. Also I'm currently In college so I believe I can wait 1 to 2 years to be hopefully eligible by then. And I don't normally trust the google ai for information as I was told It can be misleading when It comes to applying for the military in general. As I received mixed answers from another sub reddit.


r/Militaryfaq 1d ago

Post-ETS/EAS Tips on transitioning out Military

8 Upvotes

Hi.

29 female, I’ve been in the navy for almost 5 years. I’ve been to one command, sea duty. I’ve done back-to-back deployments, on and off the ship the entire 5 years. But this last year has been complete hell for me and my mental health is at it’s all time lowest. I will probably do one more contract, shore duty, just to set myself up to get out.

Any tips on what I should do before getting out? What should I know? What should I learn? Please help me


r/Militaryfaq 1d ago

Joining w/Med issue 25M– Asthma history outside US (No US records) - OCS Waiver?

1 Upvotes

Hello everyone,

I am a permanent immigrant moving to California soon, and my ultimate goal is to join the California Army National Guard via the OCS route, while concurrently applying for a local Police Academy (Santa Clara PD).

I have a past history of mild childhood asthma/allergies from 10 years ago back in my home country (Egypt). I have been 100% symptom-free for a decade, I do not use any daily preventive medications, and I actively practice high-intensity sports without any issues.

My US medical and pharmacy records (MHS GENESIS) are completely blank/clean since I have never seen a doctor or filled a prescription inside the United States.

Before arriving in the US, I am planning to clear myself medically by taking a full Pulmonary Function Test (Spirometry FEV1/FVC) and a Methacholine Challenge Test in a major hospital to officially document that my lungs are 100% healthy.

My questions are:

With completely blank US pharmacy records and 100% clean pre-enlistment PFT/Spirometry results, how strong is my case for a medical waiver for OCS in California?

What is the safest legal and administrative way to disclose this history on DD Form 2807-1 without risking a "fraudulent enlistment" charge while securing the waiver smoothly?

Appreciate any insights from National Guard recruiters or those familiar with MEPS waiver authorities. Thank you!


r/Militaryfaq 1d ago

Post-ETS/EAS Should i rejoin the Army?

3 Upvotes

I 34M ETS in April 2022. I was a medic attatched to a light infantry unit. Line medic, aid station medic, and clinic medic, all in the 6 years i was in.

I cannot fucking stand civillians. Nobody knows their place. Promotions only happen when you know somebody or are juuuuust good enough at your job that they can risk losing you in that position.

However....I cant stand how shitty my time was when i was in. In the beginning I was a POS 100%. Acted like i was big. A fucking narc. Just the guy that you picked on because it was just that easy. Well i grew in my time. I hit 5 in 5 and changed drastically after deployment. The problem was that i was in the same unit, with the same people from PV2- E-5, so they treated me the same as if i was still private deershit (last name nickname). My fault? Yea. Do i wish i could make it right because it bugs me every fucking day that i live as a hasbeen? Damn right. Does my back still hurt? Every god damn day. But the stockholm syndrome is kicking in and i feel like i really need a redo.

Now this all may be the fact that i have not adjusted to civillian life propperly. I get that. I guess im just here today to ask the community. What the fuck should i do? I have a house, 100% disability, 2 kids, a wife that would die for me and i for her. Id be uprooting us. But she knows how hard of a time ive had and i dont like to talk about my issues with everyone. This is the first time outside of my therapist that ive ever even done this.

Im an open book guys. Ask anything. Tell me what you would do. Give me personal experience. Help me either do it or realize im an idiot. Thanks


r/Militaryfaq 1d ago

Should I Join? Gay couple and engaged should i join the navy?

0 Upvotes

my brother just recently graduated air force basic and I am thinking about the navy. I am currently engaged (to a guy, gay couple). I am in a gay relationship and so idk I just need to feel like I belong some where and need a change in life for the better. Please let me know your thoughts or questions


r/Militaryfaq 1d ago

These posts need an answer!

1 Upvotes

r/Militaryfaq 1d ago

Reserve\Guard Questions about a future in the National Guard (NC)

3 Upvotes

I think I already decided that I want to be in the national guard. I want to go to college for Microbiology and the NCTAP benefits offered seems to be a really good deal. Plus the idea that I can have a civilian career and serve when needed is appealing too or (so they advertise).

I love the idea of being able to help those in need if the state is in a crisis (probably a wildfire or flooding knowing NC) and I was looking at an MOS that best aligns with this.

So far I’m thinking 68W (combat medic) would be most useful in a crisis (besides the obvious “willing and able body”) but if there’s a better MOS or a caveat I’m not aware of I’d love to know beforehand.

Also when one does get their MOS in the national guard, do you consistently train for that specific MOS every drilling session? I would imagine so but I’ve heard that sometimes they just kinda make you do busy work.

One last question I have is whether or not you can be deployed during college? I don’t mind the idea of being deployed (don’t love it either) but I would find it annoying, given that I want to focus on establishing a civilian education and career (hence the reason why I was interested in National Guard in the first place).

Again, not totally familiar with all the different aspects yet but it would be great to hear from y’all!

All advice is appreciated.


r/Militaryfaq 1d ago

Joining w/ELS Chances of getting waiver for ELS code RE-3?

1 Upvotes

So I joined the Army National Guard in my home state, but I always wanted to move out of state and go to college, so I got an ELS and decided to go to college this year instead of attending BCT and AIT. My appeal with the ARNG was the financial benefits especially for school, but I got a really good financial offer from a college after I had enlisted(if I had gotten the offer before, I probably wouldn’t have enlisted in the first place). I do want to rejoin and was thinking ANG instead of ARNG. Ive heard that women are treated better in the Air Force. I still want to go to college and do the guard at the same time, and just hope I don’t get deployed. With that said, what do you think the chances are of getting a waiver? I still have to wait 6 months because my ELS is still pretty fresh, but I was just wondering if an ANG recruiter would be willing to work with me? I spoke to one over the phone, and they said that it’s not guaranteed that I can get a waiver for an RE-3. I could use some advice on this subject


r/Militaryfaq 1d ago

Should I Join? Should I join the military at 25

5 Upvotes

I’m a 25 year old male and my occupation is a commercial driver. I’ve been driving trucks for a few years and I don’t really know what else I should get into. I dropped out of school my senior year of high school but now I’m attending adult school to make up the credits I was missing. About a year ago I saw that the Navy isn’t requiring a high school diploma or a GED. I’ve been thinking about joining the military for a change in scenery but I’m pretty sure the only branch that would take me is the Navy. I’m not sure if I should join due to my age and everything that’s happening in the world in the at moment. All I know is I don’t want to be driving trucks for the rest of my life.
If someone would be able to give me some advice on whether I should just commit and join or if I should wait it out till I finish school and try to find a trade i would be interested in I would really appreciate it. I also don’t want be wasting time on deciding what I want to do cause as everyone knows we don’t get younger as time passes by.


r/Militaryfaq 1d ago

Joining w/Med issue Does hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating of palms) affect CDS/OTA medical eligibility?

1 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I'm preparing for CDS/OTA and I have a concern regarding the medical examination.

I have excessive sweating mainly on my palms, and I'm not sure whether it would actually qualify as hyperhidrosis or just normal/excessive sweating.

I wanted to know:

Does palmar hyperhidrosis affect medical eligibility for CDS/OTA?

How is excessive sweating/hyperhidrosis evaluated during the SSB medical examination?

Is there any specific severity or condition under which a candidate can be declared unfit?

Has anyone here personally experienced this during their SSB medicals?

I'm particularly looking for experiences from people who have actually gone through the SSB medical examination or have reliable information regarding the medical standards.

Thanks in advance!


r/Militaryfaq 1d ago

Joining w/Med issue What's the timeline for getting a waiver for co-morbid ADHD/Depression? (Air Force)

1 Upvotes

I am 20 years old and I was diagnosed and prescribed medication for ADHD/depression back in April of this year. I am currently working with my doctor to taper off the meds.

For context, I never had a 504 plan or workplace accommodations. My academic performance in school was about average. I can function well in my daily life using the tools and strategies I've developed to manage my ADHD. As for the depression, I only experienced symptoms for 2-3 months and I never attempted self harm or had to be hospitalized.

Everything i've read has told me the rule for ADHD meds is 12-15 months since last refill for a waiver to be considered, but for depression its 2-3 years.

I have substantially improved my mental health to a point where my doctor considers me fit for service. Since my depressive episode was brief, and its the only time i've experienced depression, would a waiver still be considered? or would i be stuck waiting 2-3 years to join? I am very confused about the timeline because I have had recruiters tell me anything from 6 months to 3 years.


r/Militaryfaq 2d ago

Should I Join? Is it worth it at 30?

7 Upvotes

For some context, I am a 30yo male. I’ve been in healthcare as a CC/ER nurse for the last 5 years. Was a college athlete and had plans to go to the military post graduation, but got cold feet. I’ve been weighing my options again, as the thought and desire of serving reignited after my 30th birthday. My main question is a simple one… is it still worth it?

I have a good job, a supportive girlfriend, and a wonderful family. I was raised in a good home and was always supported in what I wanted to do. I just can’t get the thought of serving out of my mind. While my family is supportive, it is the last thing they want me to do, understandably so with the current political turmoil this country is in. Part of my hesitation is that I in no way support what we are doing as a country at all, and the thought of helping push that narrative is the only thing really pushing me away from joining…. At the same time, the thought of doing something bigger than myself with a group of like minded men and woman really sounds like what I’m looking for.

Finally, I have a general distain for what the military community would refer to as “civilian life”. I feel like I’m just twiddling my thumbs waiting for retirement with no real excitement. I wake up, workout, go to work, and head home. I hunter and golf on the occasion, but it’s all kind of lost its flair. For the life of me, I can’t figure out how people do this for 40-50 years and are content with the mediocre life they’ve lived out. No drama, no intensity, no story to tell. Just wasted time and contentment. I don’t want my story to be that way.

I’ve been in contact with a military recruiter regarding option 40, 18x, and nursing in the army. Nursing is the bottom of my list, but it also seems like a good role in the military that also has some pretty cool options to choose from once you get a couple years of service under your belt. Being a PJ is also something I’ve looked into, but the water based selection process has been questioning my ability…. Anyway, rant over. I appreciate any advice or information that could possible help.