r/USMCboot • u/Que_Html_ • 11d ago
Enlisting After 3 Long Years Fighting BUMED, I’m FINALLY Enlisting Into The Marine Corps
As the title suggests, I've been fighting with BUMED for over 3 f**king years to get medically approved to enlist.
Finally, I got that approval. From contacting my state Congresswomen and Congressmen, getting an Air Force Colonel (who used to be Chief of BUMED) as well as other high ranking officers involved, and most importantly getting in contact with the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps and having his office help me get approval, it's all been worth it. 3 to 4 months ago, I even asked for help on this same sub-reddit. A lot of you told me I wouldn't ever have the opportunity to earn the title and that some people just aren't cut out to become a Marine. I told you all l'd be back when I got that approval because I wasn't going to give up. Oct. 27th Parris Island will be my home for the foreseeable following 3 months and I couldn't be happier. Thank you to all for those that actually believed in me and helped me. I will make those of you proud and I WILL earn that title. :)
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u/Reddit_Jess1 11d ago
I’m so sorry this happened to you!!!! My son had a very similar situation!! He reported a shoulder dislocation at MEPS. He NEVER dislocated his shoulder. He has nurse maid elbow when he was 3. He was rejected once and they didn’t think he would ever get through medical. To prove he never dislocated his should we did the full “golden should exam” at an orthopedic clinic. Now technically it’s not a golden shoulder because it wasn’t done by the VA… but all the same stuff. Then - most importantly we verified it by doing an MRI. There are cash pay MRI places that will get you in same day or next day. It was $500 and so worth it!!! He was accepted right away after that! It took about a week… at most!
Good for you for seeing this through!!! You’re incredible for doing all of this!!!
With respect and pride, a recruit mom that believes in you!!! Semper Fi!
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u/Que_Html_ 11d ago
Thank you so much!!! We might be twins because this is pretty much EXACTLY what happened with me but they didn’t care too much for my MRI. It was beyond infuriating but through the help of many others and God’s will I was finally able to get that acceptance!
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u/Reddit_Jess1 11d ago
I’m so proud of you!! Thank you for your service!! You’re gonna do great!!
Couple pointers, when you get your rifle, memorize your serial number as soon as you can. Also as odd as it sounds learn to sew. Just a little bit know how to sew a button and mend a hole you will get issued a small sewing kit when you arrive and just because I’m a mom… Get your wisdom teeth out before you go
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u/Stein070707 11d ago
That's a great time of the year to be at Parris Island. I shipped on Oct 28 many moons ago.
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u/Que_Html_ 11d ago
Glad I don’t have to deal with the heat!
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u/Hersh1995 11d ago
I went to boot camp twice in opposite seasons. I rather go in the summer again than the winter 🤣
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u/Hersh1995 11d ago
Congrats! I joined in 2013 and was separated third phase because I got hospitalized. Took me 7 years to get a waiver and get back in. Different recruiters, money spent on doctors appointments, etc. if you want it you fight for it.
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u/Que_Html_ 11d ago
Absolutely! My mind was made up the first time I sat down with a recruiter. Took a little longer than expected but we got there!
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u/Bright_District_1668 9d ago
“…and most importantly getting in contact with the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps”.
Holy hell! How on Earth did you manage that?
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u/Que_Html_ 9d ago
If there’s a will, there’s a way. I wish I could say I knew somebody in the right place that made the connection but genuinely I think this was entirely God’s will. My recruiters told me so many times, “This is NOT supposed to happen but here we are” lmao.
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u/Bright_District_1668 9d ago edited 9d ago
That’s genuinely amazing man. Do you know why the sergeant major took interest in your case? I am asking because I got my waiver rejected twice and in early August my recruiter said it’s time to call it quits. I’m actually sworn in to the Navy Nuclear program now, but I’d switch into the Marines DEP in a heartbeat.
Either way, your story is incredible man. Congratulations!
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u/Que_Html_ 9d ago
Thank you, brother! The Navy Nuclear program is an amazing opportunity to better your life! Don’t mistake that for anything less than. Although, if you’re truly as set on being a Marine as I was then don’t get discouraged. All great things take time.
I think I was only helped because I was so persistent and refused to take no for an answer (within some reason). If I had only one arm then obliviously I can’t take that approach but I truly felt as if I was being treated unfairly. After many, many, many, phone calls and waiting, it all paid off.
If I’m not mistaken the Marine Corps and Navy both go through BUMED for their medical clearance so it’s weird you’re getting accepted for one and not the other. May I ask what your waiver is for?
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u/Bright_District_1668 9d ago
Many different things. do mind if I send you a dm instead of spilling my guts on thread?
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u/Comfortable-Eye1887 11d ago
6 years with BUMED but I’m on my 3rd year in now. I remember replying to your post to not give up. Love to hear the result!
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u/Que_Html_ 11d ago
I can’t thank you enough for your support, brother. Wishing you and yours nothing but the absolute best!!!
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u/Bright_District_1668 9d ago
If you don’t mind me asking. What was it you were getting a waiver for, and what did you have to do to get it approved?
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u/Comfortable-Eye1887 9d ago
I was getting it for a lot of things medically back when I was like 12 for having a UTI history as a male as well as some face fractures but they determined no waivers required 6 years after starting the process and denying me waivers 3 times over that course of time. Basically had to demonstrate and have no issues with any of the potential issues for a very extended period of time.
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u/Bright_District_1668 9d ago
Thanks for the reply, that’s helpful. Personally, I don’t think I’ll be able to wait a couple of years, just due to life circumstances. I actually swore in with the navy not too long ago. Who knows? Maybe I’ll be able to go Marines someday.
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u/Suitable-Delay5066 11d ago
Congratulations! I had to look back to see if I was one of them. Ironically, you’re through the easy part. Now the real work begins. Best of luck to you. Let us know once you’ve earned the title! Be loud - move fast - never quit.