Meps

[uw23ted]

I have applied with the OSO marine corp office near my university. I got a 126 on the asvab and now I have to go to meps for a physical. I was told that the MD's can be quite harsh when it comes to dq'ing guys so I was just wondering if anyone had any insight on this. I don't smoke, I am in great shape, good hearing, good vision, never done drugs etc. I had an operation when i was 17--a bolt was put into my broken ankle to set it, but it was taken out 3 months later. This was 7 years ago as I am 24 now. This guy i talked to has me all freaked out that I will be dq'ed for some petty reason but after voicing my concerns told me that like only 1 out of 10 guys are actually dq'ed--seems like i got a mixed message.

thanks,

ted

[Birky]

I had three pins in my elbow and they were removed before I went in and I didn't have any problems. All they asked was I fully capable to do everything. They might send you to a specialist just to evaluate you so be prepared but if you haven't had any problems with it then you should be alright.

[TTRAIN222]

I feel I must comment on this subject since I have two different MEPS expierences for you.

1. My brother who had set in his mind to go into the Air Force the day he graduated high school was DQ'd because of prior (3 yrs before going to MEPS) foot surgery. He knew it may have been a problem, so two months prior to going to MEPS he wore combat boots everyday to school. One of his teachers who is also an officer in the Army Reserve documented that he witnessed my brother wearing boots everyday and there was never a problem. In addition he played varsity basketball for his school, and also had the surgeon (who was prior Army) who actually workled on his feet document that he would be fully able to perform military duties. After all this he went to MEPS expecting to fly through like the recruiter said, such was not the case. He was detained by the MD and was sent to a different office where a foot specialist was supposed to see him. The specialist DQ'd him and gave a reason that after a few years of doing training and PT he would develop chonic artritis in his foot. He tried to appeal to a general in San Antonio- (I think) but it did not work.

2. I signed with the Army NG back in May. Before going to MEPS the recruiter went over a medical questionaire with me. I was pretty much clear except that I am allergic to bee stings. The recruiter did not know whether or not this would DQ me. I was a bit surprised since something like 20% of the population is allergic. So he suggested that I do not metion it. Since I had to sign a form stating that I am giving the info as to the best of my knowledge and could be subjected to penalties if I were caught falsifying information, I was hesitant in taking the recruiter's advice. The recruiter seemed to laugh at this and said that there is no way they could find out and that if I ever did get stung the Medical staff carry bee sting medication with them at all times. Seems like he just wanted to fill his quota for the month. So I said ok. Upon arriving at MEPS, I decided I would tell the MD, I didn't care what the recruiter would say if I was DQ'd. Since I am going for MP I really didn't want to start my military career with a lack of honesty. So when I told him the MD just asked me how bad the reaction was last time I was stung and then he left a note in my folder that he wanted to see hopitialization records. The next MD looked at my folder and signed off that the records were not needed and I was good to go.

So I guess my logic is that tell them everything that you have and if happen to get DQ'd then it wasn't meant to be. It sounds like your foot will not be a problem since 7 years has passed and it was just the ankle. Hope you make it through. If you or anyone else reading this is DQ'd, go out and put your efforts into your second choice. My brother is now halfway done with airplane mechanic school, he is going to be making more money than I ever will! Though he is not military he is still doing something he loves.


Best Wishes,
Steve

[SP20]

Just my opinion but I think a lot has to do with what branch of service you are going into. The Air Force and Marines are probably have the highest standards, while the nave and army have lower standards. Not to say they don't get great people but from my experiences and prior service people from army and navy coming into my unit and telling me how it is, they do have lower standards. I've seen people dq'd in MEPS going for the Air Force for some stupid reasons but that is the way it is I guess.

[JSavage]

I have to disagree with you, SP20. All MEPS stations are operated by one service and the rest of the staff come from multiple services. If the Army could run it's own station and staff it with their own people..... They would never be short on bodies.

Remember, recruiters don't like it when a troop get's DQ'ed at MEPS. They make it seem like a big deal but, I've passed 2 MEPS physicals, the second, last year when I reenlisted. After 63 airborne jumps, I can't squat for more than a minute without sounding like a 90 year old man as I groan and grunt to get back up. I passed without the need for consultation. Tell the truth, don't make a big deal out of anything, and you'll be fine.