I already tried to enlist in the marines, but it was immposible for my recruiter to write me a waiver, because im only allowed 4 scars, since that was the marine corps, i was wondering if the army is more lenient when it comes to how many scars you can have. I know that the same MEPS rules apply to all branches but i was wondering if it was possible for me to try and enlist in the army and if it would be possible to get a waiver. I'm going on what my old marine corps recruiter told me, each scar counted as a tattoo and you are only allowed to have 4 tattoos that show in the marine corps. The reason im asking about the army allowing me in is because im not sure how many tattoos they allow, and hopefully i would get chance to see a psychiatrist so i can prove im not crazy. I've also already been to MEPS, thats where i was disqualified. So im wondering if it possible for me to try to enlist in the army even though i've already been disqualified from the marine corps due to self mutlitation, could an army recruiter write me a waiver?
Its not only how many but the content and location of the tatoos that matters.
As of 2006, tattoos are now permitted on the hands and back of the neck if they are not “extremist, indecent, sexist or racist.” Army Regulation 670-1, which was modified via a message released Jan. 25, also now specifies: “Any tattoo or brand anywhere on the head or face is prohibited except for permanent make-up.”
Where are your tattos and what are their content ?
Originally posted by inerwork: I already tried to enlist in the marines, but it was immposible for my recruiter to write me a waiver, because im only allowed 4 scars, since that was the marine corps, i was wondering if the army is more lenient when it comes to how many scars you can have. I know that the same MEPS rules apply to all branches but i was wondering if it was possible for me to try and enlist in the army and if it would be possible to get a waiver. I'm going on what my old marine corps recruiter told me, each scar counted as a tattoo and you are only allowed to have 4 tattoos that show in the marine corps. The reason im asking about the army allowing me in is because im not sure how many tattoos they allow, and hopefully i would get chance to see a psychiatrist so i can prove im not crazy. I've also already been to MEPS, thats where i was disqualified. So im wondering if it possible for me to try to enlist in the army even though i've already been disqualified from the marine corps due to self mutlitation, could an army recruiter write me a waiver?
OK, I read your post a few times...
I am real curious on your Marine Recruiter and what he told you. Did he tell you to tell the MEPS those scars were the result of tatoo removal or did he tell you to say they were self-inflicted?
Just curious because thats not 100% clear to me in your post above.
Bottom line, a history of self-mutilation is disqualifying for all services.
The Army is also meeting its recruiting requirements with need for few waivers - and a history of this type of behavior is most UNlikely to be recommended for a waiver, even if the Army does loosen up its waiver policy.
I'm still curious on my question because I never heard of a Recruiter saying cutting scars are OK and they count as tatoo removal. Maybe such a regulation exists on the Marine Corps side.
My question was just curiousity, you don't have to answer it....your choice. I'm not trying to start anything just curious what the Marines told you with this.
The marine recruiter told me that each self inflicted scar counts as a tattoo, so he could only write me a waiver if i had only 4 scars because that was the limit for tattoos. I told MEPS they were self inflicted, its pretty obvious when you look at them. My marine recruiter also told me that once they heal i could have a shot at a waiver, so i was wondering if an army recruiter could write me a waiver. I'm also curious if i get tattoos covering my scars, would that make anything better? or is everything already on record and im pretty much screwed which ever way i go.
Originally posted by inerwork: The marine recruiter told me that each self inflicted scar counts as a tattoo, so he could only write me a waiver if i had only 4 scars because that was the limit for tattoos. I told MEPS they were self inflicted, its pretty obvious when you look at them. My marine recruiter also told me that once they heal i could have a shot at a waiver, so i was wondering if an army recruiter could write me a waiver. I'm also curious if i get tattoos covering my scars, would that make anything better? or is everything already on record and im pretty much screwed which ever way i go.
Are you saying these are RECENT self-injuries, and that they haven't even healed yet?!!?
If so, PLEASE do NOT go anywhere near any of the military services. You will be doing yourself and the military a huge disservice and putting your life and the lives of others in jeopardy.
The fact that you're even willing to consider further "work" (tattoos) to "cover up the scars" and try to get away with all this is truly offensive.
1. Go away from the military. 2. After you are away, GET HELP. You need it.
They're obviously not recent, otherwise i couldn't get tattoos over them without risking an infection... yes they're fully healed. I understand that people see this as a mental illness, i see it as me being a idiot and i realize how pointless and stupid doing it was, it's not something i would ever do again. I'm just curious if i have the slightest chance of getting a waiver. When i said " My marine recruiter also told me that once they heal" I meant completely go away, as in the scar is barely visible.
This past year, all the services met or exceeded their recruitment goals. Because of the economy and current umemployment levels, more people are trying to get into the military. The services can be very choosy on who they take. It is my understanding, that at this time, if you need a waiver of any kind, you're not going to be accepted.
Originally posted by inerwork: The marine recruiter told me that each self inflicted scar counts as a tattoo, so he could only write me a waiver if i had only 4 scars because that was the limit for tattoos. I told MEPS they were self inflicted, its pretty obvious when you look at them. My marine recruiter also told me that once they heal i could have a shot at a waiver, so i was wondering if an army recruiter could write me a waiver. I'm also curious if i get tattoos covering my scars, would that make anything better? or is everything already on record and im pretty much screwed which ever way i go.
Hey thanks for responding. I was just curious if that was some kind of Marine Corps Regulation, sounds like it might be then.
Some of the Military enlistment stuff still fascinates me on where they draw the lines.
I'm sorry to say I've found the Army regulation and does appear to my interpretation that you dont stand a good chance of enlisting.
Per Medical Regulation AR 40-501 it states: Current mood disorders including, but not limited to, major depression (296.2–3), bipolar (296.4–7), affective psychoses (296.8–9), depressive not otherwise specified (311), are disqualifying. - History of mood disorders requiring outpatient care for longer than 6 months by a physician or other mental health professional (V65.40), or inpatient treatment in a hospital or residential facility is disqualifying. - History of symptoms consistent with a mood disorder of a repeated nature that impairs school, social, or work efficiency is disqualifying. History of suicidal behavior, including gesture(s) or attempt(s) (300.9), or history of self - mutilation, is disqualifying.
Originally posted by inerwork: I already tried to enlist in the marines, but it was immposible for my recruiter to write me a waiver, because im only allowed 4 scars, since that was the marine corps, i was wondering if the army is more lenient when it comes to how many scars you can have. I know that the same MEPS rules apply to all branches but i was wondering if it was possible for me to try and enlist in the army and if it would be possible to get a waiver. I'm going on what my old marine corps recruiter told me, each scar counted as a tattoo and you are only allowed to have 4 tattoos that show in the marine corps. The reason im asking about the army allowing me in is because im not sure how many tattoos they allow, and hopefully i would get chance to see a psychiatrist so i can prove im not crazy. I've also already been to MEPS, thats where i was disqualified. So im wondering if it possible for me to try to enlist in the army even though i've already been disqualified from the marine corps due to self mutlitation, could an army recruiter write me a waiver?
sorry hammer you don,t need a recruiter you need to take your medication and see a head doctor.
