I am a 25 year old college graduate. I have been trying to join the National Guard since Oct 07. At the initial MEPS physical I Oathed in and everything went fine. About a week later to my surprise I recieved a letter saying I couldnt join because I had failed my urinalysis due to Amphetamines. I was very confused and realized it was probably because of my perscription of Dexadrine. I had been perscribed this medication for a while but I go on and off of it depending on my situation. It helps during finals and is a good substitute to coffee or energy drinks. Anyways I told my recruiter and he said I had to wait a year which was fine because I could finish my degree.
A year later I went back to MEPS and took another test and came out clean. I also recieved a medical waiver for my past history of ADD. I thought i was goin to join but they said no because I now needed a waiver for failing the test the first time. I started the process including acquiring letters of recommendation along with interviewing via telephone with a Major from the NGB. Finally in April of 09 I found out that my waiver was denied. I didnt know what to do for a while but I thought I should contact my congressman. He put a inquiry in for the Adjutant General and he said it was up to the National Guard Buruea in Washington if they were going make an exception. My question is if anyone thinks they will make this exception? Will I be allowed to join? Is there anything else I can do?

P.S. I have a completely clean record and a college degree... is this any bearing at all?

With the high number of people not needing waivers be processed for AD, reserve and guard, there really is nothing you can do at this point.

Your State might be one of those that have too many Soldiers and Airman in the National Guard than they know what to do with.

If the NGB says you're okay, then maybe. But with the great recruiting surge going on and with people not needing waivers at that your chances aren't very good at this point.

Try back 1 Oct.

Thanks for the info,

Have you ever heard of congressional inqueries like this ever working? Also is it true that the Guard is in need of officers? Will that wiegh in at all?

since proper procedure was followed, a congressional will do no good at all. why didn;t you provide a copy of the Rx the first time to prove you were authorized to have the drug in the first place? or was it one of those 'expired 2 years ago but still had extras on hand' kinda deals?

and no the needs (or not) of the NG will have no bearing. you will either meet standards/be granted a waiver.. or you won't. even if they are hurting, there are at least half a dozen guys who meet or exceed your qualifications that do NOT need a waiver.

It was my fault and I should have disclosed it. It was stupid of me. Guys I knew in ROTC said to not mention it. I had gotten off the medication before I went to MEPS but it was still in my system. I honestly did not know the medication would show up in drug tests. I have never taken one before so I was naive to think it wouldnt show up.
The Major I talked to on the phone around a year ago requested that my waiver be approved. I have actually seen his report.
It wasnt approved or denied it was just sent back without action (not sure if that means denied)
Why would the military affairs staff member at the congressional office even bother? He told me since it wasnt an illegal substance he could get me in.

quote:

Originally posted by langy003:
Why would the military affairs staff member at the congressional office even bother? He told me since it wasnt an illegal substance he could get me in.

Apparently that's not the case, probably because of this:

quote:

It was my fault and I should have disclosed it. It was stupid of me. Guys I knew in ROTC said to not mention it.

It may not be illegal, but when it's prescribed, someone definitely needs to know about it. That was your downfall.

As was said, no Congress involvement will do any good.

Thanks again for your comments,

Does your conclusion on congressional involvment being worthless come from situations that you have seen?

I have talk to a Guardsmen who used congressional inquery to reverse his medical waiver that denied him for poor eyesight

quote:

Originally posted by langy003:
Thanks again for your comments,

Does your conclusion on congressional involvment being worthless come from situations that you have seen?

I have talk to a Guardsmen who used congressional inquery to reverse his medical waiver that denied him for poor eyesight

For a Congressional action to happen on your behalf, MEPS or the Guard would have had to fail to follow procedures in their decision to DQ you, or deny your waiver.

Do you have proof that happened? If not, it's your word against the system.

What was unfair or irregular about your waiver denial? What did they do wrong when they said no to you?

My recruiter did tell me that they had not come upon my situation before and that I should not have been discharged.

Haha I guess I am just looking for some glimmer of hope. I have always wanted to be in the Army and if I join I will be sixth generation Soldier. I truly do have a passion for it and want to serve badly since seeing my father in his uniform with his beautiful 82nd patch on his arm and wings on his chest.
I have a high paying job right now but I want to serve our nation unlike a lot who join for undefined reasons or for college money. I guess that statement is unfair I do not want to degrade any of the reasons why someone wishes to serve. Its just frustrating to see felons in the military and I am not.

Another thing... My neighbor is a full bird Colonel in the Army Reserve. He is actually a doctor. He put in a request for me to join and actually said he will take full responsibilty. Will that reccomendation help at all?

Is there anything at all I can do?

Thanks again

quote:

Originally posted by langy003:
My recruiter did tell me that they had not come upon my situation before and that I should not have been discharged.

What does he have that can help your case?

quote:

Its just frustrating to see felons in the military and I am not.

They got in when the Army allowed for more waivers. Felons can't get in right now.

quote:

Another thing... My neighbor is a full bird Colonel in the Army Reserve. He is actually a doctor. He put in a request for me to join and actually said he will take full responsibilty. Will that reccomendation help at all?

When they allow for more waivers it will. Not right now as we keep saying.

quote:

Is there anything at all I can do?

I like your persistence, but if honorably discharged veterans with RE-1s and clean records are having a hard time getting in, what does it say about your chances at this point?

As I said, try back during the new FY.

I guess I would just like a yes or no which I havent really gotten yet.

My Dad who was an officer in Active Duty and National Guard and others tell me that there is always an exception to everything and the military can do what it wants.

The reason for trying again in the new fiscal year is that they have to start filling quotas again?

quote:

Originally posted by langy003:
My Dad who was an officer in Active Duty and National Guard and others tell me that there is always an exception to everything and the military can do what it wants.

Sure, but to a point. We told you what's killing your chances right now (high recruiting and retention).

quote:

Originally posted by langy003:
The reason for trying again in the new fiscal year is that they have to start filling quotas again?

Maybe, maybe not. It all depends on what's needed in the Armed Forces.

When 1 Oct come along, that's when new policies and regs come out. They may allow for more quotas, less or even ZERO.

By all means, keep trying, but don't expect to get in for the remainder of the FY.

How bad do you want to be a Soldier? How long are you willing to wait if you want it that bad? At least all components of the Army still have a higher maz age to join. Even if it were the old max age (34), you still have time.

I do want it bad and I have been working on it for almost 3 years. I literally think about it everyday almost all day.

My best friend followed me and now he is living the life after I introduced him to it. Its so frustrating

Its funny how things change... When I first tried joining they were dying for people.

Is there any point you can think of where I should give up and move on?

That move on point is yours to decide.
Once you quit, it is truly over.

Shockey

quote:

Originally posted by langy003:
Is there any point you can think of where I should give up and move on?

If they start granting waivers and still deny your request, then that's the time.

But for now, for the umpteenth time, waivers aren't happening for cases like yours. Just wait until they start again, so the effort isn't in vain.

I am so excited that you applied to the military. I hope your future endeavors work out well!

this is a year old.. and he never got in