Hi, I'm hoping to talk to a recruiter in the next four/five months. However, I don't want to waste my or his/her time, considering I have factors going against me that might stop me before I even hit the door. I'm hoping someone might lend me answers.
1: I do not have a high school diploma, but rather am working toward a GED. I've read that this won't absolutely disqualify you, but that there are conditions and waivers and etc. and I'm not able to make sense of a word of it. A cut-and-dry explanation of how having a GED works against me, and what I can do to up my chances?
2: I was diagnosed with asthma at a very young age, and had symptoms for several. However, I have not been short of breath, or had an asthma attack, for going on three years now. If I'm able to maintain the physical requirements even with asthma, will it still go against my chances?
3: I have a history of drug abuse. I have not abused illegal drugs for two and a half years, and will without question pass a drug test. How does this history impact my chances? I could lie (there's no way to prove it otherwise) but I'd rather not begin this commitment on false statements.
I know -- I don't sound too fit to be a Marine. I'm hoping I can at least have a chance, though.
Numbers...I had asthma (when I was younger), but showed medical documentation AND had had a letter from my doctor stating that I was fit for military duty. On the GED thing, as of right now the military is full, so a GED waiver is NOT impossible BUT not unlikely. The worst thing they will tell you to do is take 15 college credits. As for the drug thing, ask a recruiter and one who is on recruiting duty now because like I said the military everywhere is full. Things that were getting waivers before are not getting waivers now. Hope this sheds some light. Disclaimer: I am NOT a recruiter, just shed some light from my asthma experience and others GED situations (I got my sheepskin ).
Oh Numbers, one more thing. This is just a concern and I am not putting you down in anyway. But I have seen a few Marines (one specifically from my first company) come in with past drug problems (had been clean and sobers for a few years), but come into the Marine Corps and cannot handle the stress of it, and revert back to old habits. You don't know what it is like yet and will not have a clue until you hit your first unit. So I am just asking you to do a gut check with this and make sure you are mentally (and maturity wise) able to handle this. I am not saying you are going to go back to old habits, but the people I have met (and taken to the brig)...the odds are just not good. But maybe and hopefully (I really hope you do) stay clean and sober. Best of luck to you.
).
