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Career Military Service for JPouchers ONLY!!!

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Tue, September 08, 2015 9:33 PM

Having gone through all the "wonderful" surgeries and complications at age 12, I find now, when I want to join the military at age 18, the military isn't as happy to see my medical records as I was to see the military. It's been my goal to join for as long as I can remember, and being raised in a heavily military environment (father ret. Major-Army and other family members who served), it didn't seem like anything could come into the way of it. But of course MEPS did and that was the end of that. I'm now in college and doing NROTC (taking all three sciences: AF, Army,Navy though) because you don't need actual medical clearance, just a sports physical if you don't take the scholarship. I've noticed a few other members have posted on here asking about the military as well. Currently, my situation is only a temporary fix because when I hit senior year, the Navy will require that medical form, of which, I will fail because of medical history. Being a pre-med bioscience major, I  have developed a way, I think, that can skirt some Jpouchers around the requirement and allow them, and myself, to complete their intended military service. That's why I am wondering if anyone looking for CAREER military would be interested in exploring it with me. I say career military because it will require more out of you then is worth it for a "four-six" year stint. I'm talking about 20-30+ "as long as they let me stay in people". I posted this to identify those people and am hoping you will contact me for more information. For ease of comparison, please respond ONLY if you are within the age of 18-19 and looking at/are enrolled in college that has an ROTC program EVEN IF you don't intend on accepting an officer commission. Both guys and gals welcome to ask away. 

 

FPO sprtjohn
Joined Sep 8, 2015
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Wed, July 13, 2016 8:53 PM

 Reply posted for sprtjohn.

I just have to ask about more details about how there is any feasible way in? I actually don't have a pouch or anything. I have been well controlled on medication for a while now, however it could flare up at any time. I exhausted ever avenue I was aware of. They simply just won't take me. To this day I still say if there ever was a time they changed the protocols nobody would ever hear from me again because I'd be in a recruiters office asap. I pretty much gave up on it after I felt I was becoming insane trying to find a way around it. I am in school now to hopefully become a paramedic one day. I'm about to test for my EMT-B certification. I was thinking the next best thing for me would be something related to tactical medicine. But I have my own hurdles to overcome in that field. Like I said earlier, I don't actually have a j pouch. I was just led here to see what other people were talking about and finding ways in.

FPO mosty35
Joined Apr 10, 2016
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Wed, July 13, 2016 6:50 PM

 Reply posted for mosty35.

Are you still interested in "exploring" the alternative way in? It requires a fair amount of work and commitment, but if you're willing, it's there.

FPO sprtjohn
Joined Sep 8, 2015
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Sun, April 10, 2016 6:43 PM

 Reply posted for sprtjohn.

Sorry but I have to say it's not a positive outcome. I went to college with the intention of joining the marines after. However, living with uc I was told I was disqualified at every turn and even looked at everything in the DoDI. I had my doctor write a note saying I was fit but to no avail. It was hard for me to swallow because I always was very active and played college baseball and never had a problem. I pursued a way in with relentless insanity. I'm 21 now and in paramedic school. It was always by dream to serve and it is hard to get past the fact someone else is telling you, "you can't" when you may be even better off than others. But if there's a way in, I'm still looking for it. Im very jealous of my friends from high school that are in but also very appreciative too of everybody's service to our nation. My advice is to find another closely related field you have interest and applicable skills

FPO mosty35
Joined Apr 10, 2016
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Wed, January 13, 2016 5:01 PM

 Reply posted for sprtjohn.

I don't mean to be a nay sayer, but I seriously doubt any of that will work to get you military acceptance. I have Crohns and I've been in the military for over 7 years (diagnosed last April), and they're definitely not keeping me in. Granted my condition is quite severe, but from every medical person and recruiter I've asked, if you have IBD before you join then you will be medically disqualified. I hope whatever you find works though, and good luck with your continued journey.

FPO cohath
Joined Jan 13, 2016