Lying to get in the Military

[artspooner]

What do you guys think?

I've been seeing a Navy Recruiter for the past couple of months because I plan on Enlisting in the Navy if I don't get hired with PA DOC.

Right off the start my recruiter wanted me to lie about all of my previous medical issues. He simply said to put "NO" on any questions relating to medical history on all of the paperwork they make you fill out. I was caught off guard by being told to lie, so I hesitantly went along with it. After a nights sleep, I called the recruiter and told him I want to disclose everything.

Well, I told my recruiter about all of my medical issues. He got all of the medical records for most. I broke my wrist about 9 years ago, apparently he can't find any info on that, I can't either. He said if we can't find anything, the Navy can't either. Not sure how truthful that is.

Also, I think I'm supposed to disclose any stitches I got but he didn't ask me anything about that. I got stitches on my finger and ankle. I asked him about it and he said we already waited so long for the other medical records to come...blah, blah, don't put anything down.

Lastly, I tried steroids about 5 years ago. I didn't do a cycle or anything (just one pill), he said not to put anything down under substance abuse.

I really don't know what to do. He is relentless and keeps telling me not to worry about it. I don't want to be in the Military for 10, 15, 20 years or so, only to get caught and get screwed out of my retirement, or dishonarably discharged, then I would never get a job in corrections.

Sorry, you guys are all I have. I can't tell anyone I applied to PA DOC or that I plan on Enlisting if I don't get the job.

I guess I can only pray that PA DOC hires me so I don't have to put up with all this BS.

Jake

[Braveheart-BOP]

I'd vote for being honest. Your credibility means more in the long run, especially if you want to work in Law Enforcement.

[spikedcofee]

Originally Posted by artspooner

Right off the start my recruiter wanted me to lie about all of my previous medical issues. He simply said to put "NO" on any questions relating to medical history on all of the paperwork they make you fill out. I was caught off guard by being told to lie, so I hesitantly went along with it. After a nights sleep, I called the recruiter and told him I want to disclose everything.

Also, I think I'm supposed to disclose any stitches I got but he didn't ask me anything about that.

Be honest, it will eventually come out. However, they only need to know about MAJOR medical problems like asthma, any broken bones, or family history of respritory / cardio conditions. They don't need to know about every time you scaped your leg and your mommy had to give you a kiss...

Lastly, I tried steroids about 5 years ago. I didn't do a cycle or anything (just one pill), he said not to put anything down under substance abuse.

Using something one time will usually get you a pass. They are looking for chronic abusers or a history of escalating usage. Even if you smoked Marijuana say five times during a one year period but haven't touched it again your good. Nobody perfect.

I don't want to be in the Military for 10, 15, 20 years or so, only to get caught and get screwed out of my retirement, or dishonarably discharged, then I would never get a job in corrections.

If it doesn't come out during MEPS or while you are in Recruit Training they won't review your medical history again. Anything that comes up while on Active Duty will be treated accordingly and be Service Connected.

As for getting hired on with your states DOC or with the FBOP, they are going to conduct extensive background checks as well but will most likely not look into your medical records unless you give them reason to...

Hope this helps...

[artspooner]

Well, I broke my wrist so I guess that's a major medical problem. Thing is, we can't find any info on it. The hospital doesn't have the records and I can't remember the name of the specialist that put the cast on me.

Thanks for the replies

If stitches aren't major, should I disclose it? He wants me to go to MEPS next week. Not sure if he can get the records by then.

Jake

[spikedcofee]

Originally Posted by artspooner

Well, I broke my wrist so I guess that's a major medical problem. Thing is, we can't find any info on it. The hospital doesn't have the records and I can't remember the name of the specialist that put the cast on me.

Thanks for the replies

If stitches aren't major, should I disclose it? He wants me to go to MEPS next week. Not sure if he can get the records by then.

Jake

That is definately an injury that I would disclose, they may give you some flexibilty tests and have you see a doctor at MEPS to determine if you can go on to training or not.

What I would say is this:

In (year) I injured my wrist while (activity). I went to (hospital) and was examined. It was determined at that time to be a (type of fracture). The course of treament involved (casting / wrapping / physical therapy / etc...). Since this date I have had no other injuries and can fully perform all functions required of new recruit...

Good luck!

[artspooner]

Thanks.

That's what I'm gonna do. I'm going to tell the people at MEPS about my broken wrist and I can't find the medical records. I'm not even going to tell my recruiter that I'm disclosing it to the doctor.

[bigcountrysg]

Be honest about your medical conditions if they disqualify you for it then so be it. The only thing the recruiter cares about is his monthly quota to make himself look good. Also if you get injured during basic training and they find out that you did have a medical condition. You can say good bye to the military and any veterans benefits you may have gotten.

[BOPCO87]

Honesty is your best option, in most cases. However..... If you do go to MEPS you are better off to take the advise of your recruiter. I guarantee you are going to be disqualified without question. Any broken bones, ligament or tendon injuries, etc. These doctors at the MEPS stations look for reasons to NOT get you into the military. I was active duty USMC. When I was in I had my appedix removed by the Navy. They gave me a hard time at MEPS when I went to enlist in the National Guard. Nearly preventing me. I had to preach my case to a full bird colonel. Thats just my .02 cents. Goodluck whatever choice you make.

[Gaoler]

I got booted 2 months and 2 days into basic for having flat feet. Go figure. They didn't catch it a MEPS somehow.

All the recruiter is interested in doing is filling his quota. It doesn't matter if you get kicked from basic, just so long as you make it to entrance processing at basic.

[KSDog]

Be COMPLETELY honest. If you ever go up for a job that requires a security clearance they will be relentless in their research. I held a Top Secret, and went through all that. Just tell the truth. If it Disqualifies you, better you find out now, then after you've gone through all the training.