"They'll accept almost anyone in the military."
Not really. Besides major criminal backgrounds and large tattoos in certain areas, it's the medical exam that turns away most potential servicemen. It's natural selection at work.
An interesting observation towards disqualified applicants during MEPS (Military Entrance Processing Station) when pleading their case -
Serving is not a right, but a privilege. True.
You don't meet (medical) standards so get over it. True.
There are other ways to serve your country. True, but those who say this never list the other ways.
An overall attitude of "too bad, boohoo, get the f_ck out of here, stop wasting our time ... Oh and I served two tours in Kuwait." Good for you. Did you save a life? No. Then I won't suck your dick. Nor will I be impressed with your "achievement" and "good conduct" badges.
Passing MEPS isn't so much an accomplishment (like one serviceman said during swear in) as it is being born with no disqualifying medical issues, or being lucky enough to avoid life incidences that puts you on the disqualified list. It's like being blessed with good genes in terms of looks and height. If you decide to become a model it shouldn't be counted as an accomplishment than good fortune that allows that person to pursue that career path.Then again I don't count a career in the glitterati world so much an accomplishment, if you want to call it that, as in good fortune and sadness masked as happiness.
Some of the medical issues that I've read about that permanently disqualified an applicant:
- having one testicle since the age of four
- suffering from a concussion at the age of 17 from being tripped
They aren't just barred from the branch that they want in, they're barred from all military branches.
It would be nice if some of the people saying "too bad" would admit that such applicants are a health liability when out on missions/job-site, that a perfectly normal, functioning body is what it is needed than any "blue chip" applicants. If you say "but I - " they'll just give the hand and say "get over it." That's okay. Until they get hurt by an IED and complain about TriCare. Well, soldier/airman/Coastie/Marine/sailor: Get over it. Decent health care isn't a right, but a privilege. You knew what you were signing up for, so I am in no way obligated to massage your now stump of a leg or arm, or say your now burnt face is "beautiful" (because it ain't, you could pass as Freddy Kuger's heir or something, seriously).
Nor should a serviceman be put in front of another applicant just because he's a military guy looking for a job once back to civilian life, especially those who were infantry all throughout their military career, straight out of high school, who probably know nothing but to aim and shoot. Do what my Marine friend did after his four year AD was done - go to college and major in a degree that is more marketable than art history (no offense to art history majors) and send your applications to HR like the rest of the civilians hoping for a job.
Also, the doctors & nurses who do the MEPS screenings are looking for potential candidates to weed out. A potential Marine candidate was put on the temporary disqualified list for an ingrown toe nail, so he had to get that toe taken of before he passed the medical exam. Given that the military currently downsized, medical waivers are much harder to come by.
If you don't suffer from any health issues, don't have any large tattoos, and meet the minimum ASVAB score you're practically in. But the most important thing, besides that ASVAB score: a perfectly normal healthy body. My first college roommate flunked out with a 0.0 GPA. He failed all of his classes his first semester (failed it again his second semester when he was given academic probation) and later joined the U.S. Army. I don't think he made it pass Basics.
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