Hey,

Alright well I am 17 years old and I live in South Dakota. I just recently went to MEPS to take my ASVAB and be processed. I did great on my ASVAB, 97, and high line scores but I also had to go home and drive back and month later because they heard something wrong with my heart. This drive is a 5 hour drive, haha not fun. The cardiologists discovered that I have a bicuspid aortic valve, which is suppose to be tricuspid (the valve would normally consist of 3 sections that open up while mine only has two). Now i know this is not a dq'ing problem now but it was quite the road bumb.

I was wondering if you could provide any opinions in helping me decide upon my MOS. I want to do infantry, or mechanic. I truly have no idea really but those are just the basic thoughts.

I am also planning on doing the MECEP program after 3 or 4 years in the Marines. I was wondering if anyone had any opinions on this program.

Currently I am waiting for my waiver for my heart to get processed in Denver so I can drive another 5 hours down and 5 hours back to swear in!

Welcome to the site. As you indicated your preference of MOS above, I would advise you examine where you want to be in 5 years, ten years. You indicated Mechanic, now that would be a technical skill that one can use or adapt to civilian life readily after your stint is complete with the military.

Mechanics MOS are wide ranging due to the large varity of equipment that needs to be maintained. Try to be forward looking in what you (a) think you would enjoy working on/with (b) is in use in civilian market (c) become an expert in gas, diesel, turbine, hydralic, aviation, or electric type machines. Which field peeks your interest?

Infantry, not so much. Infantry leaders do however make for good solid business leaders and are in demand in the private sectors. Infantry types also make for good footing into law enforcement type of positions. Remember, Infantry MOS will place greater strain on your heart as it is a very physical and demanding field. Take that into prime consideration in your selection decisions.

Good luck and let us know how it goes. OK?

Well, with the heart I have played many sports and it has never affected me physically and the doctors said it will not affect me physically unless i become very fat or diabetic.

I want to do infantry for many reasons, and I would also like to get out of the Marines and get into a gov job. A security job, or law enforcement job higher up on the Chain of Command would be nice.

I really want to know if anyone here is a Mustang or knows about the program MECEP. I would like to hear any opinions on the program.

I am also concerned about the regular stuff, like being lied to by the recruiters. My two front teeth are fake, porclein caps, and my recruiter told me to just forget it. Is this a big deal if i already went to meps and did what he told me to do.

Reckon the only way you'll know what your physical limitations are, is to go and find out. Infantry will certainly do that. I've known lots of guy's who have been active in sports, perform miserably in infantry positions, and those that have never been overly active physically out pace the whole platoon. One can never tell.

As for MECEPS? Never went that route myself, but know those who did and they had good things to say about it. Yes it's harder than they thought, but getting through it was well worth the effort.

Being lied to by recruiters? In this day of the information age, not many will lie. You just have to listen carefully to what IS exactly being said to you and the manner of how he words his answers. Having porclien caps isn't a disqualifier. When you go through boot they will give you a dental examination that will create your dental record. It will follow you throughout your service. Geez, I had braces when I joined up. Had to have them removed before boot though. Really pissed off dad.

Sweet, Thanks!

I do believe my ship date is going to be Sept 28 next fall.

I have caps. Have had the same caps on my two front teeth since I was.....13 years old? Something like that. Went infantry first for five years. That's a tough gig. Not a job for the timid and physically challenging. I went intel after that. Coolest job, ever.

Of course, I had a heart attack shortly after I retired after 22 years at the age of 42. Not very cool. So, I can relate to uneasiness about the heart too.

As Gunny said, it really boils down to your interest and your future plans as what job you want. You want a future in law enforcement, infantry or military police might be the way to go.

MECEP is very competitive and difficult to get into. And once you're accepted, it's like going through boot camp all over again. That's what I've heard from folks who have gone through it.

Well.. bad news. I have been disqualified because of my heart condition. They are not sure why but I cannot join now or anytime in the future. Thanks for all your help, just not so sure what to do now.

If its any consolation, they probably just saved your life.

Truly I would much rather become a Marine and die before I am 25 than always lament not being able to be something worth living for. Marine's know they have done something with their live's and can be proud of being a Marine.

There are other worthwhile endeavors you could or should focus on. Just because one door closed, means other doors have opened up for you.