*Sorry for the length of this post. Thanks for anyone who reads it and answers even one question!*

Hey all, my name is Pat Nugent and I am currently a junior in high school. I've been thinking a lot about my future with all the college crap I have to go through (though I know I am lucky to go to college) and I know that I want to join the military. I was just hoping you guys could help me with a few questions I have on joining the military.

A FEW QUESTIONS:

I am not 100% sure I want to join the military yet and so I have not spoken with a recruiter yet and I am wondering if you guys can answer these questions for me.

1) Medical Requirements- I have looked at the physical disqualification lists time and again and I think I may have a few problems. Despite playing lacrosse, swimming and playing water polo, I have a few ailments.

The first problem I have is a slight bend of scoliosis in my spine. My curvature is less than 20 degrees however I just want to run it by you guys to see if there will be any problems.

The second problem I have is with a few surgeries and broken bones. I had a major head surgery when I was only a year old and although it does not affect me in any way now, I have a pretty big scar under my hair. I have also had surgery on one of my eyes twice and am wondering if this will disqualify me from the Marines as it does with the Airforce. I also broke me knee a while back while playing LAX and will that hinder my recruitment? It does not affect me at all anymore and no surgery was made.

The last problem I have is the biggest. One of my eyes is less than 20/20 but can be corrected to be at that level. My other eye, the one that has had a few surgeries, is only a little better than 20/400. I think I can join as a regular soldier with this vision but I want to know if there is any way to advance to be an officer with this level of vision. Just in case it helps, I do not have any problems with vision in everyday life and sports.

Is it possible to get a waiver for any of these problems?

2) Any advice for what branch to join? I want to join as an active soldier and I was thinking of enrolling in ROTC during college and maybe joining the Marines or Army later on. Which branch do you guys or gals think would put me on the front lines?

Pat

First off, finish college. If you still have the desire to serve, then visit the recruiters to see what they have to offer a man of your qualifications. Being a pilot is out due to the vision issues, but if the vision can be corrected then its not an issue for ground type jobs. All you have to do is pass the physicals and perhaps a medical review board.

Don't be in too much of a rush to be on the front lines.

Hey Gunny and thanks for the advice. I think you are right in that I should go to college first and I think I will go through ROTC to try to start at a higher position.

-Thanks!

Great! Good luck on the path you have chosen.