So, here is a timeline of my military career as it appears that door is now shut for me.


July 1st, 2004: Join the Army
July 2004 - June 2005: Army Delayed Entry Program
June 15th, 2005: Discharged from Army, torn left ACL, ironically this would have been my parents' 20th wedding anniversary.
April 2006: Cleared by MEPS to re-enlist
April 2006: Rejected by MEPS, Reason: Mandatory one year wait between knee surgery and re-enlistment, recruiter didn't do their homework.
June 2007: Rejected once again by MEPS, Reason: Need to have screws in knee removed.
June 2007: I give up on joining military.

This is pretty much just a rant, I'm really pissed off at MEPS, my recruiter in Brookings, SD, and the Army in general. Despite the opinion of my orthopedic surgeon, that removing the screws will do more damage to my knee than leaving them in, MEPS is convinced I need them removed. This will be considered elective surgery since it is not necessary and my insurance won't cover it, which leaves me responsible for paying out of my own pocket. It's odd, I was fine with essentially signing my life away when joining the Army the first time knowing full well that I could die, yet I won't fork over $10,000 to pay for unnecessary surgery to join an organization with an annual budget of $600,000,000,000. If the Army feels so strongly that I need this surgery why won't they pay for it? At the rate the Pentagon spends money it should only take 2.3792 seconds to approve the surgery.

I guess the lesson here, to any of you thinking about joining is this: If you think you have any injuries don't take it upon yourself to find out before shipping to basic. Aggravate the injury at basic because then it becomes the Army's problem, not yours. At least that's what I learned from all this.

Hey man, it´s not for everyone.

Better you discover it now, then have your knee give up on you under fire kid.

Thing is, most civilians doesn´t understand the strains this work place on your body.
Or the ramifications of finding out at the wrong time.

You´ll just have to trust the guys who did your physical and press on with your civilian career.
There are several civilian jobs that will let you serve your nation as well, if that is what you want?

I for one would like to know where you plan on going from here.
Remember, nothing possitive have ever come out of crying over spilt milk.

//KJ.

Wonder why they won't let you join with screws in your knee.

Oh well, look at the bright side; at least your chance of getting shot/exploding is that much lower.

Do you have any other options open - like the Navy ot Coast Guard?

Nothing that involves the military, everything goes through MEPS and they're the ones sitting around with their thumbs up their asses telling me to get the screws removed even though my orthopedic surgeon says they should stay in.

I know how do you feeling for can't join the military. I want to join the Corps but I can't...well, you know, I'm deaf with a cochlear implants.

I was just rereading this thread and realized my post was kind of insensitive. I'd be devastated if I found out I'd be unable to follow my chosen path over something like that.

Here's hoping they make an exception for ya, Damien.

Originally Posted by Damien435

Nothing that involves the military, everything goes through MEPS and they're the ones sitting around with their thumbs up their asses telling me to get the screws removed even though my orthopedic surgeon says they should stay in.

There is something that is called a Beau-Med Waiver. If you get statements from your doctor and a few other doctors then go with that to the recruiter perhaps he/she can put in for a waiver for you. It is worht checking out at least.

Originally Posted by Damien435

So, here is a timeline of my military career as it appears that door is now shut for me.


July 1st, 2004: Join the Army
July 2004 - June 2005: Army Delayed Entry Program
June 15th, 2005: Discharged from Army, torn left ACL, ironically this would have been my parents' 20th wedding anniversary.
April 2006: Cleared by MEPS to re-enlist
April 2006: Rejected by MEPS, Reason: Mandatory one year wait between knee surgery and re-enlistment, recruiter didn't do their homework.
June 2007: Rejected once again by MEPS, Reason: Need to have screws in knee removed.
June 2007: I give up on joining military.

This is pretty much just a rant, I'm really pissed off at MEPS, my recruiter in Brookings, SD, and the Army in general. Despite the opinion of my orthopedic surgeon, that removing the screws will do more damage to my knee than leaving them in, MEPS is convinced I need them removed. This will be considered elective surgery since it is not necessary and my insurance won't cover it, which leaves me responsible for paying out of my own pocket. It's odd, I was fine with essentially signing my life away when joining the Army the first time knowing full well that I could die, yet I won't fork over $10,000 to pay for unnecessary surgery to join an organization with an annual budget of $600,000,000,000. If the Army feels so strongly that I need this surgery why won't they pay for it? At the rate the Pentagon spends money it should only take 2.3792 seconds to approve the surgery.

I guess the lesson here, to any of you thinking about joining is this: If you think you have any injuries don't take it upon yourself to find out before shipping to basic. Aggravate the injury at basic because then it becomes the Army's problem, not yours. At least that's what I learned from all this.

Sorry to hear that Damien.

Still, there are lots of ways to serve your country. Ever thought about the PD or FD? They always need 'a few good men'.

Ok it's easy to see you are angry and disapointed mate. But thats the sour cards you got dealt! When my brother took a round in Northern Ireland (Leg wound) He was regular Scots Infantry. Our father made me promise (I was oldest) I would not join up. I joined the 15th Parachute Regiment as a result! (reserve or TAVR). I too was injured (lower back) and was offered an allternative the Royal Artillery, I took it and enjoyed my time. Now here is the punch line....If you want to serve then do, but enter through the army reserve, do loads of courses and get a commision, then transfer to regular, ok the Brit and US army are different, but very much the same in many ways. Investigate this mate and let us all know how you get on. Finally if all else fails..you have my respect and appreciation for trying and also everyone who has answered you or viewed your post.

Semper Fi!

AlphaHound