I dropped the kid off at MEPS this afternoon. He'll take the ASVAB today and have his physical tonight. He scored 84 on his test ASVAB - not bad but not great.

He's already been "disqualified" because of the plate and screws in his arm. I was just trying to be a good mother 5 years ago when they told me it would allow it to heal faster. :( But the X-rays and doctor's note saying that arm was stronger than the other and his ortho doctor would recommend it not be removed, at least got him into MEPS. He'll meet with the ortho doctor there tomorrow.

He's also been disqualified because he took Ritalin up to 4+ years ago, but from what I've read, as long as it's been at least one year, you can get a waiver. Plus he was taking very small amounts and only during school. I should have just given him a few Cokes every day with breakfast. :P

AND the eyesight limit is -8.25 and he's -8.50 in one of his eyes so that could be a problem.

For a kid who's as strong as an ox, has about 5% body fat and has been sick about 5 days in his entire life, it will really suck if he's disqualified because of heath reasons, lol!

So - send good thoughts his way and I'll let you know as soon as I hear something. :)

good luck to the boy and to you :)

Sincerely peaches , all the luck in the world.

What about having his eyes lasered?

Thanks, Dan. You're one of the people who responded 12-18 months ago when I asked for info on the military. He read everyone's posts (this was before he found the board - I copied and pasted them into an email :P ) and it really helped. :)

He wants it done, but we'd really like him to get into the AF first so either pay for it, or the insurance he has through them does. :okthumb: We have a LOT of friends who have had it done so he WILL do it...it's just a matter of when.

He's been blind as a bat his whole life (got that from the ex - all the bad traits he got from the ex :awinky: ) I didn't realize it until he was in the 2nd grade and after he got glasses, he was going nuts - first time he could see the leaves on the tree. :(

He's a bright kid and hard working; willing and eager to work from what I've seen of his posts to Wig... all things that they're looking for.
They'd do good to have him.

In the event that they don't accept him, it'll just give him room to stretch his entrepreneurial wings :)

For what its worth.....

The screening process is meant to weed out anybody who may not be a good fit or who may present a liability to the Gov.

....anyway....when I was at MEPS they had a cow because my elbow had been reconstructed. When i insisted that i was fine....that this is what i wantt to do...and that if Motocross, Football, and Hockey did not wipe me out this wont either.

In 8 years of Infantry Marine service i never had a problem or heard another word.....my point if he expresses he really wants this i cannot imagine the Doc clipping him.....

....but I am not a Dr. so I do not know

Yeah, he was told that it wasn't so much that they were worried it wasn't strong enough, they didn't want to have to bear the expense of removing it (probably less than $500, lol!). I originally told him to offer to arm wrestle the doctor, but realized that might not be such a good idea. :P

Here is an idea... encourage him to get an education instead of becoming a meat shield for the evangelical junta.

Onward, Christian Soldiers,
Marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus,
Going on before!

Christ the royal Master,
Leads against the foe;
Forward into battle,
See His banners go!

Onward, Christian Soldiers,
Marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus,
Going on before!

Like a might army
Moves the Church of God!
Brothers, we are treading
Where the saints have trod!

You don't have to sit in a cement box being lectured at to receive an "education".



Last edited by Carrie at Dec 10 2003, 07:00 PM

Peaches,

Sounds like he will do just fine. Of course in the old days the recruiter would of said not to mention the Pills he took 4 yrs. ago :)

My meps physical was only a few short minutes. Doc checked me out, asked a few questions, that was it.

In the army we had a complete one about once every 10-12 months, no biggie at all. If your piss was clean from drugs, and you pass hiv, your set to go.

Tell him I said good luck, and btw, unless they changed it, 84 is pretty darn good. I was told it wasn't scored the same way as in school, i.e. 1-100, diff. way or something.

With an 84, he should be able to pick almost any MOS

Actually the recruiter DID tell him to lie about it, but thankfully he read up on a few things and decided it wasn't worth it if they ever did a security clearance on him. :awinky:

Right now all the branches are hitting their recruitment quotas WAY ahead of schedule with the AF leading the pack. They can REALLY pick and choose at this point. :( I think if he scores well on the ASVAB he should be OK. Apparently that's one of the things they look at when considering the waivers.

And they're not MOS in the AF :nyanya: , they're AFSC , but yes, his recruiter told him that with the 84, he could do what he wanted.

Well said Carrie! :okthumb:



Peaches... keeping good thoughts for you and the kid. I'm sure it must be hard to want something so bad, see it right there in your grasp and have so many things going against you. The good news is, when this all works out and he gets in, you'll know it was the right thing. After jumping through so many hoops, making it over so many obstacles - the victory will just be that much sweeter! :purpdance: :bdance:

Yeppers, he will be fine Peaches :)

Sec. clear. well I guess so, mabey the air force is a bit tougher. I had to get a top one when it was my rotation to load / ready for nuc. art. rounds, but they never did much. I.E. Fbi, Cia, etc checks your family, next door people, school friends, etc. Never did that with me.

I think things may have changed since 9/11. :( There was one guy who recently was in Marine bootcamp who had to change his MOS because the one he originally picked required TS clearance. His father, who had been in the US Navy, wasn't born in the US but told him he had obtained his (father's) citizenship a few years prior. During the check, they found out his father had NOT received citizenship and almost kicked the recruit out for "lying" on his paperwork. Thankfully he was allowed to stay in since he hadn't lied, but he still isn't eligible for TS clearance. :(

Peaches,

yeppers, didn't consider 9/11, probably much tougher.

I hope Clemson gets something he can use after AF life. I.E. Jet Mechanic, MP, machinist, something..

He's looking in the medical and computer fields. My Dad thinks medicine is the way to go for someone in their 20's....we'll see. :P

Good choice.

They say the usa has one of the biggest shortages of nurses and medical staff in the world.

Would be cool if he went to the air force Comm. College was in and got his 2 year RN :)

You know Labret....

Some people use it as an opportunity to get an education I did my college while in Uniform .

You may think the world is fine without people who stand up to serve the country...there was a time in this country where it was considered a very honarable thing to do....

We have never met...I will not throw stones at you personally i just find it sad that you think the only value is "Human Meat Shields"

I have an opposing opinion on your comments, and as you felt obligated to speak your feelings I feel just as obligated to post mine....I do this because "Human Meat Shields" have given us both the freedom to do so.

It is so easy to give respect to those serving yet so many people feel it makes them look superior to cut them off at the knees....

just because our country does not make the best decisions on how to deploy our Military does not mean that the men and women serving are not worthy of respect.

You have the right to an opinion, burn the flag, but if people actually have pride in wanting to serve I find it childish to to humiliate the effort.

I am sure you have your reasons to have such a negative attitude...It is unfortunate...there are some incredible people serving who are smart...physically fit...and are far from the dumb ass stereotype so many like you try to paint



Last edited by Jim Holio at Dec 10 2003, 04:57 PM

Damn straight, Jim. :salute:

You said it yourself... there was a time. No argument from me there.
Back when there were actual valid threats to our liberty.

OK, he just called and said he did well on the puzzles and math parts of the ASVAB (he's 4th generation engineer - poor thing. :P ) but doesn't think he did well in science or mechanics which is bad for the medical stuff. :(

BUT that's what the test is there for. :) He'll find out his exact scores tomorrow. He has to wake up at 4 and says he's not even slightly sleepy. :unsure:

Peaches,

Mona says hi - and good luck to your boy from both of us. :salute:

Thanks, you two! :inlove:

We were talking about short webmistresses the other day and I forgot all about Mona, hehehe.

Folks, there is YET ANOTHER webmistress shorter than I am (but barely, IIRC). :awinky:

That's right - you are a shortie. I'd forgotten that - Mona always referred to you as 'sweetie-soccer-mom-with-the-great-butt'

:awinky:

We're about to enter our own never-ending world of darkness as parents. A time of great fear for the world in general: our daughter is about to get her driving permit.

Be afraid. Be very afraid.

Hehehe - well tell Mona there's a WHOLE lot more of it to love now! :P

Oh...my. First of all, I cannot BELIEVE she's 16 already :zoinks: and second of all, be thankful she's a girl. STATISTICALLY they're better than the boys (though my father might disagree....). Mine had 3 tickets and 3 accidents in 3 years. Not fun times. <_< But it's great when they can run up to the store to get milk for you. :okthumb:

...and if you believe there is not a clear and present danger you are foolish. Take away our bases and dismantle our Military and see if the locusts come.

You again have the right to say as you wish...hell i helped in the fight for that freedom.... and the time of which I was speaking of is when a man was measured by his contributions not his mouth.

Your Ann Arbor anti-establishment comments and positions make you an idealist....that is great.... it does not impress me in the least however.

IF you think I am going to let you twist me into one of your immature I can use a phrase you said to prove my point you are wrong.

You are an infection with your views on this. A non contributing cancer that only has the luxary of free speech.

You can cast stones and make acusations of stupidity and blanketed comments on the Military...the plain truth....you dont know....you have no obligation to serve...and you never have...and if you did it appears to me "the knowing on this subject" that you did not have the discipline or drive to make the best of it and now take on the "victim" role.

I do not know if you served a day or not....

but you make statements as though you have or have some real world knowledge...

not the kind of thing I would expect from a self proclaimed smart guy...

I doubt your opinion will change..i hope that it does for your sake...your comments simply make you look childish...frightened even

Yes, I've already informed her that she'll become my errand slave.

She's protesting now, doesn't believe me when I tell her she'll be begging me for errands and reasons to drive the car. :)

Speaking of the future terror of the highways - I have to go coax her through an essay. She's a math wiz - but something about essays makes her brain lock up, and when she gets frustrated, steam starts coming out of her ears. Something like her mom.

Again, I hope things turn out well for your son. I think I'm going to frequent Oprano now - it's a breath of fresh air for sure. :)

Sounds good! And tell the little woman we'd love to hear from her also. :) Gonzo's got a great Amateur board one click down from this one - you'll probably both recognize everyone. :)

...and if you believe there is not a clear and present danger you are foolish. Take away our bases and dismantle our Military and see if the locusts come.

You again have the right to say as you wish...hell i helped in the fight for that freedom.... and the time of which I was speaking of is when a man was measured by his contributions not his mouth.

Your Ann Arbor anti-establishment comments and positions make you an idealist....that is great.... it does not impress me in the least however.

IF you think I am going to let you twist me into one of your immature I can use a phrase you said to prove my point you are wrong.

You are an infection with your views on this. A non contributing cancer that only has the luxary of free speech.

You can cast stones and make acusations of stupidity and blanketed comments on the Military...the plain truth....you dont know....you have no obligation to serve...and you never have...and if you did it appears to me "the knowing on this subject" that you did not have the discipline or drive to make the best of it and now take on the "victim" role.

I do not know if you served a day or not....

but you make statements as though you have or have some real world knowledge...

not the kind of thing I would expect from a self proclaimed smart guy...

I doubt your opinion will change..i hope that it does for your sake...your comments simply make you look childish...frightened even[/b][/quote]
lord, thats a mess.

My KDR in Desert Combat is like 12:1

Cody,

is that you man?? Long time no see.

Say hi to mona for me :)

Happy Holidays

Todd

Jim,

While I will probably never stick up for Labret ever, he like all americans has the right to his opinion as you have stated.

I served my country also, but that in no way makes me a better, more patriotic american then anyone who didn't.

I belive it is almost Un-American and Un Patriotic to not stand up against your goverment, it's Leaders, political people, etc.

I support the soldiers in the war 100%, they had no choice in going. I do not support bush and his admin on this war at all...

I have to agree that [labret] has the right to state his opinions, just as I have the right to opine that it's a shame if he isn't in the immediate area the next time somebody looking to score 40 virgins in heaven expidites his attempt to get there by taking out some infidels.

Like you, I'm all for the war on terrorism, and angered by the diversion of efforts into the folly of Iraq.

"[b]etter, more patriotic American" is a kind of arbitrary thing. I agree that the individual who "stand up against your goverment, it's Leaders, political people" can be every bit the patriot that a person who puts on the uniform. It's a shame that there are so many folks who've found the pretense of standing up against those forces is a much more effective way to get attention than throwing themselves on the floor, banging their head and holding their breath until they turn blue. Now, whether those sort of folks are any better than the ones who would never have dreamed of putting a uniform on themselves but never miss an opportunity to suggest we send the folks who are into harms way is a judgement call.

Talking about your military personnel.....

Just got an email from my son saying he will be home to visit from Japan on Dec 30.....


:bdance: :bjump: :cdance: :bjump: :bdance:

What a nice Christmas present!!! :)

military sucks.

Don't ask...Don't tell....... :okthumb:

Great news!!!

Not sure if my girlfriend's son will get a chance to come home before he goes back to Iraq in the spring.

Todd,

To disrespect our men and women serving by referring to them as human meat shields...is just a step beyond having an opinion. It is disrespectful.

They are much more than that and if you served you know. I will not let someone paint the picture that our military as mindless fucks just waiting to be killed. Without giving my own two cents...in this case more like a buck fifty.

Just because i stand up for my side of my beliefs.....I now have people saying that I think I am more patriotic????

Letr me be clear....I think it was an ASSHOLE thing to say....you served thats great. I feel you are qualified to give a real world perspective based on your real excperience. I can tell a CNN vet to piss off if they choose to say disrespectful things.

I am free to tell him I think it's bullshit....I dont give a shit about not agreeing with our govt....I do not agree at all with how are troops are being deployed.

It is the fact that i do not appreciate hearing our service members being termed as Human Meat Shields...do you think they would feel good hearing that....it certainly is not flattery.

I have never been to impressed with the instigating nature of this character....and whats wrong with me saying it????

Do I not have the right because I happen to stand up for the troops of our country...because i have an opposing opinion of this Labret character????



Last edited by Jim Holio at Dec 11 2003, 10:40 AM

What a profound statement.....

What a profound statement.....[/b][/quote]
Understand that TGF was forced to spend a certain amount of time in the military in his country (Finland). He's not saying that about the US. B)

TGF....

My aplogy for being sarcastic....I feel Military service should be a choice

Tip : Never smile at your drill Sergeant during training.

They don't really have a sense of humour.

Jim,

I think you misunderstood me. I have np at all with what you said. You will never hear me put down a soldier in our military unless mabey war crimes or something was in question.

My point was that we all as americans can give our views, whether it's with the status quo or not. that's all :)

This really wasn't about Labret to me, it was more about the sentiment in our country visa v the war and what is the best choice. But I guess we will all make that decision in Nov. 2004 :)

I feel exactly the same way. :)

..unfortunately it's not an option here. Military service is mandatory for all males in finland, or jailtime. I chose military.

All went fine, score well enough to choose any job he wants and the Ortho doctor approved the arm. Just waiting for the waiver from the surgeon general which could take 2 days to 6 weeks. <_<

Hurry up and wait............... :angry:

Does he get to come home now or does he stay there until the waiver comes in?

After Somalia Todd....this subject is very touchy to me.....One of my best friends of 25 years Father with two kids just deployed....good spirits he knows he signed on for the job....I wish the people behind the wheel would do the job they are suppose to do......

I just hope they make it out alive...everyone.

No hard feelings at all.....just clarifying my position a little more.

you should come on the radio show...you would be a great guest....and it wuill help get people in the room...LOL

take care...have a great Holiday season



Last edited by Jim Holio at Dec 11 2003, 03:31 PM

Oh, no - he's home. In fact, even if he's accepted it could be up to 364 days before he ever ships out for boot camp. They are seriously WAY past recruitment levels. :( The average wait in the AF right now is 3-4 months.