Posted on Jul 13, 2023
Can I still join the Marine Corps after they denied me for having suicidal thoughts?
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So when I went up to MEPS to try to enlist Into the marine corps they denied me for having suicidal thoughts which was a joke back in the 9th grade so my recruiter sends the paperwork up to BUMED and they look at it and I thought that there is no way they should deny it but two weeks pass by and they deny it so I’m wondering if there is anyway I can join the marine corps still.
Potential Recruit
Mental Health
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 7
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Caleb Morgan
Depends on what MEPS recorded in the denial action. Only they can tell you that (or a recruiter can look).
I haven't been through the process lately, but MEPS typically does not evaluate information they do not have. So you either:
1. told MEPS you had suicidal thoughts (either to a behavioral health (BH) specialist, or checked the box on the health and fitness questionnaire)
2. told MEPS you had suicidal thoughts and joked about it
3. provided MEPS with a behavioral specialist's medical report detailing that you had suicidal thoughts, but joked about it and you are cleared (behavioral health speaking).
I can think of no other way that MEPS could have found out that you had claimed suicidal thoughts and joked about it, unless you gave them that information. In any case, if they found out, they would act accordingly with the information they received. If that is the cause for denial, I don't see any other reason they would change their mind except maybe if you provide documentation from a BH specialist that you are not suffering from poor BH. They could still deny it based on the information they already have that you joked about it.
Double check with a recruiter to see if they can shed light on the specific cause for denial.
Depends on what MEPS recorded in the denial action. Only they can tell you that (or a recruiter can look).
I haven't been through the process lately, but MEPS typically does not evaluate information they do not have. So you either:
1. told MEPS you had suicidal thoughts (either to a behavioral health (BH) specialist, or checked the box on the health and fitness questionnaire)
2. told MEPS you had suicidal thoughts and joked about it
3. provided MEPS with a behavioral specialist's medical report detailing that you had suicidal thoughts, but joked about it and you are cleared (behavioral health speaking).
I can think of no other way that MEPS could have found out that you had claimed suicidal thoughts and joked about it, unless you gave them that information. In any case, if they found out, they would act accordingly with the information they received. If that is the cause for denial, I don't see any other reason they would change their mind except maybe if you provide documentation from a BH specialist that you are not suffering from poor BH. They could still deny it based on the information they already have that you joked about it.
Double check with a recruiter to see if they can shed light on the specific cause for denial.
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SPC (Join to see)
Caleb Morgan - Have you pursued any avenues after having been denied? Sent a messages (written letters) to the powers-that-be, such as the Secretary of Defense, Secretary of the USMC, your elected politicians, have you looked into the P & P of the USMC regarding recruiting, have you tried talking with a different USMC recruiter, such as at a different location, etc.? Have you thought about enlisting in one of the other military services and from there transferring to the USMC? Whenever I've hit a "dead end," I've thought about finding a different way to my goal. Good luck!
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CSM William Everroad
SPC (Join to see) - I agree, without seeing what MEPS saw, it is only speculation. Perhaps there was some derogatory information in the doctor's original diagnosis. At that point the waiver approval is with the CMO at MEPS. There is always a long line at that office of enlistee's waiting for final disposition for a medical condition that is service preventing.
I can't imagine that the candidate would not have had the conversation with the CMO about waiver options or what conditions preclude service.
But the candidate states that they went to MEPS to enlist, it is tough to say what role the recruiter had or if they were a resource in the in processing. But to find out from the recruiter and not the CMO that an waiver appeal was not granted seems off, but I could be wrong.
I can't imagine that the candidate would not have had the conversation with the CMO about waiver options or what conditions preclude service.
But the candidate states that they went to MEPS to enlist, it is tough to say what role the recruiter had or if they were a resource in the in processing. But to find out from the recruiter and not the CMO that an waiver appeal was not granted seems off, but I could be wrong.
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Caleb Morgan
CSM William Everroad the recruiter said that when I was denied there is nothing they can do and said I could not join the marines
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MAJ Byron Oyler
LTC (Join to see) - I worry parents in my situation will refrain from behavioral health treatment for their teens worried it could bar them from service. I have been downrange, done healthcare for 30yrs seeing some bad stuff, and still think teen years are extremely rough. Mine were pretty good and I had great parents but you know what I mean. I never had to worry about my son having access to firearms until he turned 13 (still am not worried) however some are double locked. Rough years and as a professional do not think one suicide incidence before 16 should prevent service. They need to be evaluated as adults, post teens, but we both know this is not the case.
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Somehow MEPS found out, it did not drop from the sky, speak with the recruiter and seek the source. Hopefully you did t bring a joke up in screening (why would you), that could be seen as a cry for help.
In any case the how is vague, no service will accept you unless you get cleared. When you speak with the recruiter and MEPS, identify the source and ask what needs to be done to clear you.
In any case the how is vague, no service will accept you unless you get cleared. When you speak with the recruiter and MEPS, identify the source and ask what needs to be done to clear you.
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Can't have been much of a joke of slight if this caused you to be denied entry into the Marines. You need to present hard documentation that you're not suicidal if you want the Marines....or any branch.....to gra t you a waiver.
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SSgt Christophe Murphy
Caleb Morgan Hard documentation would be a mental health provider validating your claims that you don’t have any issues, illness or conditions and that you have a clean bill of health. Somehow your suicidal joke/prank was documented and without anything in stone to refute that you’ll be in a bad spot
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