Recruiters say I need to lie about my physical condition and I am in AR with ship date this month. What should I do?

2018-03-01T15:30:48-05:00

Hello

I signed up as Army Reserve on May, 2016. I'm in DTP (not DEP).

3 Weeks ago, I severely injured my back and doctors are saying it will get worse so it is best not to go to basic training. And I have my ship date for mid March, 2018.

I have submitted medical documents showing my diagnosis to my recruiter.

I just went to talk to my recruiter today, he says they have 2 options.

#1. Go to the MEPS and do the physical and pass which I can barely walk, stand, or run right now. Take pain medication so you can pass the duck walk. Don’t tell the MEPS that you are injured. And on the ship date don’t show up. Recruiters are going to pretend that I am missing or unable to contact.

#2. Don’t go to MEPS and don’t show up on the ship date. My unit will release you from the DTP as no-show.

I just don’t feel like this is a good idea and I don’t understand why recruiters want me to lie at MEPS about my medical/physical conditions.

He mentioned that there will be less paperwork for them and less effect if I just don’t show up.

I need your help badly. I want to go through a proper procedure to get ELS from military due to injury before and be honest about the injury is severe to go to basic training.

Thank you.

Best regards,

Response by SPC David Willis made Mar 1 at 2018 3:39 PM

2018-03-01T15:39:19-05:00

Do not ship if you have a legit medical concern that doctors are saying will get worse. Im no recruiter but it seems like he should have an option to push you back. Sounds like he is essentially giving you two options that take blame away from him when it comes to losing a shipped recruit. If you ship with an injury and fuck it up worse to where it plagues you for life you may not even be able to claim it if it can be proven it happened before you entered service. Im sure an actual recruiter will be able to give you more accurate advice though.

Response by Capt Tom Brown made Mar 1 at 2018 3:56 PM

2018-03-01T15:56:36-05:00

Sorry to hear you are getting such krapy advice from a recruiter. If he tells you this sort of thing no wonder what he has told others. There should be a way to put this perp on report asap and get a medical deferral of some sort in the process - your medical condition has changed so drastically. Taking the test could permanently injure you.

Response by SSgt Christopher Brose made Mar 1 at 2018 3:58 PM

2018-03-01T15:58:03-05:00

I had a similar situation. I was in a car accident about 3-4 weeks before I was scheduled to go to boot camp. I had gone to a doctor are a precautionary move to get checked out, and I had been to a chiropractor a few times. I never mentioned it to anybody because it never caused any serious injuries, just a sore neck. But at MEPS there was an opportunity to disclose anything that had not been disclosed including visits to a doctor, and I had to swear/affirm that everything I represented was true, and that I had disclosed anything without any purpose of evasion. I told them then about the accident and seeing the doctor and chiropractor. It set my report date back about 6 weeks. The MEPS doctor wanted at least a month of me not going to a doctor or chiropractor before he'd sign off. The recruiter wasn't very happy, but he said these things happen, that's what the process was for.

If you want, you can do that same thing -- go to MEPS, go through the process, and be honest there. But if you're in so much pain that you don't think you could pass the physical, I'd tell your recruiter to delay the report date. Tell him if you've seen a doctor recently. My experience was in 1996, but if the rules are the same as they were, seeing a doctor resets the clock.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2018 3:58 PM

2018-03-01T15:58:06-05:00

DO NOT LIE! That's just horrible advice. If your recruiters are telling you to lie on official paperwork I would find different recruiters. If they are more concerned about the amount of paperwork that they have to do than the people they are trying to recruit to become soldiers they should not be on recruiting duty.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2018 4:07 PM

2018-03-01T16:07:27-05:00

PFC Private RallyPoint Member Bad advice from the recruiter. Never lie on official paperwork. I would have your date pushed back. If you do have to go to MEPs, tell the truth. Keep us posted on your situation. Good luck.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Mar 1 at 2018 4:12 PM

2018-03-01T16:12:26-05:00

A: Dont Lie
B: Go back and tell your recruiter you will not lie or lie by omission .
C: If not properly notified of cancellation for your report date IN WRITING, report as directed and tell the in processing folks your concerns about current health status, you will not be the first, or the hundredth this month that has had this issue..its not a big deal.
D: Message me your recruiters contact info.
E: After you are better, seek assistance from a different recruiter ..even if they never said lie outright, whatever they did say left you with that impression so at BEST, they suck at communication and thats not the guy you want working for you.

Response by SSG Tom Pike made Mar 1 at 2018 4:24 PM

2018-03-01T16:24:11-05:00

Do not listen to your recruiter, he is violating his own instructions.

http://www.usarec.army.mil/im/formpub/rec_pubs/r601_95.pdf

d. Recruiters will immediately notify their RS
commanders of any circumstances that change
a DEP member’s status. This includes any additional
law violations, medical problems, education
changes, or apathy that the DEP member
may exhibit.
e. RS commanders will immediately notify the
CLT of any change in a DEP member’s status
that may affect his or her ship date. This specifically
includes any actions by the DEP member
that creates additional administrative processing
prior to ship date (i.e., medical or moral
waiver). Those DEP members that may not
ship, regardless of the reason, will also be projected
to the CLT.

r601_95.pdf

Response by SGT Eric Davis made Mar 1 at 2018 4:42 PM

2018-03-01T16:42:34-05:00

If you can walk now then you wil Be no good then when you leave. Tell the dr when you get to MEPS that mean even if you have to wait months or maybe get a waiver. You don’t wanna get to basic and be shipped home for good mad

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2018 5:37 PM

2018-03-01T17:37:05-05:00

Don't lie. It will come back to bite you in the backside eventually.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2018 7:46 PM

2018-03-01T19:46:29-05:00

PFC James Chavez,

Having been a recruiter myself, I understand why they are telling you this, but this is not for your health or well being. they are only telling you this because they do not wish to explain that the Soldier can no longer report to MEPS, because it will affect the Recruiters, his Station, and ultimately his Companies bottom line for the recruiting month (which run differently than calendar months). I recommend that you not do either(the latter thing will cause heart ache for you if and when you are cleared by your doctor because you are now sort of an AWOL Future Soldier, there is no such thing, but its easier to explain in this context and the former is an "recruiter impropriety" and not aloud in the Recruiting Code of Conduct so neither you nor your Recruiter really wants this because "impropriety" is code for "unethical, immoral, illegal, or unsafe." I recommend if you believe they really need your "contract" to "box" or to keep from "rolling a doughnut" (though this is not gonna stop that, but it will keep them from having to explain why your not "on the floor" that you go to MEPS and be completely honest and let the doctors make the decision. They will send you home if all of this you stated is correct and you can come back in 30 days or so I forget the correct time that you must wait , but certainly not until cleared by your doctor or the MEPS doctor. This way, your recruiter still puts someone on the floor, but you don't ship for something out of his control, understand? Of course you could also just give your recruiter the supporting documentation and tell him you'll contact him when you have been cleared by your Doctor as well, that's up to you, but if you've signed a contract already recommend you just take your paperwork to the MEPS and let the doctors decide, they want ship you if you aren't medically qualified, believe me those doctors don't play around. What Battalion, Company or Station?

Response by SFC Keith Sollazzo made Mar 1 at 2018 8:19 PM

2018-03-01T20:19:10-05:00

You should let them know how severe your back is because it will get much worse at Basic. Your well-being should be that NCO's concern. Shows his lack of leadership & knowledge of the NCO Creed.

Response by SPC Erich Guenther made Mar 1 at 2018 8:45 PM

2018-03-01T20:45:29-05:00

Your Recruiter is an idiot to tell you not to show for SHIP DATE and he can get in a lot of trouble for that AS well as telling you to fake it. Either 1 or 2 puts you in the hot seat as the guy responsible. There is an option #3 and option #4. Option #3 show up for SHIP DATE where they ask you "has your medical condition changed" at which time you say YES and present the facts with the Doctors advice, if they do not document what you say and present..........it's a court martial offense on their part (Enlistment Fraud). Option #4 of course requires a Recruiter who cares but the Recruiter should notify the MEPS and reschedule you for when you can attend or if it is longer than 12 months total time waiting he needs to discharge you and ask you try again later.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2018 9:01 PM

2018-03-01T21:01:31-05:00

Any Lie will always come back and bite you in the Butt.

Response by SFC Christopher Taggart made Mar 1 at 2018 9:51 PM

2018-03-01T21:51:15-05:00

“If you tell the truth, then you don't have to have a good memory”

― Judy Sheindlin

Response by CW3 Jeff Held made Mar 1 at 2018 10:41 PM

2018-03-01T22:41:17-05:00

Never lie. About anything.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 2 at 2018 2:44 AM

2018-03-02T02:44:33-05:00

I am still in contact with my unit's S-1 and I well informed him as well on this whole situation. He also advise me go to the MEPS and don't lie. Tell them exactly what my private physician has said with medical documents.

I do want to serve this country if I did not injure but since injury is so severe and don't want to get injured more, I think it is best to get separated before I ship to basic training.

If MEPS doctor decides to disqualify me, would the recommendation from MEPS go to the recruiter or GC at MEPS for separation process?

According to USAREC Reg 601-96, Appendix M, Page 66 - 68 Shows the exact procedure for Army Reserve separation if medically disqualified.
http://www.usarec.army.mil/im/formpub/rec_pubs/r601_96.pdf

I do not want to deal with this recruiter and all he is saying is lying to MEPS and the I will be fine.

r601_96.pdf

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Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 2 at 2018 10:10 AM

2018-03-02T10:10:26-05:00

A lot of great input here that I agree with. Do not lie, it can prevent any hope of future affiliation once/if you are able to try again at a later date. They have these checks in MEPS to address these issues and though disappointed, I am not too surprised you were told to lie. Integrity begins from the moment you step through the recruiters’ door for all parties involved.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 2 at 2018 11:12 AM

2018-03-02T11:12:45-05:00

Your recruiter is being lazy. They just need to get a letter from your reserve unit stating they wish to retain you, shoot that to meps so they can Re-negotiate (Reno) your contract ship date.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 2 at 2018 11:44 AM

2018-03-02T11:44:19-05:00

Well first off, you don’t go back tonMEPS to ship as a reservist. It’s called hometown shipper. Get in touch with the recruiting company CDR. He will initiate the appropriate paperwork.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 2 at 2018 11:54 AM

2018-03-02T11:54:36-05:00

I left a comment prior to this on the steps you need to take. However ho did it take you 2 years to go to BCT?

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Mar 2 at 2018 12:08 PM

2018-03-02T12:08:58-05:00

NEVER EVER LIE! In fact do the paperwork, and turn in the recruiter to his Commander!

Response by SFC George Sease made Mar 2 at 2018 12:17 PM

2018-03-02T12:17:47-05:00

The only thing to do is TELL THE TRUTH. To lie can come back in the future and bite you in the ass.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 2 at 2018 12:23 PM

2018-03-02T12:23:43-05:00

It's a problem everywhere but it's not every recruiter. You've got good ones and ones who look at the numbers only aspect of it.

Do not lie, it can come back and bite you right in the ....

In 2013 while working for the Drug Suppression Team for CID I had to charge a Soldier, after he tested positive, for fraudulent enlistment because he put down on paper that he lied about using drugs prior to joining and he added that his recruiter told him to lie, guess who else got charged? Yep, the recruiter.

I took no pleasure in doing it, the Soldier owed back every dime he made in his 7 years active with a deployment too and the recruiter was handled at his location by the nearest CID office.

Just don't lie. Period. Even the smallest crap.

Response by SFC Francisco Rosario made Mar 2 at 2018 1:27 PM

2018-03-02T13:27:23-05:00

This is why we need better mdical screening for all new service members

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 2 at 2018 1:48 PM

2018-03-02T13:48:24-05:00

Why would you want to further injure youreself ? A. Definitely dont go B . Im almost positive you can cancel your meps date especially with a back injury be smart if you really want to serve this country then you want to do it in full health also never listen to the recruiter

Response by PO2 Alanh Jauw made Mar 2 at 2018 2:49 PM

2018-03-02T14:49:35-05:00

Here's the deal. You go to boot, pass and they find out you knowingly made false statements now you fall under the articles of the UCMJ. Its best to heal and if you are still able to, when you heal join. Don't potentially ruin your life to make a self oriented recruiters numbers. A GOOD SOLID recruter would be on your side help you through this and be a good role model and leader. Some leader can recruit as well as lead. I was in a simular situation and all that happened was that my entry date was pushed back. And all through that my recruiter kept in contact, either by phone or visit, he was a good NCO and it made me want to stay the course even more. Lasted 19yrs in the military. All because a recruiter didn't count me out.

Response by MSG Alfred Aguilar made Mar 2 at 2018 4:49 PM

2018-03-02T16:49:19-05:00

Don't lie, it will come back at you like an RPG.

Response by SSG Ronald Bloodworth made Mar 3 at 2018 1:48 PM

2018-03-03T13:48:31-05:00

Absolutely DO NOTHONTO MEPS AND LIE!
Listen to what your doc is telling you and take no chances with your health first of all. What’s more, if you make it through MEPS and go on the basic/AIT, and then have it discovered later that you lied, you could then be subject to UCMJ action for attempted fraud by deception and breach of contract? In which case you will definitely forfeit any possible opportunity to enlist at a future date. In fact, it could have a negative impact on the rest of your life in other ways. NOT position you want to place yourself in.
Doesn’t look like you were specifically told to lie but the message was implied through the options presented. Understand one thing; a lie of omission is a lie nonetheless.
What seems to have happened in your case is that the decision was placed on your shoulders, and therefore, the responsibility for the decision if it goes badly.....
It’s a “plausible deniability” thing. You were not specifically told by a recruiter to lie so if they are asked about it later, they can deny it to investigators without technically lying.
In other words, you face the music alone.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 3 at 2018 8:49 PM

2018-03-03T20:49:09-05:00

Tell your recruiter you’re not going to MEPS. Refuse to ship. It is one simple form to be completed and you must sign. You will it get an ELS, because you would have to ship to basic for that to happen. Just tell them to DEP Loss you

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 3 at 2018 8:49 PM

2018-03-03T20:49:20-05:00

DO NOT LIE!!! Tell the doctors at MEPS the truth... If you lie and manage to ship, you could be put in the medical hold when the injury intensifies and spend months at the training site when you should be healing. Additionally, if you falsify the medical screening, then you are falsifying a federal document which will get both you and your recruiter in a ton of trouble.

The recruiter can submit documentation to MEPS through OPS to request a deferred ship date.

Response by PFC Elijah Rose made Mar 4 at 2018 12:15 PM

2018-03-04T12:15:55-05:00

I'm not advising anything, but if I were you I'd totally say whatever I it took to get into BCT. I don't care what anyone else thinks.

Response by MSG John Duchesneau made Mar 4 at 2018 11:48 PM

2018-03-04T23:48:43-05:00

I think its best for both you and the Army to drop out for now, wait until your back heals, and then go back to enlist. If you back is bad it will get screwed up even more in basic training and you will be washed out.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 5 at 2018 9:03 AM

2018-03-05T09:03:46-05:00

Don’t lie, it’s your health the Army will always be here and your health is more important. There is no reason to lie, things happen.

I’m a recruiter so here is some advice. Take all med docs about your back to the Station Commander explain the issue then have them send a request for a renegotiation of your reserve MOS. This means you maybe able to keep your MOS pending what your doctor is saying as far as recovery, however you may not be able to keep your MOS. Sounds like they do not want you to be a loss, but to lie about an injury is the wrong answer from either an inexperienced or shady recruiter.

Do not give up your recruiters contact information to no one on this forum. Address this with his Station Commander and Company leadership. This is between you and that recruiting center, not someone that has no effect in recruiting.

Response by SFC Kenneth G. made Mar 6 at 2018 6:07 PM

2018-03-06T18:07:55-05:00

The best alternative is to take your paperwork to MEPS and show it to them. They will send you to the medical section and the Dr. will then put you out until your doctor has cleared you. You will then have to go back through the physical and probably a waiver phase.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 7 at 2018 10:21 PM

2018-03-07T22:21:53-05:00

As a prior recruiter you not wanting to Lie is the ONLY way this should be approached it’s better if you go to MEPS and your recruiter is forced to do the extra paperwork, at the end of the day he has a responsibility to do right by you.

Response by MSgt John DeLallo made Mar 8 at 2018 12:15 PM

2018-03-08T12:15:25-05:00

While I understand quotas, I would never condone a recruiter giving this advice. Its criminal. If I was still on active duty, I'd take a huge E-7 size bite out of him. Always be truthful, that way you don't have to worry about what lies you told. As for the recruiter worrying about paperwork? Tango Sierra, and start typing.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 12 at 2018 12:18 AM

2018-03-12T00:18:51-04:00

Never EVER lie about this. Your recruiter should receive at least a reduction in grade.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 12 at 2018 6:14 PM

2018-03-12T18:14:27-04:00

He's a dumbass and on his way to a court-martial. I've seen it firsthand. A braggart told me he was up for SFC during my 36 one month tours as USMC NCOIC/Recruiter 84-87. A month or so later a LTC and the whole Command Group came to town and held Summary Courts on 3. He left as E5 vice almost E7. This is not about him though, it's about you. Do the right thing. If he wants to go to jail, no reason for you to screw up your life to help him do it. Why waste the trip if you know you're not ready? A Dr. knows more than your recruiter, and if he told you to lie he'll lie on you to cover his backside. He's likely having trouble meeting his quota and has compromised his integrity along the way. Get counsel and follow it. Good luck.

Response by SSG Keith Amacher made Mar 12 at 2018 10:56 PM

2018-03-12T22:56:08-04:00

For Basic your start of the military, never lie tell the truth and hope things get better later. Worst thing you can do is start off you military career with a lie and it will come back and with a physical injury you will never come back. A lie and your life is over NO Security Clearance which means you want to be a cook? In Intel and it is posted now we know all it's ok to say I screwed up and posted this. It is entirely another to lie about it because we already have you now... always look for the watchers.... and hackers. Be safe brother. And get better then try to come back but be open. The only time you are authorized to Lie is if you are Intelligence and under orders from DOD anything else can be considered treason in some cases.

Response by SSG Keith Amacher made Mar 12 at 2018 11:00 PM

2018-03-12T23:00:02-04:00

You need to show those recruiters my response because I will have them put in Leavenworth and tell them that. I will not accept that response in your condition you could be very hurt or not worthy of military duty and if they are trying to get a quota I will have their careers. Even if you made it you may not make it in the real deal and get guys killed.

Response by SSG Keith Amacher made Mar 12 at 2018 11:23 PM

2018-03-12T23:23:41-04:00

Son you have did nothing wrong and it will be corrected by your superiors and I will be watching over it. Good luck on your career and you need Physical Therapy and 100% back before you go to training or any kind of deployment. When you deploy your teammates count on you for their LIFE and you Them... think about that. I will enforce that. After you are 100% and you let me down then you have a real problem... We understand each other Private.

Response by SPC Sean Roycroft made Mar 26 at 2018 9:01 AM

2018-03-26T09:01:59-04:00

Don't Lie!!!! Make sure you check out EVERYTHING this recruiter has told you.

Response by SFC Joseph McCausland made Mar 29 at 2018 1:40 AM

2018-03-29T01:40:07-04:00

First off, the recruiter should have notified his Station Commander and as a courtesy the PFC's TPU, then submitted the medical documents (which I am sure included ex-rays of the injury) to the MEPS Doctor for review and final decision. The medical documents could be enough or the MEPS Doctor could ask to see the PFC in person... more then likely, if the injury is severe, the paperwork will be enough for the MEPS Doctor to reach a final decision.

Lying is NOT an option and I don't understand why his recruiter would even tell he PFC to do that because he will not suffer a "loss" like a regular army recruiter would. PFC Chavez's "basic pay entry date" started the day he enlisted, unlike a DEP (RA) enlistee whose BPED will be the day they ship out to basic.

On a personal note... during my 10 years as an AGR Recruiter, I always told my people to stop all activities that are extreme and to not temp fate if they really wanted to be part of the Army Reserve. I also, told them, there would be plenty of physical challenges that they will experience going through basic and AIT that will more than satisfy there adrenaline rush.

Response by SPC Phillip Norton made Apr 1 at 2018 2:51 PM

2018-04-01T14:51:00-04:00

Don’t lie

Response by SA Daniel Stephens made Apr 4 at 2018 2:39 PM

2018-04-04T14:39:55-04:00

Do not lie, it will bite you in the ass down the road.

When I enlisted in the Navy, my recruiter told me to omit having a knee injury 3 years prior. The injury wasnt bad, just needed bandaging, ice, and crutches for 2 weeks. I listened to him and went through MEPS. 10 months later I was at RTC in Chicago, 7 weeks into Boot Camp I re-injured the same knee. Since it had been so long between MEPS and that point I had forgotten about the omission and told the Navy doc about the prior injury.

Several days later I was being visited by someone with the option of signing two sets of paperwork. One was for an Entry Level Separation with the reason being Fraudulent Enlistment. The second would initiate a Court Martial. I went ahead and signed for the ELS.

All this was in 2003/2004, and I was a young and dumb 19 year old. I dont hold it against my recruiter as it was my choice to not admit to the injury, hell if I would have they would have probably given me a waiver.

Dont be like me. GO through whoever you have to so that you may have a chance again. Get healed up, so you can report to your training at 100%.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2018 7:28 PM

2018-04-08T19:28:17-04:00

First off don't lie. Integrity.. it's an Army value. Second is what kind of injury are you dealing with(keep in mind I am no doctor) I myself have injured my back preparing for Ranger School. I am on a path to recovery and I may be able to point you in a good direction(key word is may, no guarantees).

Response by Pvt Brian York made Apr 13 at 2018 8:55 AM

2018-04-13T08:55:38-04:00

Don't lie. Period.

Response by MSG Michael McEleney made Apr 13 at 2018 8:52 PM

2018-04-13T20:52:45-04:00

The recruiters have a quota to meet and it sounds like you’re on the cusp of his meeting it. What he’s told you is not only dishonest, it’s placing you in a very bad situation of reinjuring yourself and being written off for not showing up for shipment. But it does cover him for quota. This should be reported to his Recruiting Ann Commander.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 17 at 2018 2:41 PM

2018-04-17T14:41:11-04:00

You should definitely keep your medical condition to yourself and shut your mouth at MEPS. If you say yes to anything at MEPS, Your Enlistment Stops, Y.E.S. If you say no, you will have Numerous Opportunities, N.O. 79Romeos lead the way!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 18 at 2018 12:34 AM

2018-04-18T00:34:13-04:00

Follow your orders to the letter, advise yoir supervisors of your condition. If it isn't permanent they my decide to bring you on board in a limited duty status until Army doctors clear you for full duty. Under no circumstances should you not report. Your future is at stake if you want future employment in government service.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2018 10:24 AM

2018-04-21T10:24:24-04:00

My recruiter told me a lie, join the army and learn to fly...forgive those recruiters...they lie, we lie...none of us are perfect..

Response by SFC Dorien Ah Sam made Apr 28 at 2018 7:23 PM

2018-04-28T19:23:01-04:00

I'm not sure if anybody that responded to this post is or has been a recruiter. I was a recruiter for 10 years and was always about taking care of the the recruit. Yes we did have missions and goals and needed every recruit to make it through the gauntlet called MEPS. What it comes down to, is how bad do you want to get in. The truth is, as much as everybody think honesty is the best option, it will almost always get you disqualified and your hopes and dreams of becoming a service member will end right then and there. There are ways to deal with situations when they arise, like getting hurt or injured. You can always postpone or reschedule your MEPS or ship date. Again, it all comes down to how bad do you really want to get in the military. Seasoned recruiters can circumnavigate the MEPS process to help get you enlisted and join. It's all about you as a recruit and how important the benefits and service is to you. The truth can hurt you and waivers are not always a guarantee. Don't be that guy that ends up saying "I should've listened to my recruiter."

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2018 4:51 PM

2018-04-29T16:51:46-04:00

Your integrity is at stake here. The recruiters are wrong and you must tell the truth. Do the right thing. Many people have been delayed for training due to injury. Your recruiter has a serious ethics problem.

Response by SPC Herb Jorgensen made Apr 29 at 2018 5:31 PM

2018-04-29T17:31:29-04:00

Never LIE about a health condition ,it could jeopardize your deployment capability and cause further damage to you as a soldier.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2018 6:56 AM

2018-05-01T06:56:48-04:00

Don't lie. It will never end well. Somewhere down the road the military will find out and the only person who will get in trouble is you.

Response by SSG Steven Borders made May 1 at 2018 7:27 AM

2018-05-01T07:27:06-04:00

PFC Private RallyPoint Member As many others have said. Don't lie about this, If you injured your back that bad, you will do no good in Basic. I commend you for doing the right thing and at least asking. For one I think the doctors at MEPS would see something was wrong anyway.

Response by SGT Frank Vega made May 2 at 2018 12:29 AM

2018-05-02T00:29:29-04:00

Never, ever lie, there's no honor in lying. You are injured so be truthful. Period. I'll leave it at that.

Response by SGT Charles Bartell made May 5 at 2018 3:33 PM

2018-05-05T15:33:42-04:00

1st. go to M.E.P.S. tell them about your injury. Take all your Medical records.
2nd. your recurter has to get set numbers of People to to go to Enlist. This do not change wheter they show up to ship out or not. They have to have numbers.
3rd. I do not know about any leagle issue's of you not showing up, But why take the chanch. Or you might not be able to get a Fedral or State job.
4th. You would be doing the right thing by going whether your recurter likes it or not.
5th. Going would be covering your ass.

Response by SGT Ed Alemany made May 9 at 2018 10:16 AM

2018-05-09T10:16:18-04:00

Moreover, lying WILL GET YOU in a JAM or worse separated for lack of integrity to wit, lying. Best way to start a military career is to dress-right-dress and be squared away.

Response by SP5 Geoffrey Vannerson made May 10 at 2018 4:11 PM

2018-05-10T16:11:12-04:00

Never lie to the Military, it will only catch up with you later. If this injury could get worse don't do it just because some recruiter wants to make some number. It could cost you permanently and if your found out it could get you anything from an Ar-15 to a DD or BCD (big chicken dinner.) It's not worth your health. I appreciate the fact that you really want to serve but if you're hindered in any way you could become a burden to others in your unit.

Response by PO2 Louis Fattrusso made May 14 at 2018 12:36 AM

2018-05-14T00:36:32-04:00

No recruiter should ever encourage a recruit to lie. It destroys the honor of the military branch and possibly the military as a whole.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 14 at 2018 1:08 AM

2018-05-14T01:08:58-04:00

I knew a guy that broke in Basic, and he was in better shape than you. Don't wreck your body in training to never get to the finish line. Do what you have to do to fix yourself and join when you're ready not before. Doing something like this could get you kicked or break you, don't do it.

Response by MAJ Jimmy M. made May 17 at 2018 5:47 PM

2018-05-17T17:47:49-04:00

Your recruiter is trying to get out of a DEP-loss. If you go to MEPS then don't actually ship, they feel that MEPS will take the hit as a DEP-loss and not the recruiter. They are mistaken.

Response by Sgt Curtis Thomas made May 17 at 2018 10:40 PM

2018-05-17T22:40:08-04:00

Sad deal. In a fucked up, unethical way, your recruiter is trying to hook you up and keep your package easy for him. Obviously the best thing is to not lie. That gets you nothing. No VA benefits, no military experience, nothing. If you lie and make it, and "something happens" in boot camp, then you are covered and get benefits if it's so bad you can't continue. At the least VA disability rating and all the other VA bennies, at best, all that AND medical retirement. Or maybe you handle it and have a fulfilling career with no issues (of course still complaining about your back here and there so it's in your record). So the question is, what's your integrity worth? Know that if you do lie, you won't be alone. I'd bet at least 25% of servicemembers lied to get in. This isn't your recruiters first rodeo either. He knows what will get you in and what will shut your package down. Whatever he says will work WILL work. So the only real question is what is your integrity worth???

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 18 at 2018 5:14 PM

2018-05-18T17:14:33-04:00

Be honest but know the chance of you ever getting a 2nd chance after ANY back problem is [login to see] 01%

Response by Cpl Mark McMiller made May 21 at 2018 5:02 PM

2018-05-21T17:02:51-04:00

You recruiter wants you to lie because he has a quota he has to meet, which he won't if you don't ship when you are scheduled to. Do not lie for your recruiter as you will only be hurting yourself somewhere down the line if you do. Make getting your health back your top priority. If, and only if, you are completely recovered, should you enter the military.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made May 21 at 2018 5:12 PM

2018-05-21T17:12:34-04:00

So, how did things work out?

Response by PO2 Arpad Deli made May 25 at 2018 2:33 AM

2018-05-25T02:33:42-04:00

Who you tryin' to kid snoflake!!! Back in the day, they took a blind guy into the DRAFT even though his seeing dog had a "Flat Foot!!!!!!!!" ..as I was being inducted into the USNAVY 05DEC1966 at the Customs House in New Orleans....... Go Figure!! They were DRAFTING "10,000 MEN A MONTH" off the street back then!! and in order to stay in school you had to do at least a "94" for an "A" instead of the traditional "90%".... and there was no "Grading on the 'CURVE!!!!'"
skybill

Response by SSgt Nicholas Merchant made Jun 3 at 2018 8:39 PM

2018-06-03T20:39:09-04:00

Its very simple every branch has a set of core values these always include integrity and honor. Your recruiter is simply not upholding his core values and by him trying to get you to cast yours aside is wrong. Tell the truth go over him or do it at processing bring your medical report, if you would get to basic and this is discovered its far worse for you. Just be careful not to get yourself permanently DQd. Go to another recruiter and explain this they will or should help

Response by SGT Tom Recupero made Jun 5 at 2018 7:31 PM

2018-06-05T19:31:12-04:00

Depends on what, like you used to smoke and your knees hurt some times, well if you really want in then don’t say anything but if you have Cancer or something that would seriously effect your performance then you probably shouldn’t join.

Response by CPO James Soper made Jun 5 at 2018 10:02 PM

2018-06-05T22:02:19-04:00

As a prior Navy recruiter, it is never a good idea to lie. If this is discovered or you were to mention that he lied, he would be the subject of an IG investigation and could be severely punished. You can get your date changed if needed. I question your recruiters integrity.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 6 at 2018 3:00 PM

2018-06-06T15:00:28-04:00

Do not lie!! You've talked to your Recruiter.. Now talk to your Reserve Commander and explain the situation! Yes can write a letter to retain you and get you a different date to ship out if you're still wanting to be in as long as your back is going to heal up and in a timely manner! And we'll shoot. This was March 2018.. I'm late, will be interesting to see what happened.

Response by 1SG Mark Reed made Jun 7 at 2018 4:10 PM

2018-06-07T16:10:08-04:00

You should go to maps and make sure you take your medical documents. The Meps doctor is the only one that can make a decision on your condition,. It's not the end of the world for you or your enlistment; they will most likely temporarily medically disqualify you and give you a date you would be qualified to return to meps to clear you Med DQ. Your recruiter is a poor example of a NCO and is only concerned for his own welfare. I was in the US Army recruiting command for 13 year and helped a lot of young men and women enlist, but I would never ask one to lie about any medical or moral issues. I've seen this more than once and it never worked out well for either party. You as the new recruit could really see yourself if you shipped and then failed out of training. This could be a permanent disqualification in your record and the temporary med DQ at meps is your best option. One last thing, I would advise you to meet with the station commander at you recruiting station and let him or her know of your dilemma. If they also tell you to lie, refuse to ship, it won't cause you a problem in the future.

Response by LCpl James Robertson made Jun 9 at 2018 8:49 PM

2018-06-09T20:49:21-04:00

Look back injuries are nothing to play with is it that important that you become an invalid, and someone will have to take care of you the rest of your life. It depends on what kind of back injury you have if its just muscle spasms then it may be ok, otherwise, your Doctor has told you what may happen.

Response by SSG Ray Elliott made Jun 10 at 2018 12:16 AM

2018-06-10T00:16:27-04:00

I wouldn't lie, and I wouldn't just not show: if the recruiter won't take the time to do the paperwork up front, go to in processing take your paperwork from your doctor and tell them what the issue is. Should your condition improve you can always try again in the future.

Response by Maj Marty Hogan made Jun 14 at 2018 9:33 AM

2018-06-14T09:33:33-04:00

If you are asking- you already know the answer. Integrity is paramount in military service. I won't let you off with an "innocent" question like that. I would also refer the recruiter to his supervisor- just me.

Response by Cpl Robert Robertson made Jun 20 at 2018 9:49 AM

2018-06-20T09:49:06-04:00

We are not at war and the life of the nation therefore not at risk. So tell the truth and keep telling the truth. The Army does NOT want to spend time and money with at man who is ill.. Show up or you will be UA or a deserter...Any one who tells ya to lie IS not your friend or a person of honor.
an Ole marine

Response by TSgt F Mendez made Jun 26 at 2018 9:24 AM

2018-06-26T09:24:05-04:00

Just don't show up for MEPs, ur still a civilian so enjoy that freedom. Wait till you get better to join again.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 2 at 2018 9:06 PM

2018-07-02T21:06:02-04:00

Whatever you do always tell the truth...our lies always catch up with us and are an embarrassment to us. Be truthful trust the Lord and he will see you through....

Response by SMSgt Tom Burns made Jul 8 at 2018 10:41 PM

2018-07-08T22:41:38-04:00

Wow they is really bizarre. Don't lie and unless your ship date is officially canceled, report as directed and tell the folks at the processing station of your medical condition and concerns.

Response by SSG John Spencer is made Jul 15 at 2018 10:27 PM

2018-07-15T22:27:10-04:00

Definitely don't lie at the MEPS! That recruiter is worried about "Makin' mission and goin' fishin' " , not about you're future. A no show or untruth can and will follow you through your adult life. Go to the Recruiting Station Commander, or NCOIC and explain EXACTLY what your recruiter said and the truth about your medical situation. I also would like contact info for your recruiter, as a retired vet with 3 years recruiting under be my belt I would like to explain some of the qualities that a recruiter needs for representing the US Military to civilians around this great Nation.

Response by SSgt Jack Rupert made Jul 17 at 2018 12:02 PM

2018-07-17T12:02:25-04:00

whatever you don't lie about the condition, if you are under orders to report on a specific date you need to report.be sure you have your medical records concerning you current conidiation if they pass you with your current conidiation let them give you a medical discharge. way better than a no show that could follow you for the for the rest of your life.

Response by CPO John Krawczyk made Jul 19 at 2018 1:25 PM

2018-07-19T13:25:06-04:00

If you do not tell them, it would be fraudulent enlistment and grounds for immediate discharge. Recruiters are salesman and actually attend a school for sales, they get points for everyone they enlist.

Response by 1SG Bill Farmerie made Jul 22 at 2018 5:25 PM

2018-07-22T17:25:31-04:00

Unfortunately there are unethical recruiters out there. When you go to MEPS, take the records and tell them what medical situation is going on

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 24 at 2018 12:38 AM

2018-07-24T00:38:11-04:00

I tore my miniscus 6 months before shipping for a one year CONUS mob (I’m USAR). So I told my unit, I told every medical provider I talked to during SRP, ship, and upon arrival. Nobody knew what to tell me. They all expected me to either be trying to get out of the mobilization, or hide the injury. My constant, honest question was simply, with my injury, am I still eligible to serve on active duty for one year? I never did get that question answered! But I completed the mob. Its sad how rare honesty is in our military and culture...

Response by Cpl Geoff Smith made Aug 5 at 2018 10:09 AM

2018-08-05T10:09:42-04:00

Lying is NEVER a good idea, tell the truth ALWAYS!

Response by CPT Jeff Robinette made Aug 5 at 2018 4:23 PM

2018-08-05T16:23:16-04:00

Never EVER lie. Your physical condition affects not just you but every troop in your platoon.
If you physically can't do the job some else will have to do double duty.
I served in the early 1980s. My brother served in the late 1980s. Both of us had asthma as kids. He smoked; I didn't.
When I got to Germany I got the creeping crud; an uppe r respiratory infection. When he got to Germany years later he got the creeping crud. But his never went away. 6 months later he has an Asthma Attack. They put him on prednizone. While on the he was sent up to the top of a tool trailer.unfortunately he fell from the top. 3 months later he can barely walk. H was sent back Stataide to Bethesda Naval Hospital.
He has now had 3 hip replacements and need a 4th. He is 100% disabled from the VA and Deemed unemployable.

Response by SFC Thomas Howes made Aug 13 at 2018 6:14 PM

2018-08-13T18:14:29-04:00

you need to tell them

Response by PV2 Glen Lewis made Aug 14 at 2018 12:52 AM

2018-08-14T00:52:58-04:00

I don’t know what branch of “The Service” you’re going into or what you’ll be doing if you get in but you might want to think about the men you’ll be serving as well as yourself. From the sound of it you could pose a significant threat to them or yourself. Get this taken care of first. Report your recruiter; he sounds unethical to me. Along with all that you face punitive measures for lying or omitting the information from your enlistment application. They asked about prexisting condions when you enlist. I’d say you already know this is wrong or you wouldn’t have posed this question. Sounds like you need a shove in the right direction more than you need advice.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 2 at 2018 1:29 AM

2018-10-02T01:29:33-04:00

Thank you everybody for your great support and advice.

Recruiter literally threatened me to come in to his office to sign the direct deposit papers before shipping out.

Since I was a Army Reserve Future Solider (Hometown Shipper), I didn't have to go to MEPS for final inspection before shipping out. So I knew If I signed all the papers, I would have to go to the BCT.

Anyway, I contacted as many people possible. This includes, sending emails and calling my local MEPS Army Liaison, MEPS doctors, Recruiting Battalion, Brigade and my unit.

Not all of them offered me help but many of them did and I am very thankful for that.

So, basically my recruiter called 2 days before the original shipping date to come in to sign the Request for Separation paper and that was it.

About 2-3 month after I signed the paper, I received the official letter from the Department of the Army that I was discharged as Uncharacteristic Discharge in Entry Level Status.

I am still recovering from my injuries as they take some time to fully heal.

If anyone is going through similar experience to mine, please send me a private message so I can do my best to help you.

Last but not least, never lie to anyone. That will get you into deeper and deeper..

Thanks everyone!

Response by SSG Ray Elliott made Sep 4 at 2019 11:15 PM

2019-09-04T23:15:41-04:00

Don't lie, if you don't get notification that your report date is officially cancelled show up to MEPs with you medical documentation in hand, when you get to the physical tell that there has been a change in your health. Taking drugs to get through the physical is terrible advice, and not going to work. If by some miracle you pass the physical by using pain meds, you won't last long in basic where you won't have them to rely on. If your recruiter won't pass the information along about your change in status, report to meps and tell them what happened and give them the documentation from your doctor. If your back becomes better in the future you can start the process again.

Response by 1SG Tommy McGee made Apr 21 at 2020 8:20 PM

2020-04-21T20:20:46-04:00

I once had a young soldier lie at MEPS and enlist. A few years later he injured himself and went to see the doctor, he told the doctor that it was an old injury. The doctor reported the injury and sent the LOD paperwork to the commander, the commander pushed it up the chain. A 15-6 was started on him and he ended up being kicked out with a less than honorable discharge and lost all of his potential benefits. He was pushed out like he was never enlisted.
My advice is be honest and if it is something that they can waived or maybe give you time to heal before you enlist.