What do I need to show my recruiter when I try to enlist in the Air Force?

Madison Holloway — Mon, 08 Oct 2018 20:15:33 -0400

Last year I tried to enlist in the Air Force with only one kidney, but my recruiter never got back to me and to this day he hasn't contacted me even though he sent in my medical papers and he said that I'd find out in "a few weeks".

I'm looking into trying to enlist again (talking to a different recruiter obviously) and I want to gather as much documents about me to increase my chance of at least being allowed to go to MEPS.

I've already got recent medical papers stating that my one kidney is in decent shape by itself and I also picked up my college transcripts today. I'm going to bring those with me when I talk to my recruiter and hopefully my doctor's note and my college transcripts are enough to make the Air Force consider me even though I have only one kidney. Is there anything else I should bring to the recruiter?

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 8 at 2018 8:28 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 Oct 2018 20:28:43 -0400

If you only have one kidney, you are permanently medically disqualified.

DoD Instruction 6130.4, dated 2 April 2004, section E1.14. URINARY SYSTEM (The causes for rejection for appointment, enlistment, or induction are:), subsection E1.14.6. Kidney, sub-subsection E1.14.6.1. Absence of One Kidney. Congenital (753.0) or acquired (593.89).

This is not a one branch or another thing were they may be able to take you. Department of Defense....the BOSS of all branches.....say that if you only have one kidney, you aren't getting in.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 8 at 2018 8:34 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 Oct 2018 20:34:45 -0400

Madison, this is the fourth post regarding your one kidney, and you have repeatedly been told that having one kidney is a permanent disqualification. I have told you to talk to a recruiter and you have failed to do so. You have just stated that you have the paperwork together, so go talk to a recruiter tomorrow. Why have you not gone and talked to a recruiter, and instead keep posting over and over, ignoring the excellent advice that has been offered you? I am beginning to think that you are a troll.

Response by SSG Brian G. made Oct 8 at 2018 9:05 PM

SSG Brian G. — Mon, 08 Oct 2018 21:05:42 -0400

This article explains in detail what disqualifies a candidate for enlistment selection.

https://www.military.com/join-armed-forces/disqualifiers-medical-conditions.html

Your problem is completely and 100% medical so no other paperwork that does not relate directly to that is going to matter a bit. The reason is simple. If any branch enlists you, you are a walking liability. The military is not like going to Wal Mart and working. It is rough, rigorous, dangerous and very much physical. You run the high risk of being on dialysis, having that lone kidney fail, being diabetic as well as a host of other problems that the military is simply not willing to sign on for as, if it developed on active duty would be the military's burden to bear. It's crappy I know but that is simply the way it is.

That said, enlistment criteria does change, all the time in fact so get your stuff together and keep trying. You never know but don't hold your breath and don't pin your hopes on getting it. You may well not.

Medical Conditions That May Prevent You From Joining the Military

These standards generally apply to all branches of the military. None of them are automatic disqualifiers, just red flags.

Response by MSG Frank Kapaun made Oct 8 at 2018 9:44 PM

MSG Frank Kapaun — Mon, 08 Oct 2018 21:44:33 -0400

You can join the service of your choice when the 5th Mongolian Horde (Mechanized) comes marching down the Pacific Coast Highway.

Response by SSG Laurie Mullen made Oct 8 at 2018 11:48 PM

SSG Laurie Mullen — Mon, 08 Oct 2018 23:48:02 -0400

You can't really be that thick headed. Give it up, walk away, you are NOT getting into the military. If you really want to serve your community join a law enforcement agency.

Response by SFC J Fullerton made Oct 9 at 2018 12:05 PM

SFC J Fullerton — Tue, 09 Oct 2018 12:05:05 -0400

You are permanently medically disqualified, no waiver considered. We all appreciate your interest and desire to serve, but it is not possible. Going to another recruiter is not going to change regulations. Hopefully the new one will have the professionalism and fortitude to look you in the eye and explain your disqualification, and show you in writing so you can move on with your life since you obviously won't believe the advice given in the 4 posts you have made on this subject.

Response by PO3 David Fries made Oct 9 at 2018 4:21 PM

PO3 David Fries — Tue, 09 Oct 2018 16:21:07 -0400

I swear we had someone else try to enlist with only one kidney before, and if you’re not that person I’ll tell you the same thing; never going to happen. It is a disqualifying injury/illness and can not, will not, and should not be waived.