Alternatives to Military Service

[Marty33]

I am an 18 year old high school student in Minnesota. Both of my grandfathers served in the military and I still love hearing their stories of their time in the service and, as an amateur genealogist, I always enjoy learning more of my ancestors who served in the military during America's wars throughout history. So, I looked forward to serving in the U.S. Navy, like my grandfather did during World War II, but when I got to be old enough-maybe even if just for two to three years before or after going to college, but it would be enough to know I felt like I fulfilled one of my most important life goals. However, I have epilepsy and am currently on medication so I already I know that, no matter what, I won't be able to serve. That was something that is still a tough pill to swallow. It left me mad at the military, a little bit at my father, as my epilepsy is genetic from his side of the family, and I felt like I had failed. Right now, at least, I feel like my life won't feel nearly as fulfilled if I do not serve in the military.
I was wondering if anyone has been through anything like this, and how you coped with this. Right now, I'm looking for alternative programs I could do that are similar to military service. For service to the country, I have seen Peace Corps or AmeriCorps, and I was wondering if anyone had any other ideas like that. Federal law enforcement was a good idea, and I want to consider that as a career, but it is not the same. For General military service, I was looking into international militaries, although the only ones that would accept me, with epilepsy and U.S. citizenship, are Ukraine and Russia, and I speak neither language and Russia is not a place I would want to be, or else there's the option to join a questionable militia, and the government may not be too happy about these. Anyway, does anyone have any other ideas on what there is I could do?

 

[acshuman]

What Should I Do!

Marty,
You state that you are from Minnesota. I am also from Minnesota. I know that there is a way you can help people and feel great about doing it!
I have worked with EFMN(Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota) for many years. You have E and the people w/E need advocates to spread the facts about E to the public.
I know that you have heard of Coach Jerry Kill if you are a Minnesotan. He has brought more attention to the state of Minnesota and to EFMN than all the people before him combined!
The people in the state of Minnesota who have E need advocates who are willing to put out the effort to dispel the stigma that has been attached to E for SO LONG. This is a way to help you fellow man and at the same time know that you are helping people like yourself who have E! I know that I have gotten a huge amount of pleasure from doing this and it is something that you can do for a lot longer than the time a person serves in the military. It is something that you can feel very proud to do and be proud to tell people about.
I know that you have wanted to follow your ancestors into the military, but sometimes that is not possible and you have to find something that you really want to do because it is helpful to others and to you yourself! :twocents:

acshuman

 

[Nakamova]

Have you looked into being a firefighter or a paramedic? In some locations, they accept people with epilepsy. You might also consider counseling careers (therapist, social worker, etc.) that focus on helping people who are in the military or transitioning out.

Other possibilities:
Forest ranger: http://www.fs.fed.us/working-with-us/jobs
Public Safety Dispatcher

 

[Porkette]

Hi Marty,
Welcome to CWE! Just like you I wanted to go into the military and I also have family that has made a career in the military but my epilepsy stopped me also. I was told by the officer that it wasn't so much the epilepsy it was getting my meds to me that would be a problem. You may want to look into communications with the military like I have. I wish
you the best of luck and May God Bless You!

Sue

 

[masterjen]

Marty - Is there a way you can become involved in the administrative side of the military, where having epilepsy may not restrict a career? Examples that come to mind are recruitment services, processing applications of individuals wanting to join the military, holding basic training courses for high school students, etc. I wouldn't entirely rule yourself out of a career in the military just yet. Make some phone calls, and find out more about how someone with health conditions can still follow their dream of serving with the military.

 

[seagull]

i lost my job I loved and did for twenty years as nurse.i had pity party for about five years became bar maid hardest work I ever did then children off hands took up ornithology I now work in local nature fen job from heaven apart from spiders it helps me and wildlife and I travel a lot.
Are you looking into disaplin job what about prison service para medic the world more enlightened now so nursing medical.

 

[gnault]

I spent 21 yrs in the Canadian Navy and about 12yrs of service I had a major clonic tonic seizure. I went through about a 1 1/2yrs of testing (MRIs, EEGs, etc) to see if they could find the cause of the seizure. When they found the lesions on my brain and no obvious trigger for the seizure I was put on a permanent medical category. I was accommodated at a desk job to finish my 20yr contract. It wasn't what I wanted as I wanted to be able to deploy and do the job I wanted but it paid the bills and fed my family. I soon realized that I was still able to contribute in my new role.

After I was medically released I was eligible for priority hiring into the public support section of the military with the government. I had a short gap between the military and my civilian job but I have been here close to eight years now. It is still hard on me at times when I see our ships sailing short on sailors and I can't go but I'm thankful for what I am able to contribute and the job I have.

Best of luck, I'm sure the right opportunity will come.

Gilles

 

[seagull]

Marty you want be a sepoy.My brother a Brit and he went into Norwegian navy it rather like French forgive legion but in Norway.He got see the world then went awol in Canada.I don't know if they still do that plus Norway be lenient with e they enlighten country

 

[Marty33]

Thanks for the responses everyone! I plan on majoring in Legal Studies or Criminal Justice (perhaps a double major) with a Political Science minor and getting a job somewhere either in law enforcement or with a county attorney's office. But I kind of wanted to do something that would let me see the country and would have really wanted to be a soldier. Seagull, can you tell me anything more of what your brother did I have never heard of the Norwegian Navy allowing foreigners to enlist. Was he a merchant mariner and do you know if any other countries do that and would I be allowed in with epilepsy, because that sounds really interesting.