Would I be likely to get a waiver to join the military?

[smileythecool]

Hey guys, I am new to this forum, and I have a question for you guys.

When I was 14 years old, I got a temporary seizure condition where I would sometimes get a quick seizure if I woke up very tired and drowsy (like waking up at 6 am for high school). From April 8th, 2013 - June 21st, 2014, I've had a total of 7 seizures, ALL of them right after I woke up for school. Ever since June 21st, I've been seizure free. My neurologist says that I will eventually outgrow my condition, if it hasn't been outgrown already.

I know the rule for joining the military states that you must be seizure free for 5 years, no meds before you can request a waiver. Based on my condition, would I be likely to get a waiver to become a marine after the 5 years is up?

 

[Nakamova]

There's no way to predict unfortunately, since everyone's prognosis is different. I definitely hope you can be med-free and seizure-free for 5 years -- that would be terrific if even you don't get a waiver to join the marines! It might not hurt to keep alternate careers in mind just in case.

You might want to check out this thread:
http://www.coping-with-epilepsy.com/forums/f20/military-waiver-8982/

and these links:
http://marines.army.com/info/join/medical
http://work.chron.com/can-join-army-seizures-27526.html

 

[skyfire322]

When I was a senior in high school, a recruiter from the Army had called me. I was very interested in becoming a musician for them but I had said that I had epilepsy. He mentioned the waiver. He also asked what my triggers were. I told him that my main triggers were stress and sleep deprivation.

Needless to say he stated that unfortunately, even with the career I wanted, it would be in my best interest to not sign up even if I was seizure free and not on meds (with the medical waiver) because of the unpredictability of my condition, especially with my triggers.

I wish you the very best!

 

[George__]

Doubt that's a good career choice for you