I am interested in joining the Marines (preferably as an officer...so the pay is half-reasonable).
However, I have a few concerns (one particularly large!)
Firstly, I'm not really a "lad". I don't enjoy getting drunk, or going to the strip club, or going around the town at midnight in large groups. I prefer to keep close friends who I see often, and all my best friends are girls. I'm the typical nice guy I guess. But I get the impression that the marines is a real lad culture, and I am concerned I would feel out of place.
Secondly, and far more important, I have a history of epilepsy. Would this necessarily prevent me from joining if I really pushed them? I can't get a straight answer out of anyone/AFCOs, they all tell me conflicting stuff.
Finally, as an officer, if you decide to try for SAS selection, what do you end up doing in the SAS? As opposed to the normal guys. Also, would it be possible to become a marines pilot if I did get in, or would they be just as strict as if I tried to become an RAF Pilot from day one (not a chance of that, I believe)?
Thanks in advance.
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Hi, couple of questions...
As an aside, I even have a letter that my consultant, one of the best neurologists in the country, wrote for me authorising my suitability for any form of military service. And he's right - it's extremely frustrating to be in my shoes, and in practice there is nothing preventing me from doing the job, whether it be as a technician, a marine or a pilot.
I can indeed see it from their point of view, but at the same time I wish they would see it from mine.
I can indeed see it from their point of view, but at the same time I wish they would see it from mine.
I just love it when people ask questions without giving all the facts pertaining to their situation. 
Regardless of your neurologists letter, the medical criteria quite clearly state what I said above.
as an aside, has your neurologist served in any of the Services, thus enabling him the insight as to what doesn't preclude you from Military Service???
Regardless of your neurologists letter, the medical criteria quite clearly state what I said above.
as an aside, has your neurologist served in any of the Services, thus enabling him the insight as to what doesn't preclude you from Military Service???
No he hasn't, but he has spent his entire adult life in the medical profession and is an expert specialist in epilepsy. As it stands currently, I am a normal person just like you and everybody else, the only difference is I used to have a condition. So regardless of what job I end up doing the end result will be identical.
I mean, I can become a paramedic (my main, yet unenthusiastic, backup plan), and in time, a policeman or firefighter. Serious double standard...
Actually some of the literature I read says stuff like "If you suffer from epilepsy, you will be rejected.", and does not elaborate on this at all.
I don't suffer from epilepsy, and I'm an *extremely* keen and able applicant, not to intentionally blow my own horn. It is my firm belief that were I not afflicted with this "handicap" I would be accepted as a pilot on my first attempt, as such I believe I deserve some individual consideration. That actually is what I REALLY want to do, I'm just trying to set my sights a little lower...for now anyway.
I'm probably starting to sound arrogant now - that's really not the case, I'm just expressing my frustration regarding something I believe to be extremely unfair...and as you said, elaborating.
I do appreciate the advice, I just think that, like all things, there must be "a way in" if I try hard enough and research enough, and I'm hoping the internet can provide me with some clues. I am willing to do both or die of exhaustion trying ( not literally of course )
I mean, I can become a paramedic (my main, yet unenthusiastic, backup plan), and in time, a policeman or firefighter. Serious double standard...
Actually some of the literature I read says stuff like "If you suffer from epilepsy, you will be rejected.", and does not elaborate on this at all.
I don't suffer from epilepsy, and I'm an *extremely* keen and able applicant, not to intentionally blow my own horn. It is my firm belief that were I not afflicted with this "handicap" I would be accepted as a pilot on my first attempt, as such I believe I deserve some individual consideration. That actually is what I REALLY want to do, I'm just trying to set my sights a little lower...for now anyway.
I'm probably starting to sound arrogant now - that's really not the case, I'm just expressing my frustration regarding something I believe to be extremely unfair...and as you said, elaborating.
I do appreciate the advice, I just think that, like all things, there must be "a way in" if I try hard enough and research enough, and I'm hoping the internet can provide me with some clues. I am willing to do both or die of exhaustion trying ( not literally of course
)Well I'm confused now.....you either
a.) suffer from epilepsy but have it "under control" using drugs or summat
b.) you suffered from childhood fits
c.) you have never suffered from epilepsy
....your posts are quite contradictory.
In the first two of the above cases, you will not be applicable to enlist...if its the third option, then I suggest you have a word with the doc who diagnosed you with epilepsy in the first instance and get your med docs sorted out.
The rules are there for a reason, make exceptions for one and there may as well be no medical standard to go by at all.
a.) suffer from epilepsy but have it "under control" using drugs or summat
b.) you suffered from childhood fits
c.) you have never suffered from epilepsy
....your posts are quite contradictory.
In the first two of the above cases, you will not be applicable to enlist...if its the third option, then I suggest you have a word with the doc who diagnosed you with epilepsy in the first instance and get your med docs sorted out.
The rules are there for a reason, make exceptions for one and there may as well be no medical standard to go by at all.
No, it has been controlled by drugs which I am due to be coming off very soon.
Which is unprecedented, because in the 5 years I've had epilepsy I've never gone more than a month without a seizure, on these new drugs I've been on for a year now, I have not had a single one. Good enough proof that all is fine I think - especially given that after university (purely a stopgap) I will have had some seizure-free, med-free years behind me. I'm 18 now, about to start my final year of college then hopefully do a 3 year Psychology course, BTW.
Which is unprecedented, because in the 5 years I've had epilepsy I've never gone more than a month without a seizure, on these new drugs I've been on for a year now, I have not had a single one. Good enough proof that all is fine I think - especially given that after university (purely a stopgap) I will have had some seizure-free, med-free years behind me. I'm 18 now, about to start my final year of college then hopefully do a 3 year Psychology course, BTW.
Mate with only a year of having it under control it looks like a no to being enlisted, and if you do get in definatly not a pilot, as i have been down the RAF pilot route (wanted to be a pilot, they told me i needed glasses) and iv done a PRMC, however i do not know if you will be alloud in, in the future, so the best thing to do is to go down the routes of enlistment as far as you can go untill they stop you....its good to have a back up plan!
I can't see what the relevance of making a point about the college courses is....being epileptic doesn't neccesarily make anyone a thicko.....all it makes, is your brain patterns unpredictable.
The answer will still be the same even though you have had a year free of episodes.....a big fat NO!
Even after the 4 year period it would still likely be a no. You may be considered if it had been a one off episode (as stated in my original post)......... SINGLE SEIZURE/FIT IN THE LAST 4 YEARS.
Having a long history of fits over the course of several years WILL rule you out for selection, no matter how much you want it to be different.
The answer will still be the same even though you have had a year free of episodes.....a big fat NO!
Even after the 4 year period it would still likely be a no. You may be considered if it had been a one off episode (as stated in my original post)......... SINGLE SEIZURE/FIT IN THE LAST 4 YEARS.
Having a long history of fits over the course of several years WILL rule you out for selection, no matter how much you want it to be different.
No, my point about the college courses is it's going to tie up an extra 4 years of my life so I'll have it plenty sorted by the time I'm done
I fully understand what you're saying, but it is impossible to explain how much I want this - I think about it for at least an hour a day, and it really depresses me. I still haven't given up fully, and I've wanted to be in the forces since I was 10. Surely that counts for *something* at least.
I fully understand what you're saying, but it is impossible to explain how much I want this - I think about it for at least an hour a day, and it really depresses me. I still haven't given up fully, and I've wanted to be in the forces since I was 10. Surely that counts for *something* at least.
Nope, it counts for squat.
It doesn't matter how long or how much you want it...you won't get it because of your medical condition.
Its in the medical pre-requesits that you DO NOT and have NEVER suffered from the condition.
The reason that the rules are a bit less stringent for single episodes is because a single fit could have been caused by an unassociated medical problem...eg your body overheating.
Long term epilepsy, no matter how much you think it is under control, is a definate No-no.
Good luck in your studies
It doesn't matter how long or how much you want it...you won't get it because of your medical condition.
Its in the medical pre-requesits that you DO NOT and have NEVER suffered from the condition.
The reason that the rules are a bit less stringent for single episodes is because a single fit could have been caused by an unassociated medical problem...eg your body overheating.
Long term epilepsy, no matter how much you think it is under control, is a definate No-no.
Good luck in your studies
