I *really* want to enlist in the Coast Guard, but...

Question

While meeting with the Coast Guard recruiter, I answered a few screening questions.

He asked if I had any skin problems- like eczema. While I don't have a skin "disease", I do have a few keloids (small raised scars caused my acne in my teens) on my shoulders. The recruiter wasn't sure what I was talking about, or if it would disqualify me from enlisting. He's hopeful tough.

Does anyone know?

Also, I have taken the anti-depressant Welbutrin XL for anxiety, prescribed my a medical doctor. I'm not depressed, suicidal, or homicidal. The proverbial **** just hit the fan, and life was a bit too hectic. I was told that I would have to be off the medication for at least a year before he can process any paperwork. Does anyone know if I'm going to be disqualified anyway? Am I wasting my time?

Answer 1

Im right there with you man. i have to wait until next august to join the coast guard. its going to suck but think about it, it'll be worth it. Your not wasting your time.

Answer 2

the keloids arent a disqualification

as far as the antideppressnets go im not sure.

but if your off it you may have a reaction or something so idk about that. maybe talk to your docter than the recruiter

Answer 3

That stuff shouldn't disqualify you, but the Welbutrion will need to mentioned when you go for your physical.

Answer 4

The military has waivers for ANYTHING. And The Keloids? Well, your recruiter is retarded. Acne scars are not going to disqualify you, bro. No Worries. it was almost a waste of time telling him about that. haha, good luck.  

Answer 5

l. Keloid formation, if the tendency is marked or interferes with the wearing of military equipment

I don't think the keloids will be a problem.

What he said about the Wellbutrin sounds right. I've seen that somewhere but can't find it about being off medication for a year. I couldn't find it in the medical disqualifications though. Below is the link to it if you care to read it.

Answer 6

You don't seem to have any real problems at this time and any service, military or coast guard is commendable. Go for it, what do you have to lose?

Answer 7

I think ever taking Wellbutrin XL is a DQ. When you are at the medical screening at MEPS, they ask if you have ever taken Wellbutrin. I assume they ask because it is a DQ. The problem with the coast guard is that they don't waiver much. You might have better luck with the other services and yes, you have to wait a year off medication before he can do anything.

And for scars, don't say you have skin problems. You don't. You have a cosmetic scar problem. If you say you have a skin disease, that would be inaccurate. I wouldn't bring it up or I would have a doctor instruct you on how to handle this. Don't say more then you have to.

I don't want to be unkind but don't get your hopes up. Unfortunately, taking medication for depression is many times an instant DQ. You CAN get a waiver but it isn't guaranteed especially for the Coast Guard. It isn't your recruiter who will DQ you but MEPS.

Answer 8

      You don't exactly take welbutrin for a runny nose.

Thse days, it seems like it's stylish  to suffer from anxiety or depression. Well, the military may just interpret this as a sign of weakness or unreliability.

You are going to have to do some convincing that this was just  for something  you have taken care of , faced up to and handled ,  and it is no longer  part of your life.