Introduction-Charlie

[BGFlanker88]

Rangers,

My name is Charlie and I am currently finishing my second year in college. I have decided to enlist in the army because it is something I have always wanted to do and I don't want to continue paying for college right now. I am planning on enlisting then taking classes part time while I decide if I want to go career Army or not. I took the ASVAB and scored in the 90th percentile. The recruiters by my college weren't cooperating in getting me an option 40 so I am going to switch over to the recruiter in my hometown. To prepare physically I am currently running 7 miles 5 times a week and doing pushups and situps every other day. I haven't timed my 2 mile run lately but here is what I do have.

Pushups-42-need to work on these
Situps-76
7 mile run-50:05- about 7 min per mile

Here is my one concern about enlistment. I have had eczema all my life. The recruiters have told me it won't be a problem as long as it's cleared up for boot camp. I have looked at it and I have heard that I would have to not report/lie about it to MEPS, which could get me a fraudulent enlistment. Being in the Army is something I want so badly, but I don't know what the long term could be if I am caught. I have the drive and the willpower to succeed if I get in, that I have no doubt of, but I was wondering if any of you had heard of someone who made it in with eczema. Thank you for you help.

[Ranger Bill]

Welcome. Your interest in becoming an Army Ranger is appreciated. I cannot answer your question about eczema. Hopefully someone will be along shortly who can. But in the meantime, read and heed the ROE PM I have sent you.

[Earthpig]

Welcome to the site, Charlie. Like Ranger Bill, I do not have th answer to that specific question. I do know that lying is bad practice in anything. Good luck.

RLTW
EP

[Bravo57]

Hey! It's Charrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrlie!!

Welcome to the site

[BGFlanker88]

Ranger .,

I have it pretty bad, but not on my face or hands I get it on my legs, arms and back, but it goes away completely in the summer/during warm weather. It won't be visible when I go to MEPS, and it won't be a problem when I'm in because I'll be stationed at Ft. Benning. I am currently in northern Ohio so it gets really cold here in the winter which is when it's a problem. I'm guessing I'll probably end up in Afghanistan, since Obama ordered all the troops there. I don't know what the weather is like there, but if it's as warm as Iraq I know it won't be a problem.

[BGFlanker88]

By the way,

Ranger Bill, Ranger EarthPig, Ranger Bravo57, and Ranger . thank you for welcoming me to the site. Ranger EarthPig, I will look for any solution I can that doesn't involve avoiding the truth.

[Rabbit]

Although I have no say here, I just wanted to post my experience with Exczema. When I applied for my scholarship, I had to report to a DODMERB-approved medical facility where I was given paperwork to fill out on the past injuries, illnesses etc. I have the same problem with Exczema as you, expect mine is just on the arms. I put it in the report, and under further explanation section, reported that it comes and goes depending on the season. They sent another piece of paper saying asking for further inquiry into it. Having it been found a non-debilitating, er illness, my medical waiver was approved. I hope this helps.

[Jim]

Here is my one concern about enlistment. I have had eczema all my life. The recruiters have told me it won't be a problem as long as it's cleared up for boot camp. I have looked at it and I have heard that I would have to not report/lie about it to MEPS, which could get me a fraudulent enlistment. Being in the Army is something I want so badly, but I don't know what the long term could be if I am caught. I have the drive and the willpower to succeed if I get in, that I have no doubt of, but I was wondering if any of you had heard of someone who made it in with eczema. Thank you for you help.

Sorry, Charlie, but you need to get a waiver for your exema. I took the liberty of talking to m,y contact at the office of the Surgeon General. Her recommendation is that you go to your dermatologist and ask him for an evaluation. Give the evaluation to your recruiter so that he can attach it to the waiver request. It is a routine waiver that is generally granted assuming your exzema is as you describe.

[BGFlanker88]

Rangers,

I have received an Option 40 contract and completed MEPS I'm doing an in-depth waiver with my recruiter which will take care of the eczema problem, I'm shipping out Aug 24, and scheduled to start Airborne school Jan 11 of next year, and Ranger school after that.

[BGFlanker88]

Thank you for correcting me Ranger JTLW. I will make sure I am properly informed in the future before I make a post.

[Ranger Bill]

Congratulations.

[Jim]

Rangers,

I have received an Option 40 contract and completed MEPS I'm doing an in-depth waiver with my recruiter which will take care of the eczema problem, I'm shipping out Aug 24, and scheduled to start Airborne school Jan 11 of next year, and Ranger school after that.

OK, Charlie, it looks like you followed directions. Once you obtain your waiver, you will be able to compete for a space in the 75th Ranger Regiment. You will be amazed at two things: one is how quickly the weak fall by the wayside; second will be how good the Rangers you serve with are. It is the opportunity of a lifetime. Never, never quit!