Do Military Recruiters Lie, and What You Need to Know

Enlisting in the military is a significant life decision, often accompanied by a lot of information from recruiters. However, it's essential to consider the possibility of misinformation or deception by recruiters. This article will explore the topic of military recruiter dishonesty, drawing from personal experiences and highlighting common issues encountered during the recruitment process.

Personal Experience

My journey into the National Guard began in my third year of college due to a series of unfortunate events. My previous college transcripts were not sent to my new college, leading to an increase in my academic load from a five-year program to a four-year program, all within a month. This experience, combined with financial struggles due to my father's failure to pay his share, ultimately compromised my education.

While my recruiter did not lie about my top performance in the vocational exam—scoring the highest ever in engineering physics and advanced mathematics—his integrity was questionable in other aspects of our recruitment process.

Health and Medical Deception

Health issues can play a significant role in the recruitment process. I was about fifteen pounds overweight, which is crucial for the physical and medical exam. To address this, I quickly lost weight and avoided smoking cannabis, as it could affect the results. My recruiter initially assured me that smoking cannabis was not an issue and even purchased Detox tea to help me remove traces. However, he failed to inform me that I would need to consume an entire gallon of the tea, which unfortunately swelled my weight for the day of the exam.

Another significant concern arose during the medical examination paperwork. The instructor instructed us to only mark medical conditions that had occurred in the past six months, despite not explicitly mentioning this in the paperwork. I had several broken bones and other conditions that occurred before the six-month period, and when I brought this up, the instructor warned me to only report what I could, or I would not be accepted into the army. This pressure to downplay or even lie about personal health conditions is a concerning aspect of the recruitment process.

Monitoring and Deception

The recruitment process is highly regulated, and candidates are often subjected to strict monitoring. In my case, I had to submit a urine sample and stand on my tiptoes during height measurements to avoid detection. While the doctor did notice me standing on my toes, he pretended not to and recorded a falsely inflated height. Similarly, when fellow recruits pointed out my clear urine, a recruiter intervened to maintain the integrity of the process.

Conclusion and Acknowledgment

For all those serving in the armed forces, your courage, devotion, and sacrifice are deeply appreciated. You protect our country and ensure its security. However, it's important to recognize the potential for deception in the recruitment process and the importance of remaining vigilant and honest when filling out documents and undergoing physical examinations.

When considering a military career, it's crucial to thoroughly research and be aware of the recruitment process, including the possibility of recruiter dishonesty. Proper preparation and understanding will help ensure a successful and honest journey into military service.