# I made a young woman cry today. (Recruiter related) **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [February 6, 2009, 5:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-made-a-young-woman-cry-today-recruiter-related/484676 "2009-02-06T05:43:04Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![Moirai](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/96bed5/32.png) [@Moirai](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moirai)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2009, 2:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-made-a-young-woman-cry-today-recruiter-related/484676/61 "2009-02-07T02:42:17Z")
Thanks! I won’t be enlisting at the ripe of age of 41, but I just wondered. ---
**Author:** ![not\_alice](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/not_alice/32/7283_2.png) [@not\_alice](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/not_alice)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2009, 2:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-made-a-young-woman-cry-today-recruiter-related/484676/62 "2009-02-07T02:45:41Z")
> [@SSG\_Schwartz](#): > > There ain’t that many crap jobs that she can get where she can afford PJC and rent. One word: roommates. ---
**Author:** ![hawksgirl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/ed655f/32.png) [@hawksgirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hawksgirl)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2009, 2:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-made-a-young-woman-cry-today-recruiter-related/484676/63 "2009-02-07T02:55:41Z")
> [@Sage\_Rat](#): > > For instance, it might be worth looking into what requirements there are for [Peace Corps](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peace_corps). I’m sorry, but you ain’t seen a thorough physical until you’ve applied for the Peace Corps. And unless she’s a college grad, she’s basically SOL. Why does everyone seem to think Peace Corps is Army Lite? ---
**Author:** ![Mr.Moto](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/9de0a6/32.png) [@Mr.Moto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Moto)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2009, 3:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-made-a-young-woman-cry-today-recruiter-related/484676/64 "2009-02-07T03:12:36Z")
> [@hawksgirl](#): > > Why does everyone seem to think Peace Corps is Army Lite? As a general rule, there are fewer people shooting at you. ---
**Author:** ![SSG\_Schwartz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e9a140/32.png) [@SSG\_Schwartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SSG_Schwartz)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2009, 3:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-made-a-young-woman-cry-today-recruiter-related/484676/65 "2009-02-07T03:17:44Z")
> [@Mr.Moto](#): > > As a general rule, there are fewer people shooting at you. As a follow-up question, why does everyone think that getting shot at is a regular part of all Soldier’s duties? SSG Schwartz ---
**Author:** ![hawksgirl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/ed655f/32.png) [@hawksgirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hawksgirl)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2009, 3:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-made-a-young-woman-cry-today-recruiter-related/484676/66 "2009-02-07T03:22:13Z")
> [@Mr.Moto](#): > > As a general rule, there are fewer people shooting at you. Yeah, but it’s hardly a similar organization, the goals and requirements are totally different. It’s not like an 18 year old can say “Well, I couldn’t get into the military, I’m gonna try Peace Corps instead,” and actually get in. You need to be a college grad or have an ass-ton of work experience in your field. You have to have letters of rec, personal statements, interviews… it’s a real process. I know the army process is no picnic either, but they do have much lower standards for previous knowledge and experience. Not really the same. ---
**Author:** ![Mr.Moto](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/9de0a6/32.png) [@Mr.Moto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Moto)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2009, 3:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-made-a-young-woman-cry-today-recruiter-related/484676/67 "2009-02-07T03:28:54Z")
> [@SSG\_Schwartz](#): > > As a follow-up question, why does everyone think that getting shot at is a regular part of all Soldier’s duties? > > SSG Schwartz Just a joke - I was answering **hawksgirl**. My time in was in the Navy - and the joke there was that the other services trained harder while we worked harder. Like all jokes, there’s a grain of truth there. ---
**Author:** ![ladyfoxfyre](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/ad7895/32.png) [@ladyfoxfyre](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ladyfoxfyre)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2009, 4:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-made-a-young-woman-cry-today-recruiter-related/484676/68 "2009-02-07T04:07:51Z")
> [@hawksgirl](#): > > I’m sorry, but you ain’t seen a thorough physical until you’ve applied for the Peace Corps. Amen to this. And I’ve been through both Peace Corps and MEPS physicals. ETA: At least MEPS doesn’t make you pay for it yourself. ---
**Author:** ![hawksgirl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/ed655f/32.png) [@hawksgirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hawksgirl)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2009, 4:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-made-a-young-woman-cry-today-recruiter-related/484676/69 "2009-02-07T04:11:50Z")
Ok, sorry for the hijack. That just really bugs me. ---
**Author:** ![billfish678](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7bcc69/32.png) [@billfish678](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/billfish678)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2009, 4:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-made-a-young-woman-cry-today-recruiter-related/484676/70 "2009-02-07T04:14:49Z")
> [@SSG\_Schwartz](#): > > She went to another dermatologist today and he said that he does not have enough evidence to overturn the previous diagnosis. I am still hopeful. > > SSG Schwartz Whats the overturn business? Either she has it or doesnt right? Not trying to be difficult, just expecting a beaurcracy to make some sense I guess. Best of luck to her and you! ---
**Author:** ![SSG\_Schwartz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e9a140/32.png) [@SSG\_Schwartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SSG_Schwartz)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2009, 4:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-made-a-young-woman-cry-today-recruiter-related/484676/71 "2009-02-07T04:20:53Z")
See, she needs a doctor to say she does not, has not, and probably will not have eczema. Trouble is that when an MD says you have something, ISTM that not many will go against the grain and say you don’t. SSG Schwartz ---
**Author:** ![devilsknew](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/4da419/32.png) [@devilsknew](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/devilsknew)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2009, 4:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-made-a-young-woman-cry-today-recruiter-related/484676/72 "2009-02-07T04:29:38Z")
Yea, well at least you don’t have to sign her death letter. Better you than her. i wouldn’t want twins both serving in the Theater, either. You got one as sacrifice, what more do you want, you vampire. ---
**Author:** ![turner](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/22d042/32.png) [@turner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/turner)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2009, 4:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-made-a-young-woman-cry-today-recruiter-related/484676/73 "2009-02-07T04:30:58Z")
> [@Isamu](#): > > Couldn’t she serve her country in elected office? Or by being a good school teacher? Or, I dunno, volunteering for a local public service group? I’m a retired Lt Col. I have a son who was also denied the privelege of joining the armed forces–also his dream (he has Crohns, asthma and a colaboma in his eye) and I told him pretty much exactly what you said. SSG Schwartz, I feel for you. Do you ever recommend other ways to serve? I know its not your job, but it might help soften the blow of rejection for both of you. Recommending [USAJOBs.com](http://USAJOBs.com) for civil service positions including DOD jobs, Peace Corps, state and government, and yes, my son is studying to be a teacher might give hope to someone who doesn’t see those things as service. As an aside, I too was rejected the first time. I have really bad vision. I got an opthamologist to submit paperwork that said my eyes were healthy, just severely nearsighted. I was rejected by the SG. I was determined to get in, so I resubmitted–my recruiter didn’t even change the paperwork. I got accepted (I had extremely high AFOQT scores which might have helped), went through my final physical at the MEPS–including my vision–and raised my hand that day. At the MEPS, the doctor looked at my waiver and said, “you have the worst eyes I’ve seen get accepted in 23 years.” ---
**Author:** ![hajario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hajario/32/171_2.png) [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2009, 4:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-made-a-young-woman-cry-today-recruiter-related/484676/74 "2009-02-07T04:31:13Z")
> [@hawksgirl](#): > > Why does everyone seem to think Peace Corps is Army Lite? A friend of mine from college called me after she complete Peace Corps training. One of the guys in training with her was a former Marine. He told her that physically Marine boot camp was more difficult but that mentally the Peace Corps training was much harder. ---
**Author:** ![Glazer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/a88e57/32.png) [@Glazer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Glazer)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2009, 4:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-made-a-young-woman-cry-today-recruiter-related/484676/75 "2009-02-07T04:36:07Z")
> [@](#): > > Yea, well at least you don’t have to sign her death letter. Better you than her. i wouldn’t want twins both serving in the Theater, either. You got one as sacrifice, what more do you want, you vampire. That’s totally out of line. ---
**Author:** ![hajario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hajario/32/171_2.png) [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2009, 4:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-made-a-young-woman-cry-today-recruiter-related/484676/76 "2009-02-07T04:38:53Z")
> [@devilsknew](#): > > Yea, well at least you don’t have to sign her death letter. Better you than her. i wouldn’t want twins both serving in the Theater, either. You got one as sacrifice, what more do you want, you vampire. Boooooooooooo ---
**Author:** ![yams](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/848f3c/32.png) [@yams](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yams)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2009, 4:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-made-a-young-woman-cry-today-recruiter-related/484676/77 "2009-02-07T04:39:10Z")
> [@hajario](#): > > A friend of mine from college called me after she complete Peace Corps training. One of the guys in training with her was a former Marine. He told her that physically Marine boot camp was more difficult but that mentally the Peace Corps training was much harder. hijack! That’s interesting - one of my best friends in Peace Corps was also a former Marine. We figured he was the only Marine Corps —\> Peace Corps person in the entire organization. Can I ask what country your friend was in the Peace Corps? love yams!! ---
**Author:** ![Sage\_Rat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sage_rat/32/399_2.png) [@Sage\_Rat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sage_Rat)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2009, 4:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-made-a-young-woman-cry-today-recruiter-related/484676/78 "2009-02-07T04:44:12Z")
> [@hawksgirl](#): > > I’m sorry, but you ain’t seen a thorough physical until you’ve applied for the Peace Corps. And unless she’s a college grad, she’s basically SOL. > > Why does everyone seem to think Peace Corps is Army Lite? It’s the only other organization that she could apply to _that I knew the name of_. Having never had any interest in joining any sort of semi-volunteer organization, I honestly have no idea what the requirements are. My point was that there may be other alternatives that will similarly get her out of town and out in the world but which aren’t as widely known about as the US military. They don’t have a monopoly on voluntary public service and she might very well be interested in one of these if she was made aware of them. ---
**Author:** ![hajario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hajario/32/171_2.png) [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2009, 4:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-made-a-young-woman-cry-today-recruiter-related/484676/79 "2009-02-07T04:46:45Z")
> [@yams](#): > > That’s interesting - one of my best friends in Peace Corps was also a former Marine. We figured he was the only Marine Corps —\> Peace Corps person in the entire organization. Can I ask what country your friend was in the Peace Corps? She was in training with him, not necessarily in the same country. After training they went off all over the world. If I remember right, her training was in the Fall of 1989. She was in what was then called Zaire. ---
**Author:** ![SSG\_Schwartz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e9a140/32.png) [@SSG\_Schwartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SSG_Schwartz)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2009, 4:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-made-a-young-woman-cry-today-recruiter-related/484676/80 "2009-02-07T04:55:11Z")
> [@devilsknew](#): > > Yea, well at least you don’t have to sign her death letter. Better you than her. i wouldn’t want twins both serving in the Theater, either. You got one as sacrifice, what more do you want, you vampire. I want you to not shit on my thread. You do know that some (MOST) people survive the experience of being in the Army. Or maybe you don’t get cable in the bridge you live under. SSG Schwartz [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-made-a-young-woman-cry-today-recruiter-related/484676.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-made-a-young-woman-cry-today-recruiter-related/484676.md?page=5)