United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

HI guys, my name is Luke and I am a LOBPI. I was not diagnosed until Oct. '05, and I was 24 at the time. I posted here for about the whole month of that October.Then I decided I was better off to try and forget about it just live with it. I now believe that it is not possible to 100 % "forget" about it on this side of heaven. I have been thinking about this site, and have decided to come back, aleast for a few weeks. I forgot how informative and inspiring UBPN is.

Back to my original question- I always knew I was different, but I was never diagnosed. I registered with the Selective Service when I was 18. Is it possible to get exemption status? Any men out there have any info on that? I am not a coward ( atleast I don't think so!) nor a traitor to my country, but I do want atleast bit of validation

GB
Lucas

Hi Luc,
Welcome back.
Not sure about your question, but don't you have to be %100 "healthy".. I mean, with no physical limitations in order to serve in the army?
Again, not sure, but that is what I would think...
Marieke, 32, LOBPI

Hi marieke, it is good to be back.
Yeah, I would think it would be very easy to be service exempt, That is how I feel anyway. That is also the opinion of most of my friends and coworkers. I am going to the government building sometime this month to find out.

Lucas

Hey, Luc? According to the selective service you can only - under current circumstances, I believe this could be expanded if necessary- be drafted if you are between the ages of 18 and 25, so you've already aged out of the system. http://www.sss.gov/

It's ok, I'm 26 too; I'm sure Kath will tell you that we aren't old if you need some extra reassurance.

As to the principle, whether a BPI would get you an exemption, I would hope so. I know this doesn't answer that question, it just struck me that at this point, you don't have to worry.

Carrie
26 ROBPI

Hey guys we don't have a draft anymore.
We have an all volunteer Armed Services...
Don't worry about being exempt because you can't be drafted.
Carrie your right you guys have no problem.
My husband had to serve right out of college.

When I was young it was mandatory for all males to serve in the Armed Forces.
But that was a very long time ago and draft has not been a problem for a long time.
In the good old days of draft some men were exempt for poor eyesight. I think bpi would be a big reason for exemption.

Kath robpi/adult

Oh I forgot something.
ONLY MEN were drafted into service never women.
That never bothered me because I did'nt have equal pay or rights then... LOL... LOL...

Kath robpi/adult

Thank you Carrie for the link.
As the law is written right now, I am to old by a year. Oddly enough, I turn 26 today!
But if there was a war, a critical war with a power like China,( as horrible as that would be) I have no doubt Congress will draft men until 32; I think that is the current age limit to sign up for Army boot camp.

Happy birthday Lucas!!! Hope its a great day for you knowing that you have "aged" out of the system for being drafted.

Sorry i dont have any advice for your questions. I just wanted to welcome you back and wish you a very happy birthday!
Hugs,
Amy 21 years old ROBPI from MN

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Lucas!...and welcome back. Please stay around, Okay? I learn alot from you Young'uns.

Don't feel bad, I never was diagnosed either until age 67 and didn't have a name for our injuries until I found UBPN at 65.

Carolyn J
LOBPI/69 & couinting...

When I was 18, I tried to get into the airforce. ( I'm 54 now) I did just fine until they told me to put both arms over my head in the physical. I tried to fight it and got a very nice letter that stated I didn't meet the minimum physical requirements. So I am sure they would not take you. You have to be able to do all those pushups,put both arms behind your back etc. It isn't cowardly, you just don't have the mobility to meet the minimum requirements
Pat