I have wanted to join the Coast Guard since I was six years old. Unfortunately recently I was diagnosed with A Form of Epilepsy in which I have miachlonic seizures which are short jerks that happen no more than 2 times a day and often don’t happen at all during the day. I am medicated now and the I no longer have any side effects of epilepsy while on my medication and was wondering if I’d still be able to enlist. I realize some branches of the military will say no if you have any sort of seizure even if controlled with medication because of that fact that when you’re overseas medicine might not be available. That is why I ask because of the coast guards generally homeland mission and the fact that my seizures aren’t like normal seizures where a person loses awareness and can’t move and the fact that under medication they don’t happen at all. 

No. It’s PDQ.

Disqualifying. What happens if you're in the middle of a SAR (Search and Rescue) mission that drags on for hours, which they can, and your meds wear off? Or you're assigned to a cutter and on a 90 day patrol, and you run out of meds? Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but the military isn't in your future

Posted By Here2sk on 15 May 2020 06:16 PM

Question for Recruiters

I have wanted to join the Coast Guard since I was six years old. Unfortunately recently I was diagnosed with A Form of Epilepsy in which I have miachlonic seizures which are short jerks that happen no more than 2 times a day and often don’t happen at all during the day. I am medicated now and the I no longer have any side effects of epilepsy while on my medication and was wondering if I’d still be able to enlist. I realize some branches of the military will say no if you have any sort of seizure even if controlled with medication because of that fact that when you’re overseas medicine might not be available. That is why I ask because of the coast guards generally homeland mission and the fact that my seizures aren’t like normal seizures where a person loses awareness and can’t move and the fact that under medication they don’t happen at all. 

Thanks-

It's heartbreaking to hear when something happens outside of someone's control that prevents them from fulfilling their dreams. You could look into the Auxiliary, I think you'll still be able to serve the USCG in that way, but it's volunteer so no pay.