Ok, one more small little rant. Before I start, let me say that I like you guys and thanks for putting up with me! Ok, onto the flame fest!

Topic: Military height/weight standards for non-combantants

My faults: I am 6 ft, 320lbs +/-. Most people say I look about 230lbs when they see me. I am not morbidly obese and do not sit on the couch all day. Just a good old farmboy.

Problem: Military wants someone my height/age to be 230 and below. I've never been below 270 even after unhealthy pill popping/dieting.

Rant: My chosen career is being a musician. I have several degrees and am quite good at it. No, I'm not a singer or guitar player. I am a REAL muscian (inside joke for vocalists/guitars if they are on here). I want to serve my country. Why not be a military musician?

Now, I'm all with making sure our fighting men and woman are in the best physical shape as possible. But an enlisteee who will never see combat, plays a supporting role... not so sure about that. I can run and gun with the best of them. I do understand certain issues with lifting, heart attacks, etc, but those things happen in everyday life anyway. It would be morbidly funny to see a fatty drop dead during a marching show...

Anyways, I've made the finalist stage for SIX!!!!! PREMIER band auditions and am not allowed to sign for a single one because of my weight!

If anyone knows about music in the military, 6 finals for military premier bands are quite uncommon and a great feat. So congrats to me on that... but this weight thing is getting me depressed. My wife is a stick who can eat a cow and LOSE weight. I LOOK at tofu and I gain 20 lbs. HA.

Rant over. Yes, I do understand they want people to "look good" in the uniforms etc. I'm not really mad at them, just dissapointed in myself. Hard for me to pass up a good steak, green beans, and some taters.

It's all good though. One day I'll get my break. Peace!