That is interesting.
I always thought you could not be a POC unless you completed SFT, thus the reason AS500 exists. I would have assumed, and we know what that means; you would be a 500. Maybe 500s are considered POCs, and that would mean you are on track to graduate on time, even if deferred. Than again, if that is true, and you are deferred, without extending your graduation date, have you asked how this will impact you for the FAA FC1 flight physical at WPAFB?
~ AS300s go up for rated, and if selected they will go to WPAFB over the summer. They also start their TS clearance at this time. You will have to juggle over the summee SFT, Flight physical at WPAFB, and your TS clearance. Plus, somewhere along the line that TBAS will be taken, and for PCSM flight hours matter.
~~ If you go to SFT your junior year, you will need to meet the fall rated board. What if the majority of pilot slots are given out for the traditional 300 cadet. Will you have regret?
~~~ Be prepared for this medical issue to come up again. The rated medical exam is 3 days. EKGS are given. The final exam is with a flight surgeon.
~~~~ Just saying get on top of this now. DS was asked to hand carry all of his medical records for this exam.
The other thing is I have always been under the assumption is to contract you must pass the DoDMERB. It is 1 of the 3 caveats....grades, PFT and DoDMERB.
~ Maybe I am reading your post incorrectly. Have you already taken the DoDMERB? If so, than I have always been under the impression that if your medical condition changes after the exam you need to report it. Thus, if you took the exam already, and had an MRI you need to report it now, right? You can't wait because your medical condition changed enough that an MRI was required along with a 2nd opinion. Not talking a sprained ankle or torn cartilage.
~ DS was an HSSP, so I don't know how the ICSP program works regarding contracting.
~ I also thought for SFT .... ALL cadets had to submit a current medical exam for their bag drag. DS had to do what I would call a sports physical. 15 minute physical, shots, eyes, ears, nose, weight and acknowledging any current medical issues.
Hence, if I am right, than either way should not this been reported already? Scholarship or SFT.
I wish you the best, and if I seem Debbie Downer, it is because I want you to be prepared from a medical perspective for the hurdles in front of you, be it SFT or rated.
You can do it, but jmpo, only if you are in front of the 8 ball.