Two different waiver authorities. AROTC waiver is granted by Cadet Command. USMA waiver is from West Point specifically the Admissions Committee upon the recommendation of the Surgeon's office.OT: I think this is a serious problem. There's obviously something totally wrong with the system if someone's medical status is considered two opposite things from two different sources. I mean, this is both coming from the Army, right?
Cadet Command is more willing to grant waivers than USMAUnless there's this reason that I'm not aware of, I can't fathom why basically the same people would judge differently. Does ROTC and West Point have different health standards?
I'm so sorry. Your son must be really disappointed and I hope he keeps his chin up about the whole ordeal. AROTC is still one of the best alternatives to West Point and I hope he's successful there...
OT: I think this is a serious problem. There's obviously something totally wrong with the system if someone's medical status is considered two opposite things from two different sources. I mean, this is both coming from the Army, right? Unless there's this reason that I'm not aware of, I can't fathom why basically the same people would judge differently. Does ROTC and West Point have different health standards?
Part of the difference could be that West Point has a different physical environment than ROTC does. Based on that, the physical disqualification factors are probably different.
From what I imagine, the waiver authorities aren't considering how your medical history will affect your career in the Army (at least not primarily) but how it will affect the training you receive while becoming an officer. I believe that the training environment is much different than that of ROTC.
From what I imagine, the waiver authorities aren't considering how your medical history will affect your career in the Army (at least not primarily) but how it will affect the training you receive while becoming an officer.
Medical waiver denied USMA
Medical waiver granted AROTC
go figure
I personally think this experience will make your son work very hard and eventually become a standout in his ROTC unit.
My former Bn Cmdr has been in touch throughout this process. He is a '66 USMA grad and Infantry Viet Nam vet. He served 20+ years and retired with the full bird. He told us during his career he saw just as many duds come out of the academy as he did come from other sources. He says it's not the school that makes a great officer, it's the person. This goes back to the philosophical question I heard in every NCO academy..."are leaders born or made?"
I always got myself in hot water with the cadre because I answered "born" and that is not the answer the army doctrine teaches. But when the lead is flying the true leader will emerge and there is no classroom that can prepare a soldier for that encounter.