Hello,
I “was” an uncontracted MS3 awaiting for a waiver for AROTC. My waiver is for past suicidal behavior back in 2017 and depression (have been seeing a doctor periodically). I passed my board on November 2020 and have been waiting for a waiver ever since.
I built a successful career in ROTC, 3.88 GPA in the Honors College, 440 ACFT score, 100 volunteer hours, PSG, S4 NCOIC, got several awards from the PMS, etc.
However, on October I had a steep decline in mental health and voiced some suicidal intentions while intoxicated that were brought to cadres attention. They gave me help and that was about it.
This week, DoDMERB requested another AMI for my waiver. My PMS brought me in and told me he no longer intended me to pursue a contracted for me. He justified that:
1. The likelihood of my waiver being approved based on the new developments is unlikely;
2. I’m draining resources;
3. PMS no longer have confidence that I will be a good fit for an officer based on my current mental health.
The PMS mentioned reason 1 & 2 during our first conversation. And I told him I would still like to try to get my waiver since when I had my decline in mental health I spoke with my doctor if he thought it was best for me to take medication and leave ROTC which he advise against. Hence, the medical point of view might be less severe than the mouth to mouth from other cadets.
During our second conversation he mentioned reason 3. And from what I understood it was the biggest. My problem with it is that it feels like I’m being unfairly treated since the PMS is basing his view on my mental health on a single event where I was intoxicated and not considering my years of mental health progression and devotion to the program. I emailed the PMS asking him to speak to my doctor to learn more about my mental health and if he could reconsider after their conversation but I’m yet to hear back from him.
I understand that voicing suicidal intentions while intoxicated does not look great but it does not represent me. I understand that getting my waiver is unlikely but I would still like to try it. And I understand that being uncontracted gives me very little leeway to dispute being dropped.
Is there anyway I can fight being dropped as an uncontracted cadet?
PS:. I’m already looking for ways to move forward. It ain’t easy of course since I’ve spent the last 3 years of my life in ROTC and all my social bonds, etc. we’re built on it. But I would like to explore my options before giving up.
Thanks for the help in advance!
I “was” an uncontracted MS3 awaiting for a waiver for AROTC. My waiver is for past suicidal behavior back in 2017 and depression (have been seeing a doctor periodically). I passed my board on November 2020 and have been waiting for a waiver ever since.
I built a successful career in ROTC, 3.88 GPA in the Honors College, 440 ACFT score, 100 volunteer hours, PSG, S4 NCOIC, got several awards from the PMS, etc.
However, on October I had a steep decline in mental health and voiced some suicidal intentions while intoxicated that were brought to cadres attention. They gave me help and that was about it.
This week, DoDMERB requested another AMI for my waiver. My PMS brought me in and told me he no longer intended me to pursue a contracted for me. He justified that:
1. The likelihood of my waiver being approved based on the new developments is unlikely;
2. I’m draining resources;
3. PMS no longer have confidence that I will be a good fit for an officer based on my current mental health.
The PMS mentioned reason 1 & 2 during our first conversation. And I told him I would still like to try to get my waiver since when I had my decline in mental health I spoke with my doctor if he thought it was best for me to take medication and leave ROTC which he advise against. Hence, the medical point of view might be less severe than the mouth to mouth from other cadets.
During our second conversation he mentioned reason 3. And from what I understood it was the biggest. My problem with it is that it feels like I’m being unfairly treated since the PMS is basing his view on my mental health on a single event where I was intoxicated and not considering my years of mental health progression and devotion to the program. I emailed the PMS asking him to speak to my doctor to learn more about my mental health and if he could reconsider after their conversation but I’m yet to hear back from him.
I understand that voicing suicidal intentions while intoxicated does not look great but it does not represent me. I understand that getting my waiver is unlikely but I would still like to try it. And I understand that being uncontracted gives me very little leeway to dispute being dropped.
Is there anyway I can fight being dropped as an uncontracted cadet?
PS:. I’m already looking for ways to move forward. It ain’t easy of course since I’ve spent the last 3 years of my life in ROTC and all my social bonds, etc. we’re built on it. But I would like to explore my options before giving up.
Thanks for the help in advance!