Accepted to CO'27 but Unsure

[XENODOE12]

Hello all,

I recently accepted an offer to the naval academy. I was DQ'd for an allergy to peanuts, pistachios, and cashews. I had to do blood work and the academy requested an oral challenge for peanuts. I passed the challenge and they didn't ask for anything else and I was given an offer. I am worried about one thing...what if I go through four years and they don't allow me to commission. I made it through DoDMERB one time but I heard that you have to go through it again before you graduate. Is this true? Could it very well be a possibility that I go and struggle and make it four years only to be turned down at the end? Or are they more concerned about general health at point instead of allergies. If anyone has any knowledge on this it would be very much appreciated.

 

[Kierkegaard]

There is a pre-commissioning physical during 2/C year where your entire medical history is assessed again to include anything that occurred while you’re a midshipman.

Unless you anticipate your allergy getting worse for some reason I really wouldn’t worry. USNA would not have granted you a waiver if they thought you were unlikely to meet commissioning standards. If you’re still concerned perhaps Admissions could point you towards someone at medical who could answer any questions (I believe there is a medical rep in the admissions office?).

 

[Capt MJ]

Hello all,

I recently accepted an offer to the naval academy. I was DQ'd for an allergy to peanuts, pistachios, and cashews. I had to do blood work and the academy requested an oral challenge for peanuts. I passed the challenge and they didn't ask for anything else and I was given an offer. I am worried about one thing...what if I go through four years and they don't allow me to commission. I made it through DoDMERB one time but I heard that you have to go through it again before you graduate. Is this true? Could it very well be a possibility that I go and struggle and make it four years only to be turned down at the end? Or are they more concerned about general health at point instead of allergies. If anyone has any knowledge on this it would be very much appreciated.

Bg picture - EVERYONE in the military is evaluated at various points for continuing medical fitness to serve.

There is a pre-comm physical in the last 2 years at USNA, which is essentially a re-check and a bit deeper dive in some areas. You have a waiver, which means USNA feels confident unless something drastic occurs in terms of recurrence of something old or something new pops up, they have confidence you will get through to commissioning.

At flight school, there is an aviation physical fondly called the “NAMI Whammy.”

How many times have you read the advice on this forum: “Focus on what you can control.” You can drive yourself crazy in this life by asking “what if” excessively.

All elephants are eaten one bite at a time. You will experience USNA one day at a time, sometimes one hour at a time. If, for any reason, you were found unfit medically along the way - it will happen to some of your classmates - and you are separated, you are not teetering at grave’s edge with no alternatives. You have the same brains, skills, potential and drive that helped you get an appointment. You will figure out a new path in life. That is ALL you can plan for at this moment in time. Promise yourself that, and focus on finishing this year strongly, being present with family and friends, and preparing for the next hurdle, not one that is currently imaginary a few years down the road.

 

[XENODOE12]

Thank you!

I really appreciate those responses. I will strive to focus on the present and move forward one step at a time.

 

[Just Dad]

Wait?
"I am worried about one thing...what if I go through four years and they don't allow me to commission."

If your goal is a commission, what alternative route would get you there? After selecting you for class of 2027 and 4years of USNA investment in you, I think it's fair to say the Navy has the strongest interest in commissioning you into their service. If Navy says "no" I would be surprised to learn that a different service, or a different Navy path would get you into the officer corps.

Posit that the Navy says "No" to you in 2027. You walk away with a BS from one of the most respected colleges in the nation, with no debt, and no service obligation. If you'd chosen to go to Duke, Michigan under grad........pretty sure the Navy would still say "No". The only difference would be the $300K you would have paid in tuition and fees, reduced leadership training, and waaay fewer life long friends.

Posit that you get the boot at the start of year 3. You move your studies to Duke. You will only be saving $150K (by my numbers) but you get to keep the life long friends and the 2 yrs of leadership/life experience you couldn't have gotten anywhere else.

Maybe the question you asked isn't really the one you intended, like........ "what if I can't commission in aviation?" Fact remains, the Navy's "No" (to aviation) out of the USNA would still be a "No" via any other route.

You'd owe the 5 as a swo, Intel officer, crypto, medical, USMC, Sub Officer etc. etc. You'd be working for an employer (NAVY) who picked you to invest in for 4 yrs at the USNA; they'll want to give you reason to stay. At 25-26-27 you choose to stay or go. If choose to leave the service, you walk away with a monster education, and 5 years of leadership experience as a naval officer; two things that raise the eyebrow of any grad-school or potential employer. Let's not forget about the adventure and friends found along the way. Again, what's the superior alternative path?

My own DD gave some thought to Aviation while at the USNA, she was PQ, but went Intel (a NPQ service selection). She joined the fleet in late 2021 and is having a Ball and will be starting her "dream job" in July. I think she would tell you that if you get all the way through USNA and can't commission it will be very sad; because you will want it (aviation or not). She would add that if you have to separate in 2027 your life will be immensely richer for the 4years on the Yard......"Best decision I ever made Dad!"

Congratulations and good luck to you X!

I envy the path ahead for you. How does that song go?? ..............."Heres a little song I wrote. You might want to sing it note by note......Don't worry..........."