Advice on whether to continue pursuing NROTC

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ft.caballer

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Jan 3, 2022
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Hey all,

I have been going through the DODMERB process since January to try to get medically qualified, but without much luck. I was found to be DQ’d in March due to mild asthma from my childhood and mild walnut/pecan allergies, and so I attempted to get a waiver. That waiver was denied at first, until I requested to appeal the waiver denial in May, and I finally heard back from DODMERB a day ago. They said my waiver would be denied again, however they mentioned a possibility of me receiving a waiver in the future if I were attached to an ROTC unit for 1-2 semesters, and was able to meet their physical requirements and show that my asthma and allergies did not substantially affect me.

Would it be worth it for me to still go through with NROTC although it is uncertain I’ll be found medically qualified in the future?
 
First off, what are your doctors saying now in terms of the allergies and the asthma? Are things better, worse, or the same? Do you need an inhaler or no? When you have allergic outbreaks, how severe are they? You don't have to put that information on here, but it is something people will ask at some point.

If you attend NROTC for 1 or 2 semesters, besides seeing how you perform physically, the PNS will write what is called a "non-medical assessment" where your total performance is considered. And at that point, the decision whether or not your medical condition gets waived shifts to BUMED, rather than DoDMERB.

If you really want to pursue a commission, then go in as a College Programmer and give it your best. Otherwise, you are free to walk away. Question is whether you will doubt that decision years from now.
 
ft.caballer said:
Would it be worth it for me to still go through with NROTC although it is uncertain I’ll be found medically qualified in the future?
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Wasn't GWU one of the schools you were applying to?

If so, lucky you, CAPT Meyers is speaking to you directly.
 
I know someone in your similar situation, who ended up sticking it out for his freshman year. He's now an Ensign in the navy. If it's your dream, stick it out, it can't hurt, and you might be pleased about what ends up happening. Better to stick it out than to imagine your entire life, "what if"
 
My son in AROTC at Virginia Tech CoC got a 3 year scholarship as a HS senior that wouldn't kick in til sophomore year at college. He was originally cleared with exception of orthodontics (invisalign) and told just get them off before you go back Sophmore year. We sent in letter of completion and suddenly he has 2 disqualifying codes. So we are in the waiver process, still paying out of pocket. One of them is asthma. After we stopped freaking out, it was clear... no matter the odds... take a shot, He's got a stellar GPA and has received multiple accolades from his Rotc, which do have weight. If it's your dream, give them a taste of what you can do.. It's been my sons dream since he was 6. If it ends up not working out for him, he will be crushed, but at least he knows he didn't give up on his dream and he would eventually get over it. I think the never knowing what could have been will plague him the rest of his life. So, just my 2 cents but I say go for it.
 
EMCJohnson said:
My son in AROTC at Virginia Tech CoC got a 3 year scholarship as a HS senior that wouldn't kick in til sophomore year at college. He was originally cleared with exception of orthodontics (invisalign) and told just get them off before you go back Sophmore year. We sent in letter of completion and suddenly he has 2 disqualifying codes. So we are in the waiver process, still paying out of pocket. One of them is asthma. After we stopped freaking out, it was clear... no matter the odds... take a shot, He's got a stellar GPA and has received multiple accolades from his Rotc, which do have weight. If it's your dream, give them a taste of what you can do.. It's been my sons dream since he was 6. If it ends up not working out for him, he will be crushed, but at least he knows he didn't give up on his dream and he would eventually get over it. I think the never knowing what could have been will plague him the rest of his life. So, just my 2 cents but I say go for it.
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Has your son taken a pulmonary function test? That will help with the asthma waiver as it gives specific health data to the command surgeon.
 
Trying to schedule one now. It was one of the administrative remedial codes on his waiver. ♡
 
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