Are waivers ever expedited?

[yahtzee]

My son has insisted on handling this complicated situation on his own; however, because the fall semester is only weeks away, I've been trying to relieve my own anxiety by doing some research into DoDMERB and campus-based scholarships, which has resulted in only more questions.

Here's the situation: DS graduated this past spring with BA; he was un-contracted AROTC cadet junior and senior year at undergrad institution. This past year (his senior year), he applied to a grad program at his BA institution and simultaneously applied for a 2-year ROTC scholarship, which he said cadre said he would likely get: good grades, perfect score on physical test (he was an athlete), qualified as an alternate for Ranger Challenge team.

On a whim, he also applied to the top grad program in his field, although he did not anticipate he'd be admitted. This particular program also has an AROTC program that is part of same brigade as BA institution.

In March, he recd news he was admitted to grad program at BA institution and to the top program at other university. He visited top program and spoke to cadre. They recommended he attend program at their school, using the scholarship there instead of BA institution. Cadre at both institutions completed necessary paperwork.

In late May, DoDMERB requested his medical records and then DQed him. About a week ago, cadre ROO submitted waiver; son sent in letters from doctors and therapist testifying to the mild and temporary nature of condition. ROO also asked for his letter of acceptance to grad program, which I assume is part of the scholarship paper trail.

Questions:

-I understand that waiver goes first to DoDMERB but then to the Waiver Authority...which for AROTC is who? More importantly, are waivers ever expedited? (If waivers aren't expedited, why would ROO have requested waiver so late in the game? Why didn't ROO tell him that it's too late...)

-What influence, if any, do cadre recommendations and promise of recruit have with respect to waivers?

-Fall semester begins in late August. If waiver is not in place when classes start, what should he do? His condition is one that seems to result in waivers being granted; however, it would be frightening for him to begin classes and then to have waiver be denied.


Thank you.

 

[Devil Doc]

What would be “frightening” about starting classes without the waiver?

Does he want a masters from the top university in that field?

I won’t ask if it’s about the money because I’m sure the school is expensive.

But, if he doesn’t get in the army he’ll probably be set up pretty good with that degree.

 

[JJCCshg]

My son has insisted on handling this complicated situation on his own; however, because the fall semester is only weeks away, I've been trying to relieve my own anxiety by doing some research into DoDMERB and campus-based scholarships, which has resulted in only more questions.

Here's the situation: DS graduated this past spring with BA; he was un-contracted AROTC cadet junior and senior year at undergrad institution. This past year (his senior year), he applied to a grad program at his BA institution and simultaneously applied for a 2-year ROTC scholarship, which he said cadre said he would likely get: good grades, perfect score on physical test (he was an athlete), qualified as an alternate for Ranger Challenge team.

On a whim, he also applied to the top grad program in his field, although he did not anticipate he'd be admitted. This particular program also has an AROTC program that is part of same brigade as BA institution.

In March, he recd news he was admitted to grad program at BA institution and to the top program at other university. He visited top program and spoke to cadre. They recommended he attend program at their school, using the scholarship there instead of BA institution. Cadre at both institutions completed necessary paperwork.

In late May, DoDMERB requested his medical records and then DQed him. About a week ago, cadre ROO submitted waiver; son sent in letters from doctors and therapist testifying to the mild and temporary nature of condition. ROO also asked for his letter of acceptance to grad program, which I assume is part of the scholarship paper trail.

Questions:

-I understand that waiver goes first to DoDMERB but then to the Waiver Authority...which for AROTC is who? More importantly, are waivers ever expedited? (If waivers aren't expedited, why would ROO have requested waiver so late in the game? Why didn't ROO tell him that it's too late...)

-What influence, if any, do cadre recommendations and promise of recruit have with respect to waivers?

-Fall semester begins in late August. If waiver is not in place when classes start, what should he do? His condition is one that seems to result in waivers being granted; however, it would be frightening for him to begin classes and then to have waiver be denied.


Thank you.

Hello,

I am in a very similar situation as your son. PS Navy with a BS trying to do AROTC in grad school. I myself have a contact within CC that I call to check on my waiver and right now as long as everything is submitted it takes about 1-2 weeks for them to review the waiver. With that being said once my waiver was officially submitted it took only 4 business days for them to review my waiver and to request a remedial. They had me seen by a Psych to ensure I was ok and it took roughly another week or so for the DODMERB to send my new Psych paperwork to CC. I called my contact the 13th and she said to expect it to be around two weeks. My waiver should be looked at any day now and hopefully approved this week.

If he does not have his waiver approved he can still start ROTC. He technically doesnt have to contract until december. I was in this same situation, but it looks like my waiver will have a decision this week.

What is his waiver for? The only big issue that would prolong it would be if they request a remedial

 

[yahtzee]

What would be “frightening” about starting classes without the waiver?

Does he want a masters from the top university in that field?

I won’t ask if it’s about the money because I’m sure the school is expensive.

But, if he doesn’t get in the army he’ll probably be set up pretty good with that degree.

The frightening component is if waiver would be denied and he would be on the hook for a large tuition bill. He has his heart set on the military.

 

[yahtzee]

My son has insisted on handling this complicated situation on his own; however, because the fall semester is only weeks away, I've been trying to relieve my own anxiety by doing some research into DoDMERB and campus-based scholarships, which has resulted in only more questions.

Here's the situation: DS graduated this past spring with BA; he was un-contracted AROTC cadet junior and senior year at undergrad institution. This past year (his senior year), he applied to a grad program at his BA institution and simultaneously applied for a 2-year ROTC scholarship, which he said cadre said he would likely get: good grades, perfect score on physical test (he was an athlete), qualified as an alternate for Ranger Challenge team.

On a whim, he also applied to the top grad program in his field, although he did not anticipate he'd be admitted. This particular program also has an AROTC program that is part of same brigade as BA institution.

In March, he recd news he was admitted to grad program at BA institution and to the top program at other university. He visited top program and spoke to cadre. They recommended he attend program at their school, using the scholarship there instead of BA institution. Cadre at both institutions completed necessary paperwork.

In late May, DoDMERB requested his medical records and then DQed him. About a week ago, cadre ROO submitted waiver; son sent in letters from doctors and therapist testifying to the mild and temporary nature of condition. ROO also asked for his letter of acceptance to grad program, which I assume is part of the scholarship paper trail.

Questions:

-I understand that waiver goes first to DoDMERB but then to the Waiver Authority...which for AROTC is who? More importantly, are waivers ever expedited? (If waivers aren't expedited, why would ROO have requested waiver so late in the game? Why didn't ROO tell him that it's too late...)

-What influence, if any, do cadre recommendations and promise of recruit have with respect to waivers?

-Fall semester begins in late August. If waiver is not in place when classes start, what should he do? His condition is one that seems to result in waivers being granted; however, it would be frightening for him to begin classes and then to have waiver be denied.


Thank you.

Hello,

I am in a very similar situation as your son. PS Navy with a BS trying to do AROTC in grad school. I myself have a contact within CC that I call to check on my waiver and right now as long as everything is submitted it takes about 1-2 weeks for them to review the waiver. With that being said once my waiver was officially submitted it took only 4 business days for them to review my waiver and to request a remedial. They had me seen by a Psych to ensure I was ok and it took roughly another week or so for the DODMERB to send my new Psych paperwork to CC. I called my contact the 13th and she said to expect it to be around two weeks. My waiver should be looked at any day now and hopefully approved this week.

If he does not have his waiver approved he can still start ROTC. He technically doesnt have to contract until december. I was in this same situation, but it looks like my waiver will have a decision this week.

What is his waiver for? The only big issue that would prolong it would be if they request a remedial

May I PM you?

 

[JJCCshg]

My son has insisted on handling this complicated situation on his own; however, because the fall semester is only weeks away, I've been trying to relieve my own anxiety by doing some research into DoDMERB and campus-based scholarships, which has resulted in only more questions.

Here's the situation: DS graduated this past spring with BA; he was un-contracted AROTC cadet junior and senior year at undergrad institution. This past year (his senior year), he applied to a grad program at his BA institution and simultaneously applied for a 2-year ROTC scholarship, which he said cadre said he would likely get: good grades, perfect score on physical test (he was an athlete), qualified as an alternate for Ranger Challenge team.

On a whim, he also applied to the top grad program in his field, although he did not anticipate he'd be admitted. This particular program also has an AROTC program that is part of same brigade as BA institution.

In March, he recd news he was admitted to grad program at BA institution and to the top program at other university. He visited top program and spoke to cadre. They recommended he attend program at their school, using the scholarship there instead of BA institution. Cadre at both institutions completed necessary paperwork.

In late May, DoDMERB requested his medical records and then DQed him. About a week ago, cadre ROO submitted waiver; son sent in letters from doctors and therapist testifying to the mild and temporary nature of condition. ROO also asked for his letter of acceptance to grad program, which I assume is part of the scholarship paper trail.

Questions:

-I understand that waiver goes first to DoDMERB but then to the Waiver Authority...which for AROTC is who? More importantly, are waivers ever expedited? (If waivers aren't expedited, why would ROO have requested waiver so late in the game? Why didn't ROO tell him that it's too late...)

-What influence, if any, do cadre recommendations and promise of recruit have with respect to waivers?

-Fall semester begins in late August. If waiver is not in place when classes start, what should he do? His condition is one that seems to result in waivers being granted; however, it would be frightening for him to begin classes and then to have waiver be denied.


Thank you.

Hello,

I am in a very similar situation as your son. PS Navy with a BS trying to do AROTC in grad school. I myself have a contact within CC that I call to check on my waiver and right now as long as everything is submitted it takes about 1-2 weeks for them to review the waiver. With that being said once my waiver was officially submitted it took only 4 business days for them to review my waiver and to request a remedial. They had me seen by a Psych to ensure I was ok and it took roughly another week or so for the DODMERB to send my new Psych paperwork to CC. I called my contact the 13th and she said to expect it to be around two weeks. My waiver should be looked at any day now and hopefully approved this week.

If he does not have his waiver approved he can still start ROTC. He technically doesnt have to contract until december. I was in this same situation, but it looks like my waiver will have a decision this week.

What is his waiver for? The only big issue that would prolong it would be if they request a remedial

May I PM you?

Please

 

[Falcon A]

-I understand that waiver goes first to DoDMERB but then to the Waiver Authority...which for AROTC is who? ]\

ANSWER: The Commanding General Army Cadet Command is the AROTC medical waiver authority. He or she is advised by the Cadet Command's Command Surgeon.

More importantly, are waivers ever expedited?

ANSWER: Unfortunately, the answer is "maybe" . . . right now the Command Surgeon is dealing with the tail end of the AROTC national scholarship winners as well as folks like your son, all trying to get answers before the school starts this fall

(If waivers aren't expedited, why would ROO have requested waiver so late in the game? Why didn't ROO tell him that it's too late...)

ANSWER: I'm not a ROO (there are ROOs on the forum and perhaps they will respond) but my guess would be that the requesting of a waiver was not totally up to the ROO. No doubt the ROO had significant input, but the decison was probably up to the AROTC Detachment Commander at the school -- the LtCol of Colonel in charge -- and they are busy with close out of the last school year, on-going Basic and Advance Camps at Ft Knox, preparing for next school year and recruiting for future years. I don't know your DS' condition (I don't need to know and I am not a doctor), but since the AROTC Detachment is aware of the details, it probably bodes well that they decided to put him forward for the waiver.

-What influence, if any, do cadre recommendations and promise of recruit have with respect to waivers?

ANSWER: I think it doesn't hurt. The doctors that advise the Commanding General will probably only analyze the medical and medical history data to make their recommendation, the General and/or his/her staff may get to read the extra info in the file to help them decide IF your DS case is "borderline" . . .

-Fall semester begins in late August. If waiver is not in place when classes start, what should he do? His condition is one that seems to result in waivers being granted; however, it would be frightening for him to begin classes and then to have waiver be denied.

ANSWER: If the waiver is not in place, typically he won't be provided any AROTC scholarship money until it is, and will thus be on the hook for the tuition.

 

[yahtzee]

Thank you all for your insights. DS heard today that waiver is awaiting CG's signature (gulp).