Discharged from AFROTC - can you still wear uniform?

[hotwheelsearl]

I know the timing is not the greatest, and many of you probably think I'm trying to slither out of FT. That is not the case. The condition started in January, but did not turn (what I deemed to be) serious until now. I know now that any, even minor heart related conditions are serious, but at the time I figured it was nothing.

 

[WannaBeOfficer]

Thank you for your information. I was under the impression that you somehow had to "apply" for a medical DQ, or build a case or something like that. I was not aware that bit was an automatic thing.
I just reported the illness today, but the doctors note apparently was not "detailed enough" to be put on MRS. (it simply said, no physical exertion until seen by a cardiologist). However, I am exempt from PT now. I'm not entirely sure how MRS works either, as I have not been placed on it yet.

I'm going to another doctor this weekend and am also requesting a more detailed statement from the current doctor to give to the cadre.

Thank you for clarifying things. I'm sorry if I am still misunderstanding your question.

So, did you doctor tell you that you were exhibiting 'pre-heart attack' symptoms? Did you tell your cadre or just submit a doctors note? You are exempt from PT, is the semester not over for your Det? Most dets end ROTC reqs at least two weeks before finals...it's nearly the end of may, how are you still in school and doing PT that you need to be exempt from?

 

[fencersmother]

Hotwheels, I think you are not being honest with us here. You're busy, you say , trying not to die, and have had this condition for months. Yet you are just now, as of yesterday, excused from PT? Say what?

sorry, from my perspective, you are either withholding information or (no offense) lying to us. Your story just doesn't stand this mother's smell test.

 

[Sled]

Since you are contracted in the AF Reserves, doesn't that mean that you can wear your uniform after your "retirement", like any normal retired guy would be able to?

I really hope you are a standard troll. If not, its kind of disturbing that there are ex-ROTC cadets out there who consider themselves retired military service members.

A cadet friend and I were shooting the breeze and the topic came up. Neither of us really have any idea what the rank on your ID card actually means in real life. Does it mean you are a veteran if you leave? Does it mean you automatically achieve that rank of you end up enlisting?
The question is even more confusing when other cadets my same year have ID ranks of E-1, and E-3. And how some Army ROTC cadets have ranks of up to E-4. This weird rank system prompted the question of uniform wear after discharge. I thank everyone on the forum for clearing things up for us.

Well I can answer this if you were wondering. If you have a HS scholarship your ID will have E-1. I got a IC scholarship and mine is E-3 because they figure the amount of schooling already completed warrants that. Also no, no uniform for you if you are released in any way whatsoever. There you go...both questions answered...move on.

 

[fencersmother]

AH HA!

Sorry Hotwheels! I've got you!

I'm going to another doctor this weekend and am also requesting a more detailed statement from the current doctor to give to the cadre.

(Italics mine)

You're flipping kidding us for sure. Going to another doctor THIS WEEKEND?????????????????????????????? hahahahahahahahahaha

Yeah, right. You are seeing via appointment a cardiologist over a holiday weekend.

blown.

Troll.

 

[hotwheelsearl]

Seriously? Please stop calling me a troll.

I am visiting the emergency room because that is the only place that is open during the holiday weekend.

 

[WannaBeOfficer]

Seriously? Please stop calling me a troll.

I am visiting the emergency room because that is the only place that is open during the holiday weekend.

So you are saying that your cadre told you that the note from your doctor, telling them that you had a heart condition, was not enough for them to update your Dodmerb? They literally don't even have to do anything but have an NCO or someone put in the change. It's usually not up to cadre to decide if it's a 'legitimate condition' or not. Thats what dodmerb is for.


Once again, is this your entire story? Or is there more? Are you omitting something because you are worried about having to pay back your scholarship?

 

[hotwheelsearl]

I don't understand why everybody is trying their hardest to say that I'm a troll. I'm genuinely trying to ask for your help, and all I am getting is opposition.

Now, back to actual business.

1. Yes, things sound fishy. Heart condition that I am only now just reporting? Surely, he must be trying to get out of Field Training.
2. Doctor over the weekend? Troll. No - like I said, it's the ER.

Actual details:
1. 20 Jan 15 - first date of heart anomaly. Irregular heartbeat. Feel bad. "Ugh, I hope this doesn't happen again."
2. Jan-April - nothing of interest. "Sweet, that was just something weird. I'm all better now."
3. April - random, sporadic irregular heartbeat. "Man, what's going on? Eh, it's not affecting me negatively. Might be nothing."
4. May - random, sporadic irregular heartbeat, which occurs more often now. "Dammit... This does not bode well for my future... Maybe it's okay..."
5. May - chest pain and tightness occurs. "Oh hell, this is bad..."
6. 15 May - two episode sin one day. "Alright that's it, I'm finally going to get this checked out."

Now:
1. Wednesday, 20 May. Finally got an appointment with the school doctor (actually, Nurse Practitioner, if you want to be downright technical. I've realied that I have to be extremely specific with everything or else risk being called a troll. What has this world come to). Doc: "Wow, it sounds like your heart is pretty messed up - your chest feels tight? Wow, that almost sounds like some kind of angina or something. But you're too young for that. I'm not a cardiologist, so I can't really say much. I'm perplexed. See a cardiologist. But take this note to your people, so you don't have to do any exercise. I'm worried about you."
2. Note reads "no physical exertion until complete cardiac work up completed and evaluated by cardiologist".
3. Hand note to SSgt. "Staff Sergeant, I have a note from the doctor that I can't do any PT because of my heart."
4. Staff Sergeant says, "Wow, definitely don't do any PT tomorrow. But this doesn't say anything other than 'no PT'. We'll need something more detailed than that."
5. Okay...

And to answer somebody's question about school still being in session: last day of school is June 12. Yes, my school gets out very late. But then again, it also starts very late. This year, school started on October 2nd. Yes, this is accurate. No, I am not a troll. Jeez.

 

[hotwheelsearl]

Seriously? Please stop calling me a troll.

I am visiting the emergency room because that is the only place that is open during the holiday weekend.

So you are saying that your cadre told you that the note from your doctor, telling them that you had a heart condition, was not enough for them to update your Dodmerb? They literally don't even have to do anything but have an NCO or someone put in the change. It's usually not up to cadre to decide if it's a 'legitimate condition' or not. Thats what dodmerb is for.


Once again, is this your entire story? Or is there more? Are you omitting something because you are worried about having to pay back your scholarship?

I handed my note to the NCO, he handed it back saying that I needed something more detailed. From what I'm hearing, I guess this is not standard operating procedure.

 

[WannaBeOfficer]

What school do you go to where they are still having PT THREE days out from memorial day??

 

[Pima]

OKAY you are not a troll.

However you state things that dont match up.

AFROTC scholarship cadet would have had a DoDMERB exam as a HS student.Medically heart issue now would not even be on the table.
~ You stated NROTC offered a scholarship...they too would have required DoDMERB

Just my opinion why you hate dear old Pima is because she called you out and now other posters are asking how is it...?

ROTC is a cakewalk. They are kind and nice.

 

[hotwheelsearl]

What school do you go to where they are still having PT THREE days out from memorial day??

We have PT Tuesday and Friday. Today is Thursday. Tomorrow is Friday. I gave the note to the NCO today. He says no PT tomorrow, which for me, is Friday.

Memorial day is on Monday. Is this a problem?

 

[WannaBeOfficer]

What school do you go to where they are still having PT THREE days out from memorial day??

We have PT Tuesday and Friday. Today is Thursday. Tomorrow is Friday. I gave the note to the NCO today. He says no PT tomorrow, which for me, is Friday.

Memorial day is on Monday. Is this a problem?

Yes, because most colleges are over and done with now, or at least into finals. And most dets end ROTC activities at a minimum a week before finals, most cases 2 weeks before. Did any cadets in your det get into Max 1?

Was this condition possibly pre-existing? Like did you have issues as a child that you didn't put on your DoDMerb? A heart issue like that, literally appearing out of the blue in 4 months is not only unheard of, but almost impossible, especially in someone so young. Are you anemic?

 

[hotwheelsearl]

OKAY you are not a troll.

However you state things that dont match up.

AFROTC scholarship cadet would have had a DoDMERB exam as a HS student.Medically heart issue now would not even be on the table.
~ You stated NROTC offered a scholarship...they too would have required DoDMERB

Just my opinion why you hate dear old Pima is because she called you out and now other posters are asking how is it...?

ROTC is a cakewalk. They are kind and nice.

The last time I had a DodMERB was when I applied for the program back when I was an incoming freshman. I can go into the exact details of the physical examination if you like.
I was administered a urine test from a cute nurse. I remember this, because she said, "don't fill the cup up all the way". I filled the cup up all the way. I thought that was funny for some reason.
I was administered a brief physical examination. Let me listen to your lungs, let me listen to your HEART, say ahhh. Let me examine your genitals. I remember this because it was cold in the room and I was embarrassed.

When did I first experience heart problem? As a sophomore in college. It has been a while since my last DoDMERB.

Yes, people are calling me out. I have no idea why. If something does not make sense, please just ask for clarification instead of throwing accusations. Why would I go to all this trouble just to troll?

All I want to know is how the Medical DQ process works. Regardless of your own personal opinion, please just assist in answering the question. I like to be informed before going into anything. You would not walk onto the podium not knowing what you are supposed to speak about. I do not want to walk into the NCO office, hoping that they know everything - in my experience, they do not.

 

[NavyHoops]

hotwheels, lots of folks jumping all over you right now. I am not gonna call you a troll and take your written word about who you are. Couple of things...

You need to find a cardiologist ASAP that is going to treat you for the long haul. This is the person who will run all the necessary tests an provide the info needed for DoDMERB going forward. Going to ER for this condition isn't going to get you what you need in the long run. The ERs only concern is to stabalize you, so unless you have direct symptoms or episode the ER isn't going to do much but refer to see a cardiologist. You need to also sit down and have a long chat with your cadre about what you have experienced, timelines, etc. This is what will matter in regards to verifying your paperwork, etc. Also, don't put the cart before the horse. You have only had a NP look at you. In the end it could be something that is easily treated or it could be something that is bad. You don't know that yet. Let the process play out like it needs to. The key parts are to be open and honest with you doctor and your cadre. But you need to book an appointment with a cardiologist immediately, do not pass go, do not collect $200. If you do experience these symptoms again, then I would I would go to the ER immediately. I have seen folks pop up with heart issues around your age, its not completely unheard of. You hear about it alot in athletics.

I think alot of folks are jumping all over you because of some of the other posts. If you remain in ROTC and go onto the USAF realize that this is nothing compared to being a new Lt. You will get flamed on alot. I was a Marine Corps company grade officer, trust me, I know. But, you learn and get better. Also, with all the extra stuff and your "enthusiasm" for things like uniform, swords, etc while a sophomore in ROTC it makes you look like what we would call a "gear whore" in the Marine Corps (I am not calling you one, its a general term). I get you like ROTC and stuff, but focus on the learning and not all the "cool stuff" it makes you look like you're GI Joe, instead of a future officer in training. You show up in ROTC or even as a JO with extra stuff that no one else has, it will make you stand out in a bad way. Its fine to be proud of your ribbons and stuff. We won't even get into the fact that they hand a ribbon for a club! I mean compared to the Marine Corps the USAF hands our ribbons like candy, but one for joining a club? Really? But that is a different discussion.

Seriously take this one step at a time. First and foremost is your health. You need to see a specialist that you can see through this entire diagnosis and care as you navigate getting healthy and then what happens with ROTC.

 

[hotwheelsearl]

What school do you go to where they are still having PT THREE days out from memorial day??

We have PT Tuesday and Friday. Today is Thursday. Tomorrow is Friday. I gave the note to the NCO today. He says no PT tomorrow, which for me, is Friday.

Memorial day is on Monday. Is this a problem?

Yes, because most colleges are over and done with now, or at least into finals. And most dets end ROTC activities at a minimum a week before finals, most cases 2 weeks before. Did any cadets in your det get into Max 1?

Was this condition possibly pre-existing? Like did you have issues as a child that you didn't put on your DoDMerb? A heart issue like that, literally appearing out of the blue in 4 months is not only unheard of, but almost impossible, especially in someone so young. Are you anemic?

The earliest MAX anybody in my Det can attend is MAX 3, since school does not let out until 12 June. Instruction ends 5 June. Finals week is 8 June to 12 June.

As for preexisting, the earliest date I can say that I have experienced anything like this is 20 January, 2015, with future occurrences described above. As a child, I had no major medical issues other than multiple ear infections. Once, I had massive food poisoning and had to get an IV. As a newborn, I was apparently unhealthy and did not want to eat.

The only possible reason I can think of that could lead to a heart condition, is the fact that literally everybody on my father's side of the family has heart disease or stroke. Strokes have killed several members, and surviving members are plagued with heart disease. My own father had a heart attack 4 years ago. Yes, I know, this seems super fishy, as people have been so kind to point out. The Nurse Practitioner was absolutely perplexed, as I mentioned earlier. My parents are perplexed. Everybody is confused as to how a seemingly healthy 19-year old male could have such issues.
I do not believe I am anemic, though I have never had a blood test.

Perhaps I should move my discussion to a medical forum...

 

[Pima]

Are you scholarship or not?

Look your posts are all over the place.

Now it is medically DQ

If you dont why you are being called out, I can not help you. To me it is blatantly obvious. Think about it

 

[WannaBeOfficer]

Okay, well, just to clarify, there is no 'apply for a DQ' once you DoDMerb is updated AFROTC HQ will tell you if you are disqualified and what they need from you. If they want you to do remedials, you will do them. First things first, get to a real freaking doctor and find out whats wrong, for all you know you could have some nasty heart burn. Once you know what it is, report it to you Cadre, they'll get you updated, then you can move on.

Do you want to be DQ'd?

 

[Jcleppe]

Yes, because most colleges are over and done with now, or at least into finals.

My nephew attends UW, they do not get out of school until June 19th I believe. Schools that are on the Quarter system start later and get out later then semester school.

 

[hotwheelsearl]

hotwheels, lots of folks jumping all over you right now. I am not gonna call you a troll and take your written word about who you are. Couple of things...

You need to find a cardiologist ASAP that is going to treat you for the long haul. This is the person who will run all the necessary tests an provide the info needed for DoDMERB going forward. Going to ER for this condition isn't going to get you what you need in the long run. The ERs only concern is to stabalize you, so unless you have direct symptoms or episode the ER isn't going to do much but refer to see a cardiologist. You need to also sit down and have a long chat with your cadre about what you have experienced, timelines, etc. This is what will matter in regards to verifying your paperwork, etc. Also, don't put the cart before the horse. You have only had a NP look at you. In the end it could be something that is easily treated or it could be something that is bad. You don't know that yet. Let the process play out like it needs to. The key parts are to be open and honest with you doctor and your cadre. But you need to book an appointment with a cardiologist immediately, do not pass go, do not collect $200. If you do experience these symptoms again, then I would I would go to the ER immediately. I have seen folks pop up with heart issues around your age, its not completely unheard of. You hear about it alot in athletics.

I think alot of folks are jumping all over you because of some of the other posts. If you remain in ROTC and go onto the USAF realize that this is nothing compared to being a new Lt. You will get flamed on alot. I was a Marine Corps company grade officer, trust me, I know. But, you learn and get better. Also, with all the extra stuff and your "enthusiasm" for things like uniform, swords, etc while a sophomore in ROTC it makes you look like what we would call a "gear whore" in the Marine Corps (I am not calling you one, its a general term). I get you like ROTC and stuff, but focus on the learning and not all the "cool stuff" it makes you look like you're GI Joe, instead of a future officer in training. You show up in ROTC or even as a JO with extra stuff that no one else has, it will make you stand out in a bad way. Its fine to be proud of your ribbons and stuff. We won't even get into the fact that they hand a ribbon for a club! I mean compared to the Marine Corps the USAF hands our ribbons like candy, but one for joining a club? Really? But that is a different discussion.

Seriously take this one step at a time. First and foremost is your health. You need to see a specialist that you can see through this entire diagnosis and care as you navigate getting healthy and then what happens with ROTC.

Navy Hoops, thank you so much for your post. I really appreciate someone who is genuinely interested in helping me out, instead of trying to discredit me and accuse me of all manner of things.
Yes, I realize I am a gear whore. I like having cool things. We call these type of people "Razis" - a combination of ROTC and Nazi. Meaning: somebody who goes completely overboard in acquiring ribbons and gear. And yes, I have heard that this will not bode well in the actual military. Long story short, I regret wasting hundreds of dollars on stupid crap that I will never use.

I realize now that I should not have posted anything but my actual question - what is the exact process for a medical DQ. Everything else I have written has brought nothing but strife and conflict.

As for my health, you are absolutely correct. I have been trying to deal with too much at once. With Field Training coming up, this whole evolution has been stressful to the Nth degree. Thank you for your advice and I again truly appreciate your non-confrontational post.