Disqualification Odds

[CC_Candidate]

My primary concern is that I dislocated my knee cap playing a pick football game about a year ago, and again in a high school soccer game this past February. There was no damage to my muscles or knee, but I wear a neoprene knee brace when playing any sports as a precaution. Currently, I run cross-country, practice soccer in school, and march in the band after school. Will my running at least 10 miles a week help in the decision of my qualification?

 

[RetNavyHM]

There may be a disqualification lurking in your medical records, but without being able to go through the medical records I couldn't say for sure. The concern I have is that its happened more than once. The fact that you are currently still participating in physical activities without any problems is a positive. I'd go ahead and apply, and if DoDMERB disqualifies you, then let me know and we can go from there.

 

[CC_Candidate]

Say I get disqualified, what are the odds of me getting a waiver. In other words, how outstanding must I be to the Naval or Air Force Academies?

 

[RetNavyHM]

If you get disqualified, the waiver depends on how severe the injury is/was, the possibility that it will reoccur or for reinjury, and the possibility for requiring long term medical care. The waiver folks do not know where you are in the admissions process, and to be blunt, they don't care. The admissions folks let the waiver folks know who they need to review based on the possibility of offering an appointment, but thats is all the waiver folks know.

You could be the next Einstein, but if you aren't medically able to perform in the military the waiver will be denied.

 

[CC_Candidate]

I read on some other website, don't remember which one, that the Academies actually do look over the application when considering a candidate for a waiver. Now obviously they wouldn't let a cripple with a perfect SAT score into the Academy, but does my application weigh in some?

 

[Just_A_Mom]

Go back and read RetNavyHM's response again.

USMA:

There is no need for you to request a waiver. If you are competitive for an offer of admission to the United States Military Academy or one of the preparatory programs, you will automatically be considered for a waiver by USMA.

USAFA:

If you are competitive for an appointment and not otherwise disqualified for admission, the United States Air Force Academy Admissions Office will arrange, after receipt of your waiver request, for your medical records to be evaluated for waiver by the Academy Command Surgeon

USNA:

There is no need for you to request a waiver. If you are competitive for an offer of admission to the United States Naval Academy or one of the preparatory programs, you will automatically be considered for a waiver by USNA.

You must be outstanding enough to be considered for an appointment to the academy or one of it's programs.

 

[CC_Candidate]

I guess my question is more of this. How hard is it to get a waiver if the Academies decide to look into it? Obviously it opens more doors, but what are the disqualifying conditions when being considered for a waiver?