MEDICAL TURN-BACK PROBLEMS

[navyscpo]

Has anyone else had problems getting the medical turn-back process completed? DD had gall-bladder removed last week and released back the USAFA on the 18th. According to AOC, paperwork was already started, but as of today being told it could take an additional 2 weeks. In my DDs 18 years of military medical history, the USAFA medical staff has been the worst. Letter sent to BCT commander, promises from AOC were nonexistent, and DD is having such an awful time in the Admin Flight she is in; she is all but done with USAFA. Locked in rooms except for chow, church and being forced to watch the other Basic Cadets do the Jack's Valley March. I understand that the admin flight has disciplinary problem Basic Cadets, but why should everyone suffer because of that. Just venting and I have tried to convince DD that she shouldn't make these type of life decisions when she is angry. As a retired senior enlisted member, my DD is one that I would be happy to salute because of her integrity and honor. Unfortunately, USAFA is killing it for her right now. Luckily, there are schools out there that would be happy to take her and even provide scholarships at this late stage in the game as a recruited athlete.

 

[Velocity2012]

I am really sorry that your DD had to undergo a medical procedure that has ended her USAFA career. Unfortunately there are medical turnbacks every year, some temporary some not. The paperwork does take time and venting here and within her chain of command won't expedite it nor will it really help her state of mind. The admin flight is full of basics and cadets who are in the process of disenrolling for any number of reasons - not all disciplinary. A couple of years ago, my DD, a basic at the time, had severe shin splints, to the point that they were concerned about her going to Jacks for fear of her breaking both legs. She refused crutches and refused to consider the turnback option on the table went out to Jacks and was the guidon bearer with all the extra leg stress that entailed - effectively on duty 24/7 to ensure no one steals the guidon. I am a strong believer that everything happens for a reason, and at some point, probably not tomorrow, you will look back and understand why it took so long. God speed, and hope your DD recovers quickly. This too shall pass.

 

[USAFAGradMom]

Has anyone else had problems getting the medical turn-back process completed? DD had gall-bladder removed last week and released back the USAFA on the 18th. According to AOC, paperwork was already started, but as of today being told it could take an additional 2 weeks. In my DDs 18 years of military medical history, the USAFA medical staff has been the worst. Letter sent to BCT commander, promises from AOC were nonexistent, and DD is having such an awful time in the Admin Flight she is in; she is all but done with USAFA. Locked in rooms except for chow, church and being forced to watch the other Basic Cadets do the Jack's Valley March. I understand that the admin flight has disciplinary problem Basic Cadets, but why should everyone suffer because of that. Just venting and I have tried to convince DD that she shouldn't make these type of life decisions when she is angry. As a retired senior enlisted member, my DD is one that I would be happy to salute because of her integrity and honor. Unfortunately, USAFA is killing it for her right now. Luckily, there are schools out there that would be happy to take her and even provide scholarships at this late stage in the game as a recruited athlete.

During Doolie Day Out last year, we hosted a basic cadet who was in the process of a medical turnback as a result of a concussion during Field Day. She had already been waiting for a week to leave USAFA & I continued to stay in touch with her after she left our home that day. She was restricted to her dorm room all day (everyone else had gone to Jack's Valley) and wasn't outprocessed for another 2 weeks! She chose to not return the following year.

 

[USAFA2023mom]

Has anyone else had problems getting the medical turn-back process completed? DD had gall-bladder removed last week and released back the USAFA on the 18th. According to AOC, paperwork was already started, but as of today being told it could take an additional 2 weeks. In my DDs 18 years of military medical history, the USAFA medical staff has been the worst. Letter sent to BCT commander, promises from AOC were nonexistent, and DD is having such an awful time in the Admin Flight she is in; she is all but done with USAFA. Locked in rooms except for chow, church and being forced to watch the other Basic Cadets do the Jack's Valley March. I understand that the admin flight has disciplinary problem Basic Cadets, but why should everyone suffer because of that. Just venting and I have tried to convince DD that she shouldn't make these type of life decisions when she is angry. As a retired senior enlisted member, my DD is one that I would be happy to salute because of her integrity and honor. Unfortunately, USAFA is killing it for her right now. Luckily, there are schools out there that would be happy to take her and even provide scholarships at this late stage in the game as a recruited athlete.

How is your daughter doing now? Any updates? So sorry to hear this and hope her recovery is going well.

 

[Wishful]

I as well hope that your daughter recovers fully. Wishing her the best & hope she reconsiders USAFA.

 

[fencersmother]

I am really sorry that your DD had to undergo a medical procedure that has ended her USAFA career.

I thought she was waiting for medical turnback paperwork, not an "ended USAFA career?"

 

[Old Navy BGO]

I understand that the admin flight has disciplinary problem Basic Cadets, but why should everyone suffer because of that.

Unfortunate circumstances, but as a Retired Chief, you probably realize that military is not very good at customizing how individual members are treated. I don't know how many Cadets DOR from USAFA basic, but the Academies want to keep the voluntary drops from "poisoning" the well for those that are sticking it out but letting them wander freely around the base. Unfortunately, DD is collateral damage from this policy.

It is unfortunate..DD was admitted because USAFA recognized her potential, and in these circumstances USAFA should be trying to retain good kids that have medical issues arise if they are still physically qualified to come back next year. Even if not physically qualified to come back, kids leaving for reasons beyond their control should be treated with respect and dignity -- keep in mind that the kids admitted to Service Academies are the type of leaders and go getters that will be in positions of power and authority someday, and none of the Services want those type of people leaving the service with a bad taste in their mouth.

Good luck to DD , Chief !