New member here - be gentle

R

rdhdstpchld

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Oct 16, 2018
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DS started application mid august - everything turned in except CFA (scheduling with JROTC - but next week). Evaluator interview completed. All nomination packages sent to offices etc. DODMERB website still lists him as "under dodmerb review" - I've emailed the individual who handles his record (by spelling of last name) but haven't heard anything back. Shouldn't he have received something by now to get the medical process started? The website says he should receive a package in the mail because we are overseas so using MTF. Thanks
 
Are you asking us to "be gentle" because your DS is applying, but for some reason it's you EMailing DoDMERB?

You write "everything turned in except CFA" which leads me to believe that "everything" includes his medical exam.
You then write "Shouldn't he have received something by now to get the medical process started?" which leads me to believe that he has NOT had his medical exam, because the "medical process" starts with filling out the medical questionnaire and scheduling the medical exam. If the DoDMERB status shows "under DoDMERB review" then that means that the "medical process" has indeed started.

Is your question only really about why it seems to be taking so long?
We would love to help - but there's just not enough information here - and most of it is conflicting.
 
Is he applying for an SA or ROTC scholarship? If it is an SA than the DoDMERB portal will open up usually when they become a candidate. They will tell you the doctor(s) that you can go to for the exam. You state you live overseas, are you military? If you are and they send to docs on the economy, you can request it to be done at the base/post. It might also be that they are under review because they use specific doctors, so they might need to find the qualified doctors in your area on their list.

If he is doing a ROTC scholarship than they will not open up the DoDMERB portion until awarded the scholarship. I am assuming since you said CFA, it is an SA, but 95% of all SA applicants will apply for ROTC scholarships as plan B. The important thing to understand is that he will not have to do 2 DoDMERB exam, but the results will be sent to 2 different review boards because they are different commissioning sources.
For example: USAFA may Q your DS, but AFROTC may DQ or request a remedial, or vise a verse.
Same is true if he is applying to multiple SAs. Each branch has different standards.
~ IOWS, he may Q for USAFA, but DQ for USNA and a remedial requested for USMA.

All DoDMERB does is follow the regs set by each commissioning source. The commissioning source will be the one that determines to waive a DQ.
 
THParent said:
Are you asking us to "be gentle" because your DS is applying, but for some reason it's you EMailing DoDMERB?

You write "everything turned in except CFA" which leads me to believe that "everything" includes his medical exam.
You then write "Shouldn't he have received something by now to get the medical process started?" which leads me to believe that he has NOT had his medical exam, because the "medical process" starts with filling out the medical questionnaire and scheduling the medical exam. If the DoDMERB status shows "under DoDMERB review" then that means that the "medical process" has indeed started.

Is your question only really about why it seems to be taking so long?
We would love to help - but there's just not enough information here - and most of it is conflicting.
Click to expand...

"Everything" meaning everything on the list of items (where 3 completed should start the DODMERB process). His SA application (essays, letters, transcripts, scores, teacher evals, -- the only missing check mark on the application portal is the CFA because it's scheduled for next week. He filled out the medical questionnaire but hasn't received anything via email or snail mail to get any actual exams started. He's been marked "candidate status" since mid august. His ALO conducted the interview already. Yes we are overseas, and knowing how slowly things here move, let alone getting anything uploaded had me wondering if he shouldn't have heard already. To answer your "why I emailed - he's in school and doesn't get home until 9:30. I didn't see it as "completeing his application for him" if that's what you mean? plus that was what was his advisor suggested when he emailed him over the weekend to ask.
 
...and I added "be gentle" because too many times on these sorts of forums, people feel the need to be snarky or rude to newbies; inferring things that they may have no knowledge of because they're behind a screen thousands of miles away.
 
rdhdstpchld said:
...and I added "be gentle" because too many times on these sorts of forums, people feel the need to be snarky or rude to newbies; inferring things that they may have no knowledge of because they're behind a screen thousands of miles away.
Click to expand...
Honestly, this forum is known to be gentle and kind until you take it too far. Even, when posters post the same question on 5 different threads, posters will kindly remind them that posting it 5 times won't get you an answer any faster.

The fact is you will just have to wait. You do not state when it went under review. Was it last week or last month? If it is the latter did you have it sent to your APO box or your physical address? If it is the physical address than it can take much longer time.

Is there a fear regarding the exam? Truth be known, unless something is unusual the exam and results will post with in a few weeks. Not having the exam complete will not hold him off from getting an LOA or Nom. In all likelihood even if he doesn't do his exam until Nov 1st., if the MoC doesn't submit their slate until Jan., he still can't get an apptmt, bc no nom = no appt. Plus, in truth, most will not be offered an appointment until March.

Just saying, if it was me I would want it done bc IF he is applying for ROTC scholarships those scholarships are starting to drop now. Having it done earlier makes the process easier bc you can have plan B in place while you wait for plan A's results. It takes the stress off knowing at least 1 path exists, especially when you live overseas.
 
rdhdstpchld said:
...and I added "be gentle" because too many times on these sorts of forums, people feel the need to be snarky or rude to newbies; inferring things that they may have no knowledge of because they're behind a screen thousands of miles away.
Click to expand...

@rdhdstpchld: The VAST majority of the members of this forum will treat you with the respect you have earned through courtesy, researched inquiries, appreciation for responses received and good forum conduct. People participate here to share their knowledge, experience and learnings from the application process through active duty in the military. They participate to help those who are new to the process and the military. They participate to give back for the help they received in the past. Welcome to the Forum.
 
Okay. Now that I know that he hasn't had his medical exam yet, the answer is that you just have to wait.
That's not very easy, I know. Believe me.
 
rdhdstpchld said:
...and I added "be gentle" because too many times on these sorts of forums, people feel the need to be snarky or rude to newbies; inferring things that they may have no knowledge of because they're behind a screen thousands of miles away.
Click to expand...

The site staff works hard to be watchful of "overzealous" responses. While a free flow of information is encouraged, there is very little leeway granted to those who initiate trouble on this forum.

It is always our goal to create a welcoming environment where new members like yourself will be encouraged to learn, participate and stay for a while.

Best wishes to your DS.
 
@rdhdstpchld, your headline reminded me of my DD’s I-Day, when her overwhelmed plebe self said to her squad leader: “I’m new here. Be gentle.” ;) (Actually, she didn’t say that because it wasn’t one of the five acceptable responses.)

The very few times I’ve seen people be “snarky” or “overzealous” here is when someone posts a question that could have been answered very easily by a quick look at a website. While this forum exists to enlighten and encourage — and very willingly so — I do know there’s a general bias toward self-sufficiency and personal initiative. In some cases, I liken it to tough love. Which, frankly, seems consistent with the military life. So not a bad thing.
 
I personally think the people on this forum are very gentle and kind and informative. But seriously do we need to get upset because she said to be gentle
 
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