NROTC Questions re NSI

[Mom_SZ]

DD was notified about a month ago that she was awarded scholarship to 1st choice school, where she was already accepted via Early Decision; everything seemed on track.
A couple weeks ago we sent NSI packet to Great Lakes; certified mail tracking indicated it was received.
But there have been no emails, no portal updates, and no contact from Battalion about scheduling NSI. Also nothing anywhere about proceeding with DoDMerb/DoDMets.

1. At this point, is it usual to hear nothing about NSI? If not, what is next step for DD?

2. Is it usual to receive nothing about DoDMerb at this point? If not, what is next step for DD?

3. In connection to DoDMerb and NROTC, we can find no definitive info re. post-orthodontia retainer use: DD is done with orthodontic treatment but will require one of these options for many years-- (A) Permanent wire behind lower teeth with plastic night-time retainer for upper teeth; (B) Plastic night-time retainers for both lower & upper teeth; (C) Permanent wire behind lower & upper teeth.
We read somewhere that a candidate's plastic retainer was thrown out as "contraband" when arriving at NSI. But DD's orthodontist says he has heard the military requires the removal of permanent wires and the use of night-time plastic retainers.
What long-term retainers are allowed/required by DoDMerb/NROTC for NSI, for NROTC, and for deployment?

 

[GWU PNS]

For NSI, it would be best to reach out to the unit for advice. Their HR person can also advise on process for DODMERB. It starts with creation of a DODMETS account.

As for the orthodontics, I wish Mr. Mullen were still here as he would be the best one to speak with.

 

[JohnMcLane]

My DS got MO NROTC 4yr in early December. Submitted NSI packet several weeks ago but haven't heard back yet. DODMERB was active shortly after scholarship notification. Was DQ'd on DODMERB a couple weeks ago (about 4 weeks after DODMERB exam). Submitted AMI today. Think the waiver will be easy and just a formality. My advice to you is to relax and just work through the process (I say hypocrytically because so far it still feels like torture through every step). Feeling anxious puts you in with the vast majority. Enjoy the victories before you worry about the next step!

 

[Herman_Snerd]

DD was notified about a month ago that she was awarded scholarship to 1st choice school, where she was already accepted via Early Decision; everything seemed on track.
A couple weeks ago we sent NSI packet to Great Lakes; certified mail tracking indicated it was received.
But there have been no emails, no portal updates, and no contact from Battalion about scheduling NSI. Also nothing anywhere about proceeding with DoDMerb/DoDMets.

1. At this point, is it usual to hear nothing about NSI? If not, what is next step for DD?

2. Is it usual to receive nothing about DoDMerb at this point? If not, what is next step for DD?

3. In connection to DoDMerb and NROTC, we can find no definitive info re. post-orthodontia retainer use: DD is done with orthodontic treatment but will require one of these options for many years-- (A) Permanent wire behind lower teeth with plastic night-time retainer for upper teeth; (B) Plastic night-time retainers for both lower & upper teeth; (C) Permanent wire behind lower & upper teeth.
We read somewhere that a candidate's plastic retainer was thrown out as "contraband" when arriving at NSI. But DD's orthodontist says he has heard the military requires the removal of permanent wires and the use of night-time plastic retainers.
What long-term retainers are allowed/required by DoDMerb/NROTC for NSI, for NROTC, and for deployment?

The DODMERB documentation includes an Orthodontia Questionnaire that seems pretty cut and dry - take a look. This is only filled in if requested. Reading your note I think you just have questions, haven't yet been asked to fill one of these out? Note the distinction of requirements that differ between academy vs ROTC paths. Note that expressly says retainers are permissible as long as active treatment has been completed.

Overall DODMERB will qualify or DQ a candidate pending more info or DQ flat-out. NSI has it's standards too including the very important sickle cell test - just ensure what you sent is complete for NSI. The main thing is just making sure (she) is deemed medically qualified. Did your DD receive the email to self-schedule the DODMERB physical and vision exams? Are those complete? Check your spam folder if you didn't notice it come in or follow-up as needed.

I don't recall an active update or notification that DODMERB exams were complete when my DS applied to Army, Navy, Air Force four years ago. - I believe for each service the candidate/ scholarship winner had a portal and that portal was updated to reflect that the vision/ overall exams were complete and candidate was qualified. I would check the portal(s) for confirmation of your DODMERB exam result status. The DODMETS account once logged in may also state the result - I would use these portals as your primary source of status. Others can correct me if I am misstating.

Your DD's next steps are to remain physically fit, finish out HS, and be physically/ mentally resolved to get through NSI this summer. Run, Forrest, Run. You can search the board for typical packing lists, and stay tuned for orders which may not come until days before NSI (varies). Also, ya know, finish HS while maintaining standards, all that.

No, it's not unusual to not hear anything about NSI - university cadre are busy getting their graduating 1/cs ready, orders coordinated - for some units that's more than 50 commissioning members, and ensuring candidates have met all standards etc. It's a lot I imagine. Just hang in there and know the orders may come with little advanced notice. If you have specific questions please post them and others who went or fellow parents may be able to assist.

This year the DODMERB team is working through challenges so responses may be delayed - agree with post above to check in with your unit for next steps guidance. Congrats on earning the national scholarship - thanks for your DD's willingness and resolve to serve. Good luck.

 

[sfgiant]

DD was notified about a month ago that she was awarded scholarship to 1st choice school, where she was already accepted via Early Decision; everything seemed on track.
A couple weeks ago we sent NSI packet to Great Lakes; certified mail tracking indicated it was received.
But there have been no emails, no portal updates, and no contact from Battalion about scheduling NSI. Also nothing anywhere about proceeding with DoDMerb/DoDMets.

1. At this point, is it usual to hear nothing about NSI? If not, what is next step for DD?

2. Is it usual to receive nothing about DoDMerb at this point? If not, what is next step for DD?

3. In connection to DoDMerb and NROTC, we can find no definitive info re. post-orthodontia retainer use: DD is done with orthodontic treatment but will require one of these options for many years-- (A) Permanent wire behind lower teeth with plastic night-time retainer for upper teeth; (B) Plastic night-time retainers for both lower & upper teeth; (C) Permanent wire behind lower & upper teeth.
We read somewhere that a candidate's plastic retainer was thrown out as "contraband" when arriving at NSI. But DD's orthodontist says he has heard the military requires the removal of permanent wires and the use of night-time plastic retainers.
What long-term retainers are allowed/required by DoDMerb/NROTC for NSI, for NROTC, and for deployment?

So I can only share my son experience. He was notified on 2/6 that he had received the NROTC scholarship from alternate status. After about a week we went to DODMETS and started the process of booking medical and vision appointments. He conducted those on 2/21 and mailed his NSI paperwork that same week. On 3/7 he was notified by DODMERB that he was physically qualified for his NROTC scholarship and on 3/15 he was assigned to NSI for the second period. That is our experience and hope it helps you answer any questions you might have.

He had orthodontics but indicated that he was complete with his treatment. He wears plastic retainers at night. NO AMI was requested and he was found physically qualified by DODMERB.