Hello ladies and gentlemen. This post deals with the same issue I've previously posted in the PLC section forum about a week ago. I'm a freshman in college and it's become my goal to receive a commission in the marine corps. I've been debating between PLC or NROTC next semester. The issue remains the same: three years ago while playing basketball I had a bankhart lesion which required shoulder surgery. My shoulder never dislocated, the doctor performed an arthroscopic surgery and left some anchors in there. I've talked to a marine recruiter and I seemed in all other aspects qualified (for PLC). The fitness standards remain the same regardless of the commissioning source but the waiver authority changes. I have a doctor's note saying I am qualified for military duty and have full range of motion, I have no problem doing pull ups. I'm a bit worried, I talked to an ex meps doctor who said I'd never see a day of military service since they tightened up the standard (due to shoulder injuries), especially since the military is shrinking in size. Other current marines said I shouldn't worry. Everyone's situation is different, do cadets usually receive shoulder waivers in NROTC? Am I better off trying another branch who might waive this particular injury? Is shoulder instability corrected by surgery an automatic DQ with near zero chance of waiver?
