Swab summer medical

[ser4567]

Curious what medical testing is done during swab summer? I’ve heard some academies collect blood samples. Does CGA?
What about vision testing? I read there is additional color blind testing. Do they also dilate eyes? Any other testing?

 

[ProudMom7]

They definitely do color blind testing even though that is also in the DODMERB vision exam. Someone was sent home this past summer because they couldn't pass the color blind test.

 

[Haveaniceday]

There is an intake general physical including vision (including color) and hearing exam. There is a core-wide initial drug test then random thereafter monthly. They have also done base line concussion testing since so many participate in sports, they can better measure recovery if they get concussed during sports, when they have an initial baseline to compare. Basically, a MD sees every cadet in the first week or so. Once they are cleared medically, the cadre can begin with the physical training.

Also, you have to meet height and weight standards.

 

[ProudMom7]

I asked my daughter since she was a cadre last year. She didn't remember specifically what was in the general "medical screening", but she said all swabs had a dental exam, a TB test, and an EKG screening.

 

[FriendlyPerspective]

Blood tests are included. As far as vision tests go, they conduct the color blindness test, your typical eye doctor vision test, and the air puff test if I remember correctly. The only time eyes were dilated for an eye exam were for flight physicals for those interested in flight school. Around October/November of 1/c year, each cadet will go through their. commissioning physical.

 

[ser4567]

Blood tests are included. As far as vision tests go, they conduct the color blindness test, your typical eye doctor vision test, and the air puff test if I remember correctly. The only time eyes were dilated for an eye exam were for flight physicals for those interested in flight school. Around October/November of 1/c year, each cadet will go through their. commissioning physical.

Thanks for the info. Do all cadets go through the same pre-commissioning physicals and then based on their results they can find out what their commissioning options are?

 

[FriendlyPerspective]

Thanks for the info. Do all cadets go through the same pre-commissioning physicals and then based on their results they can find out what their commissioning options are?

All cadets go through the same commissioning physical unless they are applying for flight school. If there is anything in a remedial status, the clinic will contact you to retest if required. The expectation is that all cadets should assume they are fit for full duty on a cutter. I believe there might have been 1 or 2 people who could not go on a cutter my year, but one was competitive enough to go to a sector and the other was moved (rare exception). Although those are rare occurrences as most cadets are fit for full duty. I personally avoided sports like Rugby so that I did not have any major injuries. It always stressed me out to see injured classmates 1/c year. There are always a few cadets every year graduating later in the winter due to medical not being cleared. Try not to be one of them!