My son was is an NROTC recipient. He has been cleared for NSI this summer. Two weeks ago he suffered a dislocated shoulder in a rugby match. After follow-up with the ortho and an MRI, he has an anterior torn labrum. He's scheduled for surgery this coming Monday. That gives him exactly 10-weeks post-op recovery, with physical therapy beginning 3-weeks post-op. We've reviewed the NSI curriculum and requirements. Without knowing how he'll recover or what his physical strength will be in 10 weeks, he'd be able to pass 60% of the requirements. Can we seek a medical waiver for this and he'd be able to maintain his scholarship and complete the other more physical requirements when he's healthier and stronger? His surgeon recommends a he not push his recovery, especially to the NSI level. Your guidance is appreciated!
If you experience a change in your medical status (such as a new illness, injury, medication, or surgery), between the time of your DoDMERB physical examination and the time of reporting to your ROTC unit, you must alert DoDMERB of this change at 1-800-841-2706 or via email at
usaf.usafa.dodmerb.mbx.helpdesk@mail.mil. Alt contact from DODMETS, if you have any questions, please feel free to call CIV Team at (215) 587-9600 or
email CIV Team Staff at info@civteam.com
Please contact them directly to confirm your options. If you're seeking an spit-in-the-wind, unofficial opinion/ somewhat educated guess then read on.
Your DS must pass DODMERB physicals/ meet standards to participate in ROTC and activate the scholarship. He does not meet those standards at present. Until he does, he will not activate/ receive the scholarship, and he will not participate in NSI. At NSI, when injuries occur, most of them are sent home that day - maybe a couple stay if they were overheated/ cleared at the hospital, but something like a labrum tear - no, not watching from the sidelines. He's not ready.
Once you report your new surgery, I believe there will be a waiver review/ re-evalation of your status, and that your status will change from approved to DQ'd and perhaps a waiver will be requested. I believe you will not be approved to participate until your recovery is complete and validated. DODMERB is like a big cruise ship - typically doesn't turn swiftly- You should speak to DODMERB/ DODMETS experts directly and confirm your options. Some surgeries have a window of time that has to pass until you can qualify again.
In terms of reporting to NSI, honestly - play the long game here - don't push against medical advice. Best guess - your DS is simply not going to be healed and will not be attending NSI this summer. You should work with your surgeon and team to confirm IF they will be ready for rigorous activity in the Fall, or whether you might need to wait until the Spring to participate actively.
I'm the parent of a DD athlete who underwent Labrum surgery recently. Agree with post above - full recovery has several months. It's not a miniscus surgery that you're good as new a few weeks after an arthroscope procedure. It's a long haul. It would be foolish to push your recovery to try to be active in 10 weeks.
To my knowledge you'll get a waiver if you meet standards and can participate fully. I don't think they'll give you a pass to only participate in some areas. I don't think they'll activate the scholarship until this is resolved. I'm not even sure whether he'll need to reapply after a specific window of time or not - but again, I implore you to talk with DODMETS (and your unit) directly as I'm just a Dad trying to help, not an expert.
Good luck to you and your son. For other readers - this is a great post to read about risks of sports vs bubble wrapping thyself.
