Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 3/5/2008

Question
My boyfriend has enlisted in the Coast Guard. In his second week of bootcamp, he ended up breaking his wrist in two spots. He just had his surgery on Feb. 28th. The doctors say it will be at least 6 weeks for the bones to heal, maybe a little longer. Does this mean he will get a medical discharge? He had heard that if you are in the ward for 4-5 weeks that you get an automatic discharge. Is this true. Please someone answer this who has been enlisted or has gone through something similar. Even if he does get dicharged, will be able to join again?

Answer
Dear Stephanie --

If his wrist will heal well enough for him to continue his training, he will likely remain in service.  If it doesn't heal, he will get a medical discharge.  If he gets a medical discharge, he will not be able to re-enlist.

He should not have to be on the medical ward while his wrist is healing.  He should be assigned to a unit where he does light clerical work while he heals.  If the medical holding unit is not offering him this option, he should ask for it.

Good luck to him.