Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 5/14/2008

Question
Good evening Ma'am, my name is Ben, and I've been wanting to join the Marine Corps for some time now.  I've just finished my Sophomore year at Brandeis University, and I'm taking a year off to sort a few things out pertaining to the Corps.

I recently started my application process for PLC, but was denied before even getting to MEPS, because I knew that I had a cataract in my right eye, and checked it off on the Request for Med. Examination.

I provided documentation from a doctor who (apparently not definitively enough) said that my cataract was "insignificant" and "does not appear to pose a problem in the near future."  The latter of the two quotes being the issue with his diagnosis.  Ultimately I was DQ'd by Navy BUMED, being told that there was insufficient proof that my cataract is non-progressive/non-degenerative.

Here are my questions, if you would be so kind as to answer:

1. Do I stand a chance at getting into PLC with a more favorable diagnosis from another doctor- one who can definitively say that it is non-progressive?  I have had the cataract since birth, and my vision in that "bad" eye is 20/25... the other eye is 20/20.

2.  Would I be able to get a waiver if I have cataract surgery, or does the Navy/Corps disqualify for artificial lenses?

and finally...

3.  Are the standards any more relaxed for entering through the enlisted side as a reservist?  Meaning, could I enlist as a split-op reservist, and then request to be separated from my reserve unit, once back in school, after Boot Camp, in order to attend OCS the following summer?  I know it's riskier as far as achieving the ultimate goal as an Officer, but is it worth a shot?


Thanks very much in advance for any help that you can give me.

Sincerely,
        Ben

Answer
Dear Ben --

1.  The eyesight requirement for all branches of the service, whether officer or enlisted, is "correctable to 20/20 with glasses."  That poses a problem for you since, you cannot correct your cataract without surgery.  There is a slim possibility that you could get a waiver approved, if you could "prove" that the cataract is "non-progressive and non-degenerative."  You would also need to prove that with both eyes open you can see 20/20 especially at a distance.

2.  Currently artificial lenses are disqualifying, but again, you have a slim chance of getting a waiver approved for the artificial lens, but you would probably be better off trying for a waiver with your natural eyesight.

3.  The physical standards are not more relaxed for an enlisted reservist.  The standards for ASVAB performance and scholastic ability are more relaxed for enlisted in general, except for a few key military occupational specialties.  But scholastic ability does not appear to be a concern in your case.

I caution against trying to "get out of" any contract you sign with the reserves.  I do not recommend going enlisted, if you plan to request a release from your contract to attend OCS.  Once you are enlisted, you must apply for OCS through your chain of command, not through a recruiting center.  Your unit is under no obligation to release you.

Finally, I would look into the ROTC programs in the greater Boston area, and see if you can join one as a non-scholarship candidate.  If Brandeis does not have a program, you could take the program at MIT or the program at Northeastern.  If you enter a Navy ROTC program, you can declare as a Marine candidate, and get your commission when your graduate from Brandeis.  If you choose Army ROTC, you could still request an interservice transfer prior to commissioning to get your commission in the Marine Corps.  Further, ROTC will allow you to prove your value to the Corps prior to needing the physical waiver for your cataract.  This will make approval of the waiver more likely.

I wish you the best of luck.