Expert: Matt - 10/22/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hey Matt,

I am 24 yrs old with a Bachelors degree in Industrial Engineering.  I have always had an interest in becoming a Marine, but only recently decided to actually pursue it.  My question is regarding my shoulder.  I have dislocated it several times in the past, and am considering surgery.  I just completed eight weeks of physical therapy which helped really stabilize the joint.  I know that I could surpass the initial physical requirements for getting into OCS, but if I dislocate it during training I will be limited in activity for a least a day.  If I get surgery to tighten the joint, my surgeon says that I have a good chance of not dislocating it ever again.  My question is how does MEPS view a surgically repaired shoulder as opposed to a slightly unstable shoulder?  I assume I'll need a waiver for either, but is one better than the other or is one a non-waiverable case?

Thanks for your help!


ANSWER: The surgery would create a headache and the need for a waiver whereas the current situation would not. I had a friend who has similar surgery and it was a process for him to get into OCS. Unforunate, but true. However, even with that said, if your shoulder is just kinda unstable and you can do everything without worrying about it, then forgo the surgery. Yet if it pops out often, then the surgery is a must...not only for your career but your overall health. Above all else, take care of yourself. My advice would be to honestly assess your shoulder. Can you do pullups, can you climb a rope, can you do pushups, can you hold things straight up over your head, do you have full range of motion and if you dislocate it is it just a subluxation or does it fully dislocate requiring it to be popped back in and if so, are you painfree the next day? These are all questions that you need to answer for yourself, because these all factor into the physical demands of OCS. It is extremely rigorous and fast paced. If you cant answer all of these questions with a 'yes', then consider the surgery. Before making any final decisions talk to your local oso (officer selection officer) by going to www.marineofficer.com   Best of luck.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hey Matt,

Thanks for your response.  I was under the impression that shoulder instability was a automatic medical DQ.  I can honestly answer yes to each of those questions that you asked above.  The shoulder has only really come out while I've been playing basketball and overextended on a block or rebound.  I'm confident that I could get through OCS without any problems.  My worry is that MEPS will not see it the same way.  In my mind, if I get surgery and fix the problem, that would be better than having any lingering issues.  Why would I not need a waiver for the current situation?

Answer
You wouldnt need a waiver for your current situation if you dont mention it to your recruiter. It is taking a chance, but if you truly believe you can make it through OCS then I wouldnt mention it. Surgery would be good of course, but if  you are looking to get into the OCS program right away then Im telling you surgery will only delay this process. Its up to you to gauge your situation ultimately.