Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 8/16/2009

Question
Please forgive me if you have seen this same question multiple times.  I was enlisted in USMC for nearly 2 years, and received an honorable discharge due to medical disability (knee).  My sep. code is JFL1, and reentry code is 3P.  Since separation, I have had the knee reconstructed (there are screws in my knee) and earned a bachelors and masters degree.  Not that it says a lot, but, at 34 years old, I have maintained a level of fitness suitable for achieving a 2nd class USMC PFT.  Would I be able to qualify for a commission in the Air Force reserve?  How difficult is it to obtain the proper waivers?  Thank you for your time.

Answer
Nathan,
This is a tough one that could go either way.

As I'm sure your already aware of, a Separation Code of  JFL1 means exactly -"Physical disability with severance pay."   A Re-Entry Code of RE-3P means exactly - "Physical disability (includes discharge and transfer to TDRL).  Disqualified for officer candidate training."

Individuals with a USMC RE Code of 3 can normally reenlist in the USMC or another Service, but usually require a waiver to be processed.

A direct quote from the medical regs says: " The causes for rejection for appointment, enlistment, and induction are:  1)  Joint replacement.  2)  Surgical correction of any knee ligaments if symptomatic or unstable.  3)  Orthopedic hardware, including plates, pins, rods, wires, or screws used for fixation and left in place; except that a pin, wire, or screw not subject to easy trauma is not disqualifying.

As you can see, the very last sentence seems to give you an exception to the rule.  If you can convince the doctors at MEPS that it's not causing any problems and it's "not subject to easy trauma" then you've definitely got a chance.

Unfortunately it's your age that may keep you out.  Here's a list of what you qualify for.

Air Force Reserve 34
Air National Guard 34
Navy 34
Army National Guard 35  (changed from 42 in 2009)
Naval Reserves 39
Coast Guard Reserves 39
Army 42
Army Reserves 42

Also working against you is the fact that OTS candidates are required to be commissioned before age 35.  Waivers are available for Prior Service candidates.

Normally a waiver is not too difficult to obtain, but in your case you need 2 waivers, one medical and one for age.  That also may present a problem.

You need to RUN not WALK on your new knee down to your AF Reserves recruiter quickly while you may still be eligible.

Because you are prior service, you'll be considered a re-enlistment and not a new recruit.  The recruiters are given a small separate quota for "re-enlistments" so your recruiter may already be max'ed out for 2009.  If so, ask him if you can come back on 1 October when the new quotas are released for 2010.

I appreciate your wanting to rejoin the military and I wish you all the best luck,
Colonel H