Expert: Aaron Shifferly - 1/17/2011

Question
My son is currently in basic training and about to be discharged with a chapter 517 medical.  His brake did not work repelling Victory Tower, and he hit so hard he received eight stress fractures.  His DS is telling him to take the 517 because it will be easier for him to return in about a year to try again.  Is this correct?

Answer
It could be, depending on how he heals.  Honestly, he gets little choice in the chapter process as it is his doctor and command that will decide if he can stay or not.  Should he exit the military, it would be up to him to seek treatment, and rehabilitate himself in order to potentially rejoin the military.  His re-entry would be subject to a doctor's examination at MEPS again.  There are, unfortunately, no guarantees.. especially in an Army that is cutting 47,000 jobs over the next 4 years.