Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 8/9/2011

Question
I was an enlisted 3C2 in the Air Force for 2 years, and was honorably discharged with a JFM 2Q for a back problem.  I receive a 10% VA benefit.  Everything I have read indicates that the Air Force will not even consider a person with this code.  However, I know there are individuals who are allowed to continue serving today with problems far greater than mine, which has improved to the point it is not interfering with my life.

I am interested in becoming a medical officer, but do not know where to even start the process, or whether, given my reenlistment code, it's a mute point.  Any information is greatly appreciated--I have spent the better part of a week trying to find answers on my own, to no avail.

Answer
Tracy,
That's a real risk.  To try and re-join the AF you must first cancel your VA disability payment, because you're saying you're OK now.  Then if for some reason the AF won't take you, you can't get back on VA disability.  I know a 10% payment isn't much, but it's for the rest of your life.  If you can do without that, then go see a recruiter.  If he thinks you have a chance, then it may be worth the risk.

Your best bet will be in October when the new quotas come out.
If you liked being a comm-computer guy then they'll probably put you back in that field and send you to school to be current.  If you don't want to be a 3C then you'll have to start all over.

Either way you'll probably only lose one stripe and you will NOT have to go through Basic again.

Thanks for your past service and good luck.
Colonel H