Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/Surgery

Advertisement

Expert: - 10/10/2006


Question
I am 18 years old and currently in my freshman year at a junior college, as of right now I am recieving a 3.84 and am taking 17 units. I am looking into joining the ROTC when I go to college in two years and I was wondering about physical limitations. I have had three knee surgeries in the last four years, my most recent was August '06. Two of the surgeries were ACL repairs and the last one was a cleaning of scar tissue. I know this sounds bad, and that I will probably continue to have knee problems in the future, but i have only been reinjuring my knee from playing soccer 2 months after surgery (I was advised to wait 9 months), this time I am adhering to the doctors ordres and giving my knee time to heal. My surgeon can testify that my ACL is extremely strong and that the only recent problem I had with my knee has been fixed completely. I was wondering if you think it is possible for me to get a waiver with three surgeries, or is it too much of a risk for the military to accept me?

Answer
Greetings Hannah -

Although my area of expertise is enlisted aircrew operations, I am no expert on the intricacies of the medical waiver process.  I would suggest you contact a recruiter who specializes in officer careers and have them look into the medical regulations and quote you chapter and verse on what the requirements and limitations are.  I would hesitate to give you any information that might be incorrect or incomplete.

You can also visit the Air Force website at ...
http://www.airforce.com/careers/officer/index.php

They have a link on the right side of the page where you can CHAT WITH AN ADVISOR.  It will specify the times available, but you could chat in real-time with an advisor that has access to the references to get you a good answer.

Good luck on your quest.  I hope you get to realize your dreams.

Sincerely,
James Bell

Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

James Bell

Expertise

I am a retired MSgt (2004) with 24 years experience in the aircrew career field, both as a loadmaster (AFSC 1A2x1) and flight engineer (AFSC 1A1x1). I have been to every continent at one time or another, and regularly flew 300 to 500 hours a year. I have been involved in the operations in Grenada, Panama, Kosovo, Afghanistan and Iraq. I can answer most questions you may have about enlisted Air Force life in general, assignments, benefits, and enlisted aircrew operations. NOTE: If you have specific recruiting and/or medical questions about how to get into this career field as a civilian, they have changed since my time, so that is best answered by a recruiter or MEPS. I can answer questions about military personnel wanting to RETRAIN. If you are asking about being an Air Force pilot, please be advised my area of expertise is ENLISTED aircrew operations, NOT OFFICERS.

Experience

Loadmaster (AFSC 1A2x1): 7 years - 2,000 hours - C-5A Galaxy cargo plane. Flight Engineer (AFSC 1A1x1C): 7 years - 2,500 hours - C-141B Starlifter cargo plane, 10 years - 3,800 hours - KC-10A Extender aerial tanker. Served as aircrew Flight Instructor, Flight Evaluator and Training Manager

Education/Credentials
Aircraft Loadmaster Initial Qualification - 1980. Mission Qualification (C-5A) - 1981. Fixed Wing Aircraft Performance Course - 1987. Initial Flight Engineer Qualification (C-141B) - 1987. Mission Qualification (KC-10A) - 1988. KC-10 Initial Qualification Course - 1994. Mission Qualification (KC-10A) - 1995. Instructor Qualficiation (KC-10A) - 1997. Evaluator Qualification (KC-10A) - 2000.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.