About Eric Shangle Expertise I am able to answer any questions you have concerning the United States Naval Academy
(USNA). I graduated from USNA and have served as an officer in the US Navy. My experience
at the academy, as a student-athlete, and as a naval officer will help me answer your
questions.
Experience
Graduate of the Naval Academy.
Education/Credentials B.S. Ocean Engineering, US Naval Academy, 1997
M.A. Human Relations, University of Oklahoma, 2002
MBA, Naval Postgraduate School, 2005
Expert: Eric Shangle Date: 3/19/2008 Subject: Medical Waiver
Question Hey, I just want to first say thanks for your help in the past, you really were able to clear up some questions about the very confusing admissions process. It was a doozy, but at least I understood what it all meant. Thanks.
Now my question. About a couple of weeks ago, I got a letter that guaranteed my appointment. I already had the nomination, checkup up on physical and completed my fitness test. I had finished everything. But I also found out I need to get a waiver to get in.
My medical problem is a little personal, but I can say that it doesn't really hamper my physical abilities at all. Anyway, what I am asking is do you have any idea when I will hear if I get the waiver? I have been waiting a while and haven't heard anything. How does the "guarantee" come into play here?
Thanks for all the help, I appreciate everything!
~ Matt
Answer Matt,
Don't worry. Many mids have medical waivers. It's actually a compliment you received an appointment with a waiver pending. That means that the admissions board REALLY liked you. Sometimes waivers can be for being color blind, knee problems, sinusitis, etc. This just means that you may not be able to go into an Unrestricted Line (URL) billet upon graduation. Don't let that stop your pursuit though. URL means Surface Warfare (ships), Submarine Warfare, Aviation Warfare, etc. There are many Restricted Line (RL) billets that are great too. The Supply Corps (think business man), METOC (meteorology/oceanography), and Intelligence are all RL. I was a METOC officer. Originally I was in the submarine community but was able to transfer. I was still able to go out to sea, get my warfare qualifications, and do what a URL officer would do. I just had a job that was a bit more fun. I also had more time on shore duty...which I liked.
Don't worry about the waiver. It will work out.
As for when you will hear about the waiver, I don't know. It depends on where it was sent. Typically it will go to the DODMERB (DoD Medical Examination and Review Board). This can take a while. They will review your case though. It's a pretty standard process. They just need to go through the steps to minimize the risk of hurting you if something were to happen.
