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Around May, I was removed from my university's Army ROTC program because my medical waiver for Myopia was not approved. I have been told since then that I could have done more to get past this hump but it simply came down to leadership not really assisting me (was about a month and a half away from leaving for camp and they didn't seem concerned). I am currently at an internship at the Army Cyber Institute at West Point where I have had the great opportunity to work with some amazing people in the Special Operations community on some fascinating projects and while I have options presenting themselves upon graduation in the civilian community, I would like to continue to pursue a military career until all doors are completely shut to me. Who should I talk to, regardless of branch, to discuss commissioning opportunities as a student who is a year from graduation and has a cyber internship at USMA under their belt?
ROTC
Recruiter
Civilians
Posted 5 y ago
Responses: 8
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A few questions for consideration...
1. Were you on scholarship?
2. If you were on scholarship, was your removal an official disenrollment?
3. Have you considered talking to a lawyer? (Some retired JAGs have taken on ROTC cases)
4. What does your own ophthomologist say about your condition?
1. Were you on scholarship?
2. If you were on scholarship, was your removal an official disenrollment?
3. Have you considered talking to a lawyer? (Some retired JAGs have taken on ROTC cases)
4. What does your own ophthomologist say about your condition?
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Alec Roman
I was not on scholarship. I originally could not receive scholarship when I first enrolled because I had just gotten off of ADD medication at the time DoD policy was I believe 2 years. Once that was done I put in my contracting packet, only to find out that the packet was lost and I had to redo it. Took them forever to process and I was finally given the green light to do my physical. I knew my eyesight had always been pretty bad for a long time but was always assured that it was an easy waiver. When I got the word that my waiver was denied and asked what I could do next it was a simple "We appreciate your 3 years and wish you the best on whatever you pursue".
As far as my ophthalmologist, I got back my report and I believe it was -9.7 and if I'm not mistaken the limit is -8 diopters.
As far as my ophthalmologist, I got back my report and I believe it was -9.7 and if I'm not mistaken the limit is -8 diopters.
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LTC Eugene Chu
If I were you, I would apply for DOD civilian jobs or ask about Cyber direct commission after college graduation. Talk to a recruiter about details before you finish your degree because your previous health issues could still disqualify you for this alternate path for uniformed service.
https://www.goarmy.com/army-cyber/cyber-direct-commissioning-program.html
https://www.goarmy.com/army-cyber/cyber-direct-commissioning-program.html
Cyber Direct Commissioning Program
System admin, web developer, programmer. Put your civilian experience to work and become an officer in the Army through the Cyber Direct Commissioning Program.
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Well. Since you did not mention your university it’s hard to direct you to a specific cadet command headquarters. But there are about six of them each responsible for different areas of the country. For example 1st brigade is at Fort Knox. If you still want to pursue ROTC then make a trip to hour area headquarters and seek advice. But almost any recruiting station can give you advice on the various commissioning programs available to you. If your eyesight can not be corrected to meet ROTC standards there may still be an avenue to commissioning through OCS or Direct Commissioning if you have a particular skill set that the army needs. It’s like anything else in life, if you really want it there is usually a way to get there. Just start visiting recruiters and your congressman until you get the answer you want. There is almost always a waiver somewhere. You just have to find it. But you will probably have to do more work and visit more people to find the solution.
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I've been nearsighted all my life, and worn glasses since I was 7. With one exception, I was not prevented from serving or limited in the scope of that service. Before commissioning, I was informed that I could not remain in SF as an officer due to my eyes, but I could continue as an enlisted soldier. I opted to accept my commission in the RA as a Signal officer. That was in 1982. So, has there been a change in the Army's standard?
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