Posted on Jun 23, 2015
SSG Sr Security Analyst
42.1K
10
4
1
1
0
728d411b
I hate to be selfish and use my own experience with this but I only have details with my own situation.
I've been applying to become a Warrant Officer for the last four years now. Why have I not succeeded? Because five years ago I was diagnosed with Insulin Resistance, an uncommon form of Type II diabetes. My condition is managed purely through oral medication. No needles, no insulin, no special facilities needed. However, according AR 40-501 paragraph 2-8, any condition of diabetes or any history of, disqualifies you from service or appointment.
I've been Medboarded twice and retained for service both times with NO limitations. That means, according to regulation, I must maintain a P3 profile even though there are NO limitations. I can ruck, run, PT test, deploy, everything. But, because of that profile, I will never be able to advance my career beyond the enlisted field. I understand that Officer's and Warrant Officer's must meet stricter standards due to their leadership responsibilities but I can out PT most Warrants and Officers right now. My condition clearly does not affect my ability to perform yet HRC and Warrant Recruiting disagree. They simply cite the regulation is what it is and there's no way around it. So I want to pose a few questions RP. Help me understand this because I have met failure time and again to waiver and appeal around this issue.

-Why is it I can continue to serve as a top technician but cannot continue to do so as a Warrant Officer? I've got rec letters from two CW4's backing up my technical abilities.
-Does this regulation need to be amended to include exceptions?
-What is the intent of these types of rules and regulations?
-Finally, should there be additional avenues to submit for positions and appointments? HRC and the branches seem to hold a lot of power in this regard.
Edited 9 y ago
Avatar feed
Responses: 3
CW3 Senior Army Instructor Jrotc
2
2
0
P3 don't stop you it just means the G3 has to approve your waiver. Start there
(2)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
LTC Jason Mackay
2
2
0
The primary obstacle is the thing you mention in passing: commissions and warrant appointments are subject to Chapter 2 of AR40-501, does that para you cite say it is waivable? Some clearly state no waiver. Others may be waived based on other evidence. Retention requirements are Chapter 3, which likely allows you to continue service because of its manageability. I share your burden with a similar condition, having been diagnosed after I retired.

Chapter 2 trips up prior service folks a lot. Some things are waiverable. Some aren't.
(2)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
CW4 Brigade Maintenance Technician
1
1
0
I'm sorry that you haven't been selected. In all honestly I don't Understand why you couldn't be granted a waiver based off of all the requirements that you meet. I know selections for certain commissions and special assignments are very strict when it comes to certain medical conditions.
(1)
Comment
(0)
CW2 Christopher Esparza
CW2 Christopher Esparza
8 y
The problem is he will not be admitted at WOC. No profiles period. Even though he can take and pass the PT test it's the profile that's the kicker. the only waiver is combat injury.
(2)
Reply
(0)
Avatar small

Join nearly 2 million former and current members of the US military, just like you.

close