Any recommendations for someone with Myopia?

Alec Roman — Fri, 19 Jul 2019 14:58:22 -0400

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?

Response by LTC Eugene Chu made Jul 19 at 2019 3:19 PM

LTC Eugene Chu — Fri, 19 Jul 2019 15:19:38 -0400

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?

Response by MAJ Ron Peery made Jul 19 at 2019 3:33 PM

MAJ Ron Peery — Fri, 19 Jul 2019 15:33:05 -0400

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?

Response by COL Gary Gresh made Jul 19 at 2019 3:57 PM

COL Gary Gresh — Fri, 19 Jul 2019 15:57:56 -0400

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.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Jul 19 at 2019 3:59 PM

CAPT Kevin B. — Fri, 19 Jul 2019 15:59:11 -0400

While you are checking, consider some of the implants out there. One lays over your existing lens. The question then becomes if this is a permanent fix, do I still need a waiver? Regular IOLs can correct to -20 so you have plenty of headroom. However, you lose ability to focus near and will need progressives. Multifocal IOLs work somewhat, but interesting enough, are not known to work well with Type A personalities. Long backstory there based on personal experience. Whatever answers you get, make sure they are in writing by qualified medical professionals in that specialty. Having MEPS type Shrinks making Ortho or other determinations is Government sponsored malpractice.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Jul 19 at 2019 4:02 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Fri, 19 Jul 2019 16:02:14 -0400

1. So you have several problems facing you. It is not problem of the the CoC of the ROTC to try to fix you- you either meet the requirement or you don't. Your health is not their nor anyone else's problem. 2. I seriously doubt any lawyer will the the standards changed before you are too old to commission. 3. Have you talked to the doctors to see if this is correctable or can be adjusted to the standard? If so then get it done or stay out. 4. Have you looked into appealing the decision to the higher HQ?

Response by MAJ Charles Cozzens made Jul 19 at 2019 11:33 PM

MAJ Charles Cozzens — Fri, 19 Jul 2019 23:33:00 -0400

I will be direct. How bad do you want to serve your country? If the burning desire is there you will find a way. Consider enlisting in the reserve components and look for another way in the system. Speak to a field grade officer that is in the recruiting command and have every scrap of documentation that reflects your accomplishments and valued you would have to the US Army and why you have such a burning desire to wear green. Supporting documentation and a letter from an active duty officer(an O-6 would be nice).Your skill set seems like it would be valuable (cyber) . As an American fighting man, tell me about your PT scores, marksmanship, how to write Op orders, basic soldier skills, and what you would contribute if you could not get the branch you wanted. Many officers like combat arms. Why you want to make a difference? I have been out a long time but my family has had service to the country since the French and Indian war and I could not imagine not serving my country. When your are an old man you will have to ask yourself one day did I do my duty ? Did I do my part to contribute? A man by the name of Lee said "Do your duty no more no less". BE twice the citizen and set an example for you grandson one day.
Sedat Fortuna Peratis.

Response by COL Jon Thompson made Jul 20 at 2019 12:53 AM

COL Jon Thompson — Sat, 20 Jul 2019 00:53:43 -0400

ROTC programs do not approve or disapprove medical waivers. Those are done after review by the Cadet Command surgeon by either a Brigade Commander or Cadet Command CG. In my experience, they will be on the side of the cadet as much as possible. ARCYBER is now taking direct commissions so my recommendation to you is to look at that on goarmy.com and reach out to the POC.

Response by CPT Brad Wilson made Jul 20 at 2019 11:09 AM

CPT Brad Wilson — Sat, 20 Jul 2019 11:09:50 -0400

How bad are your eyes I was -4.5 in one eye and -5.5 in the other and the E at the top of the eye chart was a big black dot and I had no problem enlisting or commissioning The only branch I was blocked from was Aviation With a Cyber Security background it seems you would be in demand The Field Artillery is starting to teach manual gunnery again because they expect to lose computer networks in the next fight