Is it possible to get a commission as an AF officer in the Reserves after being medically retired with an honorable discharge and a 2Q code?

2022-07-11T01:24:58-04:00

So I was honorably discharged from the Air Force with a 2Q reinlistment code which means I was medically retired due to my back. I'm going back to school and looking to become an officer in the Air Force reserves. My back issues are well managed now thanks to my spinal stimulator I got implanted so that negates the back issue for the most part. My question is would I even be able to serve in the reserves with a 2q code? I know I would probably need an waiver and would it even be worth it to try and go through the process?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 11 at 2022 1:37 AM

2022-07-11T01:37:08-04:00

In my honest opinion, they will reevaluate you as if you were a new recruit and you will be prevented from being commissioned by regulation.

I remember going from specialist to E6 officer candidate and they sure put me through the complete medical screening including a finger wave even though it wasn't required for someone of my age. I'm sure others here will concur.

I'm sure you could get a job as a DOD civilian. You could work at an Air Force Base and you will probably get credit for being partially disabled. I honestly don't know. Also, even though I was in the military already, I broke my ankle and I couldn't go to Airborne school because I cannot have plates and screws in my ankle. I was in a civil affairs unit that was airborne and I couldn't stay there for more than a year because of not being able to jump. Prior to breaking my ankle in afghanistan, I was on the top of the order of Merit list for going to airborne school. Even though I could still run the same and I had no profile at all, I could not go to Airborne School. I still maintain my 10% disability to this day.

Let me see if I could get a few agrs here to pipe in who may have more knowledge.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 11 at 2022 2:16 AM

2022-07-11T02:16:37-04:00

Once you retire you can never come back to active duty unless recalled.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 11 at 2022 8:38 AM

2022-07-11T08:38:02-04:00

I highly doubt it. Let's face it, AF don't rightly like to take prior service of other branches that have no medical issues. But, the people you really need to ask is am AF Officer recruiter

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 11 at 2022 8:49 AM

2022-07-11T08:49:07-04:00

Mostly likely you would not be able to be commissioned as an officer since you were medically retired as an enlisted member. Anyone trying to receive a commission has to go through the same medical process whether they are prior enlisted or have no prior service. If your back issues would prevent someone from joining the military you are not going to be given the opportunity for a commission. The reserves have the same medical requirements as a new accession, which is what you would be considered since you are trying to receive a commission, as active duty does. You can always try for a waiver. I would recommend talking to a reserve recruiter to see if that is even possible. They would have a better idea on what the likelyhood of one being approved.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Jul 13 at 2022 9:45 AM

2022-07-13T09:45:24-04:00

You were medically retired due to a back issue? Meaning your back issue has at least 30% disability rating. In addition to any other disability ratings you may have accrued along the way. I have some serious doubts that they would entertain an application but I would leave that conversation up to the recruiters to verify everything. They are the gate keepers and have the most reliable information in regards to such things. Unless you have extensive documentation verifying that some sort of medical intervention has fixed all of your ailments I would suggest against going this route but again the Recruiters will be the most trustworthy source of information. There is the old saying that "there is a waiver for everything" that creates hope in these situations but having been medboarded and medically retired myself I would warn you that from my experience your Military days are behind you. With that said there are plenty of other ways to serve. You could go into Law Enforcement or a Federal agency after you finish your degree. Plenty of Agencies out there looking for Veterans and they have more relaxed medical standards so you should be able to manage.