What happens if I get a high blood pressure reading while doing medical in-processing at the Direct Commission Course (DCC)?

2025-07-31T17:21:00-04:00

Current reservist here. Been in the army 15 years (mainly in the NG.) I will be going to direct commission course later this year. I have been known to have high blood pressure when medical staff takes it. At home I am normal at about 127/85 average. What happens if I get a high reading while in processing medical at the school?

This was an issue at my last physical. Had to take it 4 times while rested in between. I tried telling the doc to give me a good 15 min of rest and it will be fine. Finally he listened and it was good.

Response by COL Randall Cudworth made Jul 31 at 2025 5:46 PM

2025-07-31T17:46:12-04:00

Simple solution. Have it documented in your medical records if it isn't and then ensure you know how to 'lead a horse to water' to show the doctors at your DCC where it is located.

Response by Maj Robert Thornton made Jul 31 at 2025 5:46 PM

2025-07-31T17:46:28-04:00

Your basic white coat syndrome. I have worked in nursing since 1970. Occasionally I would get the white coat syndrome and get a higher than normal BP. I have learned to control my breathing and have not had an issue with an elevated BP for quite some time.

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Jul 31 at 2025 8:04 PM

2025-07-31T20:04:33-04:00

In processing medical at a school? Generally, if you have a school date and you are in processing, you are in-processing items such as shot records and general medical records. I never had VSS taken during in processing at a school.

Response by LTC Matthew Schlosser made Aug 3 at 2025 10:24 PM

2025-08-03T22:24:16-04:00

It's a pretty common occurrence.

If you know what you normally read at home, that tells me that you're on BP meds, like me. Just tell them. They know that false high readings at the doctor's office are extremely common, they're more likely to shrug it off for someone who's actually being treated than for someone who isn't even diagnosed as hypertensive.

In any case, I can't see BP being a disqualifier for commissioning.

Response by SSG Robert Perrotto made Aug 7 at 2025 7:48 AM

2025-08-07T07:48:37-04:00

If your blood pressure spikes during in-processing, they’ll retake it several times and may delay your clearance until they confirm it’s not a real issue. Since you have “white coat hypertension,” bring proof of your normal readings from home or past exams. Let medical staff know your history upfront to avoid unnecessary delays.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 3 at 2025 2:42 AM

2025-11-03T02:42:33-05:00

Can I ask an unrelated question, please? What is the Direct Commission Course? I received a Direct Commission in 1982, and I don't believe that such a course existed at that time. So what is it, and when did it start? I'd appreciate any information. Thank you.