I am Army Reserve future soldier and I got injured before I shipped to basic training. Will I be discharged or separated?

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 14 Feb 2018 00:09:12 -0500

I am a MAVNI Army Reserve future soldier.

I enlisted and took an oath on April, 2016 as a Army Reserve and I just received the ship date for basic combat training (BCT).

My recruiter scheduled me to go to the MEPS for inspection before I ship on March 1st, 2018.

My concern is that I recently got injured my lower back/hip area while I was working out and going through a terrible nerve pain.

I absolutely want to serve and go to the BCT but I also do not want to waste Army's time.

I will take my doctor's note and x-ray to MEPS to see what they say about this.

If MEPS doctor do not think that I will make it through BCT, Will I get discharged or separated?

Will it going to be Entry Level Separation (Uncharacterized Discharge), since I haven't gone to BCT and it hasn't been more than 180 days of active duty service.

Response by CW5 Sam R. Baker made Feb 14 at 2018 12:15 AM

CW5 Sam R. Baker — Wed, 14 Feb 2018 00:15:13 -0500

No you will not, however you need to contact your recruiter about a delay and possibly some options. I think the biggest issue is are you in pain? You said you injured yourself at the gym, are you in shape and a body builder? Your personal limits are whats best, hopefully you can fulfill your wish, but being honest with your recruiter is best and see what options you have.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2018 12:19 AM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 14 Feb 2018 00:19:11 -0500

I am very concerned that my injury may hunt me down during basic training even if I heal after couple of months. I have notified my recruiter and my unit about the injury to keep them posted.

Response by SGT Eric Davis made Feb 14 at 2018 5:01 AM

SGT Eric Davis — Wed, 14 Feb 2018 05:01:40 -0500

Well the DR may be concern and my make you do another physical or see a consultant for further evaluations.
Do you think you can go through basic with the injury?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2018 8:35 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 14 Feb 2018 08:35:09 -0500

Don’t wait tell your recruiter now. That way they can postpone you shipping and MEPS can adjust. Get healthy and then ship when your healthy. If you wait it will cause a lot of headache for MEPS and your recruiter.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2018 12:01 PM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 14 Feb 2018 12:01:58 -0500

If MEPS don't ship me, are they going to delay the ship date or disqualify me from the Army Reserve? My symptom is herniated disc in lower back.

Response by SSG Eddye Royal made Feb 14 at 2018 12:54 PM

SSG Eddye Royal — Wed, 14 Feb 2018 12:54:16 -0500

I got hurt during BCT and to be hospitalized for a few days with emergency surgery for my legs and back, while during a training maneuver. I almost had to be re-cycled, but I spoke to the commander and doctors provided be with the means for me to get around in a wheelchair or taken the six week.

But the I had to promise that I would study, stay attentive and do what I the DI ask of me. I did but it was very difficult until I got off crutches, if you are any where as I described here you need time to heel.

They have me issuing out the water or I am the #WATER Monitor!

Response by PO2 Mike Wyatt made Mar 6 at 2018 11:38 AM

PO2 Mike Wyatt — Tue, 06 Mar 2018 11:38:21 -0500

Under this program you can actually opt out at any time. It is officially known as an "Entry Level Separation" (ELS). An ELS is not characterized. It's not "Honorable," it's not "General," it's not "Under Other Than Honorable," it's not anything. You would however require a waiver if you decided to try to enlist in the Army again. You could go in another service without the waiver. Recruiters are notorious for using scare tactics to prevent someone from an Entry Level Separation. With your condition they will work with you however they can just make sure you keep your recruiter FULLY informed on your condition. You could be opted out until you get your health where it needs to be. They will not send you if there is any uncertainty.

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 23 at 2018 11:51 PM

CPL Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 23 Sep 2018 23:51:01 -0400

Hey did you finally ship or what ? I'm kind of in the same situation and I'll like to know what will happen ?