Help, medical waiver question

[Anonymous]

I enlisted in the national guard 2 years ago, but never made it to basic training because I suffered two herniated disks in my back. It's been a year and a half and I still really want to be in the army. Does anybody know if they will grant a waiver for this if I don't have any more symptoms and my doctor says it's okay? From what I've heard it is disqualifying for the air force/navy for pilots but I don't know if that applies to the army as well. I just want to be in the band, so once I get through basic it shouldn't be much of a problem. Thanks.

horn_5@hotmail.com

[Anonymous]

: I enlisted in the national guard 2 years ago, but never made it to basic
: training because I suffered two herniated disks in my back. It's been a
: year and a half and I still really want to be in the army. Does anybody
: know if they will grant a waiver for this if I don't have any more
: symptoms and my doctor says it's okay? From what I've heard it is
: disqualifying for the air force/navy for pilots but I don't know if that
: applies to the army as well. I just want to be in the band, so once I get
: through basic it shouldn't be much of a problem. Thanks.


I don't have the regs on that one but I hate to tell you that I'm almost sure you won't be able to get a waiver. I urge you to go ahead and try though. The secret is documentation. You are right on the flight physical though, you'd never pass the initial for a flyer or even crew. I'd wait 6 more months. I do know if you get an ELS (entry level separation) on a medical they will consider you at 2 years out for re-enlistment. My suggestion is retake the ASVAB and score as high as possible and get your doctors to document well their past treatment and at what level you are at now. All they can say is no thank you. Good luck

traumahead@hotmail.com

[Anonymous]

: I just want to be in the band, so once I get
: through basic it shouldn't be much of a problem. Thanks.


Hate to burst your bubble kiddo, but being a retired bandsman, you have the wrong idea here. I only have a compressed vertebre in my back that was caused by many years of abuse. By the time I retired it was one of the contributing factors to my DAV status. The band will be extremely hard on your back and if you have two herniated disks, there's no way you will be able to be a contributing member of a band. It's not an easy job and there is so much more to it than just playing an instrument and sitting on your behind.

[Anonymous]

: Hate to burst your bubble kiddo, but being a retired bandsman, you have the
: wrong idea here. I only have a compressed vertebre in my back that was
: caused by many years of abuse. By the time I retired it was one of the
: contributing factors to my DAV status. The band will be extremely hard on
: your back and if you have two herniated disks, there's no way you will be
: able to be a contributing member of a band. It's not an easy job and there
: is so much more to it than just playing an instrument and sitting on your
: behind.


I wasn't trying to imply that I want to be in the band so I can "sit on my behind" all day. I have a degree in music and would like to pursue it as a career. I scored a 96 on the ASVAB, I lead a normal physically active life and have a full time job. My only problem is a piece of paper that says there is something wrong with me.

horn_5@hotmail.com

[Anonymous]

Well, all i can say is go try and hope for the best but prepare for the worst. I don't want to kill your dreams but two herniated disks is pushing it but if u can get okays from your doc and a millitary doc, they will more than likely wave u on. GOOD LUCk.(ill have my fingers crossed for u) C/2lt. Suzie

suzietremblay@hotmail.com