Intro: Jimming

[Jimming]

Rangers,

I got back from MEPS today. I scored a 91 AFQT. I made it through everything until the last doctor went through and DQed me due to bad reports by one of my doctors. As mentioned in one of my update posts many months ago, I went to see a doctor when I initially was having shin pains. That doctor did a physical exam as well as X-Rays, and determined that I did NOT have stress fractures, and instead told me that I had stress reactions. However, for whatever reason, he wrote down in all of my records that I had "stress reactions OR stress fractures". I have been disqualified for 12 months until April of 2015. I immediately went over to the Army liaison and submitted a waiver packet. From what I understand, I will no longer qualify for an Option 40 with a waiver, so I am really not sure what is going to happen. I might actually request to not have the waiver submitted in case the Army doctor clears me, that way I can still get an Option 40.

I am still baffled. I don't understand how I could have made it that far through MEPS without someone saying something. Two doctors had already gone through my records and cleared me, but this last doctor decided to DQ me for it. We are getting in touch with this doctor and his office because my records from him were full of errors and records of things that didn't happen. I am in touch with my recruiter and will keep you updated on what happens.

If anyone has any advice, anything is appreciated.

- Jamie

[Jimming]

Rangers,

I went to my doctor on Monday and had a checkup. I asked him to take documentation of the checkup, and to write a letter for the doctors who view my waiver. He did both. The office notes/documentation from my visit stated that I have been fully healed since June, and he specified that they were stress reactions, not fractures. My doctor wrote that I currently have zero pain, and no mobility issues. He also said that I am active and fully capable of participating in any type of physical activities. Lastly, he stated that my medical record is "unremarkable", and that I am in outstanding condition. The letter that he wrote also restated a lot of this, and offered for the doctors to contact him with any questions. The letter and documents have been attached to my waiver and are being sent off as soon as possible.

- Jamie

[Jimming]

Rangers,

The waiver went through and I have passed. My PULHES is 111111, so I am still eligable for an 11x Opt. 40. My recruiter has already reserved one for me and I go back to MEPS on Tuesday next week. From what I understand, all I need to do is take the airborne physical and swear in, so it should be an easy day. I will update after Tuesday.

- Jamie

[rangerjd]

Good news, never weaken, never quit.

[Jimming]

Rangers,

I got back from MEPS today. The first thing they told me when I got there was that I am not qualified for any type of Airborne contract with a waiver. I was very angry with my recruiter for not knowing this, and at myself for not looking into this process more thoroughly. I did everything I could while I was there, and managed to get the liaisons to escort me down to medical and argue on my behalf to try and get the doctor so sign off on my airborne physical. They attempted to get me an Exception To Protocol (ETP), which would essentially be a waiver for my waiver. That didn't work out, and it was the last possibility I had of being able to get the Option 40.

I talked with several medical personnel, and they all said my best option was to enlist with an 11X and try to get a RASP slot at OSUT. The liaisons at MEPS and my recruiter also said the same thing. I have known that this was an option for a long time, but I still wasn't entirely comfortable with it. Instead of signing the 11X contract (which they had available), I chose to go home and think about things before I make a final decision. Going from a contract with a lot of guarantees to a contract that promises nothing is a big change that I need time to consider. In the end, I will most likely sign the 11X, but I still wanted time to think and talk things over with my parents to make sure they are comfortable.

I will keep you posted.

- Jamie

[Jim]

Understand your frustration. Please keep us updated and never, never quit!

[Jimming]

Roger Ranger Jim.

[Sleepy Doc]

I am always baffled as to how one thing gets cleared, and another doesn't. While there is a well defined AR concerning conditions, how there is still a lot of subjectivity in the process. More than a few times someone would make it to Battalion with a condition should have kept them from enlisting, let alone passing a Ranger/AB physical. People used to show up all the time at RTB with waivers in hand, and the senior medical officer would say, "I don't care if you got a waiver from the President, you aren't coming here with this shit.."

That blows ass that you can't get an OPT 40, but you might be better off. You have already shown a tenacity that speaks volumes. In OSUT you will have to show them you are the guy who should get the RASP slot. You show them the same level of commitment & performance, and there is no doubt you will get one of the coveted slots.

[Jim]

Any new developments? Never, never quit!

[Jimming]

Rangers,

I apologize for not updating in a while. I have no excuse, and I am pushing out 50+1. After a lot of talking around with friends and family who are in the military, or who work for the military, I have found what seems to be the best option for trying to obtain an 11x Opt40.

I was diagnosed with the stress "fractures" in April of 2014, and according to the Army standards for enlistment, an applicant must wait 12 or more months before they are eligible for an enlistment/airborne contract. For those who don't know, I already have a waiver which allows me to enlist, however this waiver prevents me from obtaining an Opt40.

I still have to run this by my recruiters to see if this is even possible, but, it was recommended to me that I try to go to MEPs in April of this year, try to have the waiver taken off of my record (because it wouldn't be needed), and then I would be able to enlist with an 11x Opt40. If my recruiters tell me that this won't work, then I'll just go in and enlist with an 11x and earn a slot at RASP. If I go to MEPs in April, and they tell me they can't do that, then I'll enlist with an 11x and earn a slot at RASP.

My recruiter was just recently moved to a new recruiting station, which is a shame because he did a very good job working with me. I'm going to be getting in touch with a new recruiter, and I'm going to run this idea by him to see what he thinks and will update in the next few days.

[Jim]

Please keep us updated on your progress. Never, never quit!

[Jimming]

Rangers,

I have been in touch with a new recruiter. My last recruiter had updated him on my situation before he left, so this new guy knew what was happening. I explained the plan from my last post to him. He is getting in touch with some doctors and other recruiters to see if it is possible.

I will update again once I get a response.

[Jimming]

Rangers,

I talked with my recruiter again today. He went to MEPs to process some other people, and while he was there, he spoke with some different sources about my proposed plan. He was told by the medical personnel, the Army liaisons, and other recruiters that the waiver which I have received is permanently attached to my medical records with the Army. Because of that, even if I wait till April I will not be able to receive an Option 40. I have found this to be true in my own research as well, so this is pretty much a confirmation of that.

I was expecting a response like this. Though it is disappointing that I cannot get a guaranteed slot, I am OK with enlisting as an 11X and earning my slot at RASP. I am going to get in touch with my recruiter soon in order to schedule a new date for MEPs so that I can sign my contract.

I will keep you posted.

- Jamie

[Buzz]

From September 19, 2014

Rangers,
I have been instructed by my doctor and by other runners to not jump faster paced running. I am running longer distances but at slower paces, and upping the pace too quickly might cause me to get the same injury again. Once I have worked my way up to a faster pace mile, I will post a PT update so as to prevent any further injury.

- Jamie

How about that updated APFT?

[Jimming]

Ranger Buzz, I will post an APFT this week.