Likelihood of Waiver

[JTheInfinite]

Hello everyone,

I have a rather specific question that I've done my best to research beforehand. I've read the AR 40-501 manual and it strikes me as being fairly clear...which is why I have a question regarding waivers, which is something that isn't clear.

I'm a 21 year old college student that is looking to join the Army, more specifically, as an 11X with Option 40. The only problem (which is a rather big one according to everything I've read) is that I tore my ACL about a year ago, and I needed to replace it via surgery. A chance/rare occurance, and it's shit that it happened but such is my fate...I've learned to deal with it.

Now then, in 40-501 it says that no foreign bodies may be present within the knee joint, and though I'm not positive, I think I may have one screw or staple in place. Since my surgery, I've been training and undergoing rehabilitation and now, a year later, I feel as though I'm back 100%. I have -no- problems whatsoever...flexibility, range of motion, no pain...everything is good. I'm even in the ROTC program in college (since you can do 2 years of it before you contract) so I train, run, go to FTXs...everything, and I have no problem. I'm healthy and ready to go. I even outperform many other guys who are injury free.

My question is...how likely am I to get a waiver for this? As listed above, my ultimate goal is to be a Ranger. The ASVAB will be no problem for me nor any language tests...I speak German, English and Polish fluently meaning I can read and write and operate on the same level as a native speaker...but my damn knee worries me. I am prepared to get any/all reccomendations...from the Cadre in my ROTC program, from surgeons/doctors, whatever/whoever.

Is it possible? Or am I merely wasting my time? If it's not possible to do the Option 40, how could I go back securing myself a spot within RIP? I'm slated to graduate in December of next year, so at the time of enlistment it would be approximately 2 years after the injury/surgery occurred.

Any and all help/comments would be helpful...I am truly dedicated and motivated to do this.

[Steadfast]

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[Rangerguru]

I can't answer your question about a waiver, but as far as foreign bodies or hardware in your knee. You can go to a clinic or minor emergency place and have them do an xray for you, it will probably cost between $100 and $200, but if your not sure whether or not you have hardware remaining, it might be a good idea to find out before you talk to a recruiter.

[RangerJurena]

You can get a waiver for almost anything, you just can't have a bunch of waivers for multiple things. I'd also look into how long after ACL surgery they want you to wait.

[Jim]

Your recruiter is key to obtaining any waiver as he is responsible for preparing the request. A well documented request is key. Waiver granting is very common. If at first you don't succeed; submit an appeal. Never, never quit!

[Ranger Bill]

Continue to keep us informed of your progress, or lack thereof, regarding your situation and waiver.