Posted on Jun 25, 2018
LCpl Crew Chief
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I had surgery to correct my pectus excavatum 3 years ago, and had the corrective bar removed 2 weeks ago. During my post op a week and a half after surgery, I was told by the surgeon that I was 100% medically cleared, but to take it easy if I felt sore. I went in to talk to the recruiting office today, and was told that the earliest I would be able to sign would be a year after the surgery date. Under AR 40-501, if the pectus condition doesn't interfere with physical activity, it should not constitute grounds for disqualification (Which it should not, as I got it fixed). How accurate is the information given to me by the recruiter, and is that 1 year wait legitimate?
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CPT Board Member
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The recruiter wouldn't be the one requiring the wait. How far along in the process are you? Did you already complete an application packet and submit to the recruiter? There's really a variety of answers ranging anywhere from 1) the recruiter didn't really give you the time of day, so yeah, go find another to 2) there's a local policy in place for USAREC Recruiters saying that they are not approving any waivers for "XYZ conditions" or 3) your recruiter sent your information up to MEPS in what is called a "Med Read" which is basically a pre-screen of the information in your packet and the doctor there said no.

Need a little more info on this one if you don't mind sharing the details with the community.
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LCpl Crew Chief
LCpl (Join to see)
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I haven't submitted my application packet to my recruiter, so you weren't far off the mark with saying the recruiter didn't give me the time of day.
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CPT Board Member
CPT (Join to see)
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I would say to ask around then. Also, check with other branches if you aren’t set on one over the others.
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SFC Station Commander
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There is normally a 6month to a year wait following any surgery. As Recruiters we use more than one regulation, on top of 40-501 we also us what is called the DoDI, now if they did send it as a medical read and MEPS said it is a wait, all of the branches in your area most likely use the same MEPS. I will do some research for you and let you know what I can find
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LCpl Crew Chief
LCpl (Join to see)
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And there's no way I can secure any sort of waiver for that?
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SFC Station Commander
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No it is a mandatory 6 month wait for surgeries, it’s their was of ensuring that there are no complications
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LCpl Crew Chief
LCpl (Join to see)
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Alright, so it sounds like I've just got to wait, and no waiver or letter from the surgeon will get me out of that
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SFC Station Commander
SFC (Join to see)
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No I am sorry, just keep track of the days and remember it is 6 months from the day you had it removed
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Lt Col Charlie Brown
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As a former recruiting squadron commander, LT Brad McInnis advice is spot on. If one service isn't cooperating, try another
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Lt Col Charlie Brown
Lt Col Charlie Brown
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LCpl (Join to see) the Air Force guarantees jobs. You go to Basic with your job already selected.
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LT Brad McInnis
LT Brad McInnis
>1 y
LCpl (Join to see) - I am not a recruiter (way too tough a job for me)... I do remember that sailors of mine would tell me that they went to different Navy recruiters until they got the word they wanted. I am sure the other services are the same. So, if you want Army, keep bugging all of the Army recruiters. Either they will eventually tell you flat out no, or they will write the orders you want to get you out of their hair! Best of luck!
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LT Brad McInnis
LT Brad McInnis
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Lt Col Charlie Brown Dang Lt Col, I am not used to people telling me I am right!!!! Have a great night.
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LCpl Crew Chief
LCpl (Join to see)
>1 y
LT Brad McInnis I'll give that a shot, and let you know how it goes, thank you
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