Moderator: Soñadora
Olaf Hart wrote:Common issue with scuba training, asthma is an absolute contraindication.
LarryHoward wrote:Sons,
Two things to consider.
First, other Mids are a source for rumors and opinions but never facts.
Second. As OM says, it's a minefield. ROTC offers guaranteed jobs and training right out of college with a funded scholarship but a "normal" college life for the most part. College degree and a good job with no college debt. Some folks will tell you its harder to get a ROTC scholarship than an appointment to a service academy. The screening often comes down to weeding out perfect from very, very good. She needs a some good reasons for them to work to qualify her, not work to disqualify her. Does she have an advocate? ROTC instructor or advisor who knows her and can push the system? That would be the best way to move stuff through the bureaucracy. Once the system is "invested" in a candidate, they will work hard to keep them. A bit of help through the entry gate will go a long way.
Medical boards and reviews are touchy. With more qualified candidates than positions, there is a tendency to not take any chances. I'm too far removed from that life to have current info but I'd listen to OM.
Soñadora wrote:Thanks guys. I concur that she needs to not put too much stock in what the other mids are saying. She is really getting worked up by one Mid in particular who has had a history of migraines and has sent in 5 or 6 waivers already.
Orestes Munn wrote:Olaf Hart wrote:Common issue with scuba training, asthma is an absolute contraindication.
All you need for PADI certification is a waiver from a physician. I have mild, mostly asymptomatic, asthma, much like Rick's daughter, and have always had abnormal PFTs. No problem for diving. I will get a wheeze or two after a long hard, early season workout in dirty air and a little dehydration.
As far as I know, a history of childhood asthma is not a problem for basic military service as long as there have been no symptoms after some age, maybe 12 or 13. She should just be careful how she fills out the accession forms and should under no circumstances see a doctor unless required. You really don't want to create any adverse documentation.
Soñadora wrote:It's like anything else, right? No one likes failing alone. So the other mids who are facing the waiver process want to share the pain.
It's unusual for Sonja to put so much stock on what others think. It tells me that she is very passionate about this and is nervous about the emotional risk. She doesn't handle defeat very well. Which, in and of itself if it comes to that, is a lesson learned.
She is no stranger to giving 110%. I told her in this case she has to give 111%. She needs to make sure when she reflects on this she can't say she didn't give it everything.
I suggested that she start building rapport with the senior staff. Her counselor is a Marine Lt. and the CO is a Captain. She asked, "what do I do if I start to cry when I'm talking to them?"
You don't fucking cry, that's what you do.
She knows me.
Orestes Munn wrote:Clarification: PFT=physical fitness test AND pulmonary function tests.
LarryHoward wrote:Orestes Munn wrote:Clarification: PFT=physical fitness test AND pulmonary function tests.
Quite correct.
Soñadora wrote:Very useful feedback, guys.
I've stressed that her localized experience with a few Marine ROTC guys (very positive and encouraging) is not indicative of what it would really be like especially surrounded by enlisted guys.
And I like, "pursue the path they find easiest". It's sound logic.