Orthotics at Basic Training

[bamboopichu]

I recently swore in to the National Guard, and I am scheduled to leave for basic training on April 27th (delayed due to the fact that I am a school teacher). I will be joining a National Guard Band. I informed my recruiter on the day I met him, 7 months ago, that I have been prescribed orthotics by my chiropractor. After several requests and reminders to figure out the situation, he wound up telling me to keep quiet about it the evening before my MEPS physical. I've had another surgery, 6 years ago, that he was worried about getting cleared (which the dr. had no problem with) and he didn't want another situation compounding the issue. He said that we can start paperwork about the orthotics after getting past MEPS.

My chiropractor says he is confident that I will be absolutely fine, AS LONG AS I can wear the orthotics. I am getting increasingly anxious about this. Does anyone know if (1) orthotics are permitted for use in Army Basic Training, and (2) if I can actually go back and claim this medical issue? Or am I just being led on a chain? I am waiting to hear back from my recruiter, any additional insight would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!

[Michaep]

I recently swore in to the National Guard, and I am scheduled to leave for basic training on April 27th (delayed due to the fact that I am a school teacher). I will be joining a National Guard Band. I informed my recruiter on the day I met him, 7 months ago, that I have been prescribed orthotics by my chiropractor. After several requests and reminders to figure out the situation, he wound up telling me to keep quiet about it the evening before my MEPS physical. I've had another surgery, 6 years ago, that he was worried about getting cleared (which the dr. had no problem with) and he didn't want another situation compounding the issue. He said that we can start paperwork about the orthotics after getting past MEPS.

My chiropractor says he is confident that I will be absolutely fine, AS LONG AS I can wear the orthotics. I am getting increasingly anxious about this. Does anyone know if (1) orthotics are permitted for use in Army Basic Training, and (2) if I can actually go back and claim this medical issue? Or am I just being led on a chain? I am waiting to hear back from my recruiter, any additional insight would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!

haha yeah umm....this is a BIG issue.....find yourself another recruiter ASAP

[SGT_B]

I recently swore in to the National Guard, and I am scheduled to leave for basic training on April 27th (delayed due to the fact that I am a school teacher). I will be joining a National Guard Band. I informed my recruiter on the day I met him, 7 months ago, that I have been prescribed orthotics by my chiropractor. After several requests and reminders to figure out the situation, he wound up telling me to keep quiet about it the evening before my MEPS physical. I've had another surgery, 6 years ago, that he was worried about getting cleared (which the dr. had no problem with) and he didn't want another situation compounding the issue. He said that we can start paperwork about the orthotics after getting past MEPS.

My chiropractor says he is confident that I will be absolutely fine, AS LONG AS I can wear the orthotics. I am getting increasingly anxious about this. Does anyone know if (1) orthotics are permitted for use in Army Basic Training, and (2) if I can actually go back and claim this medical issue? Or am I just being led on a chain? I am waiting to hear back from my recruiter, any additional insight would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!

If you have already been through MEPS and did not disclose this, I think you will have a problem.

[Michaep]

haha no really though...its cool man....you lied to the Government at MEPS....youll show up at boot camp with lots of prescription meds....and youll show up with all sorts of orthotics

.....bro.....you'll be completely cool.....youll just go through the orthotics version of boot camp....of course...

as a school teacher, im sure youre well aware of all this common knowledge

[bamboopichu]

Michaep, first off, can I please inquire as to what experience you have that gives you insight as to what the situation will be?

Second, I'm not a "bro", I'm a female

Third, I now know that the army does allow orthotics at boot camp. I asked my recruiter and I asked a third party recruiter just because I don't really trust my recruiter. So please save your "common knowledge" comments for situations that you actually have experience with. My question now is whether I can get them approved after being told, by my army appointed recruiter, to lie about it.

And what percentage of people are acutally 100% truthful at MEPS? Let's be honest.

If anyone has some actual insight into this situation, not just comments to make themselves feel important, I would appreciate feedback. Otherwise, perhaps I drastically overestimated the integrity of this website?

Michaep, find something else to do with your time other than knocking down people you don't even know.

[justin0495]

bamboopichu,

I’m a frequent visitor to these forums but never registered until I found this thread. Yes, I had to respond this badly.

I’m a former recruiter and you stating that two different recruiters told you your condition is fine means NOTHING. I think I was one of those few recruiters that was staright up with everyone and a good rule of thumb is that ANYTHING out of the ordinary is not allowed for entry into the Army. Yes, there are a few exceptions and LOTS of paperwork and waivers to get those exceptions.

While I’m not inclined to answer your specific condition, I will say that Med docs are a must for MEPS and you can see if your condition is even allowed or waiverable by going to Army Regulation 40-501, Chapter 2.

Again, AR 40-501, Chapter 2. That is the ONLY source that is 100% guaranteed correct on ENTRY standards for the Army.

Find that particular regulation by using this link:

http://www.apd.army.mil/USAPA_PUB_pubrange_P.asp

Then click on the number "40" on the left hand side, then find "AR 40-501, STANDARDS OF MEDICAL FITNESS (*RAR 001, 2008/09/10)" on the left side, look right and download the pdf.

Read Chapter 2 and enjoy.

Good luck and find a different recruiter NOW.

[bamboopichu]

Thank you Justin, for your response.

Can I really get another recruiter at this point?

[justin0495]

You're still a civilian and have complete control over your destiny, As I said, I'm a former recruiter and we all get "fired" from at least one of our recruits from time to time. I was fired from one of mine for just having one of those personality conflicts.

My recommendation is to go to an ARMY recruiting station and seek out a Reserve recruiter. The Guard is a bit too closely knit and your situation with your recruiter may not heal itself for the future.

[ringjamesa]

I have to agree. You definately need to cut your recruiter loose. You really need to redo MEPS altogether. You will be lucky if you are even allowed to go back to MEPS after not disclosing it the first time but it is worth a shot. It is better to know now that you are Disqualified than it would be to go to Basic and get kicked out as a fradulant enlistment. I would rather have someone DQ'd at MEPS and have to provide additional documents than have someone clear MEPS and find out later that they were never eligible... That is a waste of everyone's time.

[Seasons]

Michaep, first off, can I please inquire as to what experience you have that gives you insight as to what the situation will be?

Second, I'm not a "bro", I'm a female

Third, I now know that the army does allow orthotics at boot camp. I asked my recruiter and I asked a third party recruiter just because I don't really trust my recruiter. So please save your "common knowledge" comments for situations that you actually have experience with. My question now is whether I can get them approved after being told, by my army appointed recruiter, to lie about it.

And what percentage of people are acutally 100% truthful at MEPS? Let's be honest.

If anyone has some actual insight into this situation, not just comments to make themselves feel important, I would appreciate feedback. Otherwise, perhaps I drastically overestimated the integrity of this website?

Michaep, find something else to do with your time other than knocking down people you don't even know.

I suggest you ignore Michaep. He rarely has anything of value to say and holds a large chip on his shoulder regarding all branchs of the military, despite his claims to be in the only "military" part of the Air Force.

[bamboopichu]

Thanks everyone.
I still haven't heard back from my recruiter on what to do now, after sending another fairly stern message. He hasn't mailed my paperwork/contract back to me after he said he'd get it to me early last week, hasn't let me know if I can start drills with the band soon, hasn't answered addressed the orthotics issue, hasn't answered my two emails. I was at MEPS two weeks ago.
I think my next step is to contact the Readiness NCO from the band unit I'm supposed to be joining and let him know the entire situation. I have met him before, first through my husband since he is in the band, and then again from my audition/etc, and I know he's trustworthy. I will include in this conversation the fact that I'd like another recruiter. It's a shame, everyone I've encountered through this whole thing has seemed genuine, honest, and trustworthy, aside from the person who probably matters most. I'm just trying to keep my attitude positive and keep the mindset that everything happens for a reason, and if this doesn't work out, there was a reason.

[Michaep]

Thanks everyone.
I still haven't heard back from my recruiter on what to do now, after sending another fairly stern message. He hasn't mailed my paperwork/contract back to me after he said he'd get it to me early last week, hasn't let me know if I can start drills with the band soon, hasn't answered addressed the orthotics issue, hasn't answered my two emails. I was at MEPS two weeks ago.
I think my next step is to contact the Readiness NCO from the band unit I'm supposed to be joining and let him know the entire situation. I have met him before, first through my husband since he is in the band, and then again from my audition/etc, and I know he's trustworthy. I will include in this conversation the fact that I'd like another recruiter. It's a shame, everyone I've encountered through this whole thing has seemed genuine, honest, and trustworthy, aside from the person who probably matters most. I'm just trying to keep my attitude positive and keep the mindset that everything happens for a reason, and if this doesn't work out, there was a reason.

just find another recruiter and start over

or better yet, i think theres an inspector general in recruiting specifically for recruits to call in case of problems. threaten the I.G. Complaint to your recruiter and set his a** straight