Just read this thread and thought I'd offer a little insight from my own recruiting experience for anyone currently dealing with medical issues. Last spring I got a commissioning physical at the Brooklyn MEPS. During the eyesight portion of the physical, my uncorrected eyesight was determined to be 20/30 in each eye. I was then hurried to the next portion of the physical with no further testing to establish my corrected eyesight, or prescription. Earlier this year I received a conditional release from my NR unit to take an 18x contract. During the paperwork process, I was unable to receive a grade determination because I was medically disqualified for eyesight. The results of the physical at Brooklyn showed that my CORRECTED eyesight was 20/30 in each eye, which is a disqualifier for the 18x. My recruiter had me see a private optometrist on my own dime, who faxed him a report saying that my uncorrected vision is 20/30, and both eyes are correctable to 20/20. About two weeks later, I reported to MEPS in Boise to have my eyes tested by their staff. They gave the same report, correctable to 20/20. After another couple of weeks, I was sent to a private optometrist for a consult scheduled through MEPS. Her report came back identical to the other two. So, with three reports saying that my eyesight was fine, I was assured that the entire problem was just a paperwork screw up, and would be straightened out soon. The next news I got from my recruiter was about three weeks later, letting me know that the eyesight waiver had been denied. I asked who I could contact to try to straighten what must be a misunderstanding, and I was told that all possibilities had been exhausted, I should either start a new packet with the NG or apply for an Infantry O slot. I immediately called a contact at the Batt Recruiting Office who had helped me get the conditional release from the NR, and explained the situation. He was able to speak directly with those on the medical side and clarify what the problem had been. About three weeks later I was at MEPS in Boise doing my Inspect and signing the papers for 18x. On a side note, even after all that they tried to get me to take an Airborne Ranger slot, acting as though there weren't any 18x contracts available, so don't fall for that shit. I guess the moral of the story is if you feel as though you've been wrongly barred for medical reasons, or any other reason, don't take the word of your recruiter as the final word. Go as high up the chain as you possibly can and make your case. Best of luck.
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