Final Select Question/ Possession of MEPS Documents

[TJK1680]

I was Pro-Rec'd for SWO in the October Board and am presently waiting for my FS. I am thrilled for the opportunity as the Navy is far and away my first choice of branch to join, but between graduating college in May and hearing about my Pro-Rec about two weeks ago my OR took a long break from returning my phone calls and emails. As such I spoke several times to an Army recruiter to explore their OCS path and keep my options open. I have not pursued that avenue any further since hearing of my Pro-Rec, but my OR said that because I filled out a 680 (Request for Physical) with them, that the Army is in possession of my MEPS paperwork. (I went through MEPS before applying) The same day that I learned both of my Pro-Rec and of this problem, my OR faxed me another 680 that I signed and sent right back, which he said would get the paperwork back into the Navy's hands so it can go to Millington for final approval. However when I spoke to him today, two weeks later, and he said he was still waiting.

It was my impression that a great many people have applications concurrently with different branches and that this isn't generally a problem. I have never come close to submitting an application with a branch other than the Navy, which is why I'm vexed that this is even an issue. Can MEPS documents actually only be in the possession of one branch at any time?

I understand that I am probably worrying over nothing, but I do have a couple of waivers and the sooner Millington confirms their approval the better I will feel.

Also one other corollary question; what are the chances that a waiver approved by a MEPS station won't be confirmed by Millington?

Thanks for any help that can be offered.

TJK

 

[adimas]

I originally went to MEPS for the Marines and later decided the Marines timing wasn't for me. 1 year later I started the Navy OCS process and was pro-rec in July. Since I had already been to MEPS less the 24 months ago I was sure that my paperwork would be processed faster then everyone's else's.

Boy was I wrong. It took over 130 days, numerious roadblocks and even the Marines telling me that it was already expired to "get" my physical transfered.

Best advice...Keep on their ass everyday, and yes it seems each branch keeps your physical individually stored for 24 months then destroys them. I was later told it should have taken less then 5 working days by an enlisted recruiter. I think the only paperwork the actual MEPS location you went too keeps is the results of the lab tests.

Maybe your OR wont run into this problem but dont let him/her tell you that the other side is delaying, demand to go up the chain of command if necessary intill someone actually gets your MEPS physical transferred.

One thing I learned is the other Branch giving up your MEPS physical doesn't really give a shit about you time wise once they know you wont be joining them.