Medically DQ'd after winging

[usmcpilot1]

Hi all. Was hoping someone might have an idea about this. I searched but wasn't able to find something specific. I'm a designated Marine aviator in a fleet squadron (Captain). I've recently been diagnosed with an illness that's going to keep me grounded for at least 3-6 months, at which point, if it goes into remission, I can apply for a waiver. My flight surgeon is not sure if it will be approved or not. Basically, my flying future is up in the air. My question is, if I become medically disqualified to fly through no fault of my own, do I still owe the six year post-winging commitment, which would be another 3 years doing god-knows what, or does it revert to my four year commissioning commitment, which I have long since served already? Thanks.

 

[picklesuit]

While I don't know the answer to your question, I do know that people have had some pretty serious health issues and stayed in. One of our O-4's beat Lymphoma, was down for 2 years, and came back and is flying today. He has been competetive in his career, basically he puts in a letter with all of his packages to the board that say "Sorry I am 2 years behind, I beat cancer.."

Fight on brother!

 

[phrogpilot73]

My question is, if I become medically disqualified to fly through no fault of my own, do I still owe the six year post-winging commitment, which would be another 3 years doing god-knows what, or does it revert to my four year commissioning commitment, which I have long since served already? Thanks.

You still owe the six years. I knew a guy that was medically DQ'd and became and intel officer for the remainder of his time...

 

[Clux4]

You still owe the six years. I knew a guy that was medically DQ'd and became and intel officer for the remainder of his time...

Sounds pretty harsh to me.
To the OP, times may have changed. It never hurts to ask. Since we are not hurting on numbers, I doubt that would change.

 

[USMCFLYR]

A guy who went through the RAG with me was found NPQ after arriving in his fleet squadron after 2 weeks. He was medically discharged very soon after. The difference is/was - his medical condition rendered him not physically qualified for service period - not just NPQ for DIFOP.
Good luck usmcpilot1.

USMCFLYR

 

[b0pric01]

While I have no valuable input on the matter on hand (sorry), I just wanted to say good luck and stay motivated.

 

[rondebmar]

While I have no valuable input on the matter on hand (sorry), I just wanted to say good luck and stay motivated.

+1 Keep the faith!!

 

[helolumpy]

At HS-10 we had a couple of folks get NPQ'd while students.
There is no one sized fits all answer here; it depends on your condition.
If you are 'not deployable' then you can request to get out.
If you are still deployable, you can still ask, but your odds of getting out are reduced.

My recommendation is if you want to get out, ask. If you have to transfer to another community from aviation your career progression is shot, so asking to get out can't hurt you.

Becareful what you ask for though, the economy is pretty tight right now, so finding work may be difficult.

Good luck either way!

 

[soyeah]

I'm in a similar situation after completing a full deployment with my current squadron. It looks like they aren't going to wait for me to get better, so I'm worried about what's going to happen to me for the next 6 years (my commitment was 8 years!). I guess I don't mind a new job if it's something I want to do, but I don't want them to stash me somewhere terrible after all the work I've put into my career. Have you found out any of your options/right yet?
This sucks, I'm sorry you're dealing with it too

 

[Scoob]

so asking to get out can't hurt you.

Unless doing so absolves the Navy/USMC of it's obligation to provide severance for involuntary separation.

I'll continue to beat the drum: get yourself a patient advocate at Medical to help you navigate the red tape, and start digging through the BUMED instructions to educate yourself. While there is no standard answer, there ARE defined standards for medical conditions that dictate the decisions of a Medical Evaluation Board.

...after a year and a half med down, I made it back up. Still waiting on those DIFOPS orders, though. Hang in there.