I just found out on Friday I have been permanently disqualified from going to OCS because I have a history of shin splints/stress fractures and eczema. I need to know my options right now because I am not prepared to give up on this dream. I initially tried to become a Marine a few years ago through the PLC program. I went to OCC(C)-198 and was sent home for shin splints because I couldn't make the run time. This opened up my eyes to how much harder I needed to work to be physically qualified for my next chance in OCC-201. Over this year between these OCS classes I became much more physically prepared. When I went back to OCC-201 they X-rayed my right shin during in-processing and found a stress fracture, making me a “candidate of concern”. On the initial PFT I did ok on the crunches, I had a slow run, and I screwed up the pull-ups. I messed up the pull-ups because I am an idiot and didn't listen to the PTI calling them out. I did 18 but they only counted 9 because they said I didn't go high enough above the bar. This lowered my overall score and made me see the Colonel who said I should go home, heal up and come back at a later date. It is no ones fault but my own that I did not make it through Marine OCS. When I got back I made the decision to apply to the Navy because I know there is a lesser emphasis on running during OCS. I was pro req'd for SNA about two months ago with the Navy and when they reviewed my medical paperwork they said I needed a letter from my doctor saying my shins are fine. When I turned that in they came back a week later and said my waivers are disapproved. I have had waivers for my eczema before so I know that is no issue but I don't know what to do now that they disapproved me for my shins. My recruiter said my only options are wait a year and re-apply which still wouldn't be a sure thing or contact Senator McCain and get a letter from him. I'm sorry for the long post but I need to know my options and where I need to go from here to make this happen.
I have no idea how to help i just wanted to wish you good luck, sounds like your in a shitty situation
Since the shin issue appears to be the problem, get it fixed. Get your hiney to a podiatrist or an orthopedic specialist. Whatever you have been trying isn't working. Are you getting info on this issue from others? What did you do a few years ago to correct it?
Thank you all for the advice and support. As of right now I think my shins are just fine and ready for OCS. I have been running about 3 times per week and doing a little weight training with them as well. I have talked to a lot of people about the issue and implemented many techniques that seem to have helped. The main issue right now is convincing the Navy that they are ok. I got a letter from an orthopedic surgeon who said I am asymptomatic and fit for duty. My recruiter said they didn't really care about the letter even though they asked for it. He also said it is now out of his hands and I am on my own. I talked to Senator McCain's office and they said they will look in to it but no guarantees. So according to my recruiter my only other option is to wait a year and re-apply. Is the Navy just able to be that picky right now due to the economy with the surge in applicants?
