Pilot Select at OCS Now SWO any shot of making it back to aviation?

[Willy W]

Hello All,

Had a question specifically for The Doc but I'm posting as a thread to hopefully help out others who might also have a similar situation as me or can also fill me in on the info I'm looking for. Background about me, I was a Pro REC Pilot select going into OCS around this time last year, made it all the way until 3 days before graduation and got NAMI Whammied for 2 shoulder dislocations in my right shoulder. I was still able to commission with my class and am now a SWO, however I still have the dream of Naval aviation imbedded in me. Now as for my shoulder I never had corrective surgery as it was NOT recommended for me to get by my orthopedist. I had a PT regime that got it back to full strength and full range of motion with no pain or symptoms of previous injury. I even had a wavier from my orthopedist stating these things going into OCS. When I told the Flight Surgeon in Newport this he thought I would be fine and have no problems getting approved. To his surprise and my demise we were both wrong. Now the question I can't seem to get answered is now that I am a SWO is there any chance to get medically cleared to transfer into aviation (Pilot or NFO) once I get my SWO pin and become eligible? I have read the wavier guide and know it says anything over 1 dislocation requires surgery but it would be pointless for me to get surgery since it wasn't needed for my case which is very rare according to my orthopedic doc. Now I am just trying to find the right things to do to set myself up for the best success in getting a NAMI approval letter. Thanks everyone for all the help.

Hopeful Ensign

 

[azguy]

I would give SWO your full effort for the time being. You have to get your pin to have any chance of lat transferring anyway... In that time, you will see the helo det guys doing their thing on your ship. Remember that far more pilots end up going helo than go TACAIR. If you still want to take the chance once you have your pin- go for it!

 

[TimeBomb]

Willy,
We used to look at lat transfers a little differently than candidates during the waiver process. We could refer to physical performance over the years that the individuals were in another designator, and see how they did. Not saying it will be a smooth or easy process for you if you want to try to lat transfer, but assuming you've succeeded in the operational environment, and excelled over a series of PFTs, you might have a better shot now than you did at OCS.
Take azguy's advice and be the best JO on the ship. Max out the PFT. Don't give people a stick to beat you with.
R/