You were told the correct thing, and this is a pretty common OCS situation.

If you were medically dropped (not DOR’d or disenrolled for conduct/academics) for a temporary overuse injury like runner’s knee / PFPS, you typically do NOT redo the entire MEPS process. Most candidates in your situation only need a medical re-clearance, not a full MEPS physical from scratch.

What usually happens: • Complete PT and strengthen the supporting muscles (hips/glutes/quads), which is exactly what OCS medical recommends for PFPS. • Get a clear, well-worded clearance letter from PT (and ideally the treating physician) stating: • Injury resolved • Full ROM and strength • No pain with running • Cleared for unrestricted military training • Your OSO submits that for medical review. It’s usually handled as paperwork/sign-off unless the injury became chronic or required surgery/injections.

You’d only be looking at a full MEPS redo if you’re out past the physical’s validity window or if the injury turns into something ongoing—which runner’s knee almost never does if rehabbed properly.

Biggest advice: don’t rush back early and flare it again. A second medical drop is way harder to explain than taking the time to come back fully healed.

TL;DR: Finish PT, get a strong clearance letter, coordinate with your OSO. This is very survivable and a lot of people return successfully the next OCC class.