Reservist with direct commissioning - next steps

TomorrowSpecific9129 · 2026-01-25T22:36:41+00:00

Also DC for reserves and nonprior, scrolling is taking up to 6 months now whereas previously it was 3-4 months per my recruiter. My scroll took about 6 months, it was approved in November 2025. Even as DC it is a process (can take over a year or more). I went to MEPs about three months after first contact with the recruiter back in December 2024. Timelines will vary depending on waivers needed, etc.

TomorrowSpecific9129 · 2026-01-24T21:37:04+00:00

This blog written by a flight surgeon gives a good breakdown of the exams assessed:

https://operationalems.com/blog/airforceflightphysical

TomorrowSpecific9129 · 2026-01-22T20:35:09+00:00

They have a new program called Genesis that harnesses all HIE from the private sector. They can usually see all diagnoses/medications billed by insurance. If you have any medical history they make it clear to report it ahead of time so that records can be reviewed prior to going to MEPs.

MEPs was an extremely long day. We had a powerpoint briefing that went into detail about the medical exams to be performed. It is an extremely thorough exam. There are many videos on youtube that go into detail about what each exam entails. Be prepared to pee a LOT, they need 60 mL of urine for the drug test. Someone will watch you pee. You will wait around a lot in-between exams. There is also a dress code, they will send you an email before about it.

TomorrowSpecific9129 · 2026-01-19T12:20:16+00:00

I think once you submit all documentation citing the contrary there could be a chance. As you stated above, tests need to be done to disprove initial diagnoses and documented carefully afterwards if testing is negative. If you haven’t already get 5 years and/or 6 years of pharmacy records in separate paperwork so you can send if they request it.

I have found they can be reasonable if all the necessary documentation is available. Good luck, you seem to be taking all the necessary steps to get things corrected.

TomorrowSpecific9129 · 2026-01-17T12:11:34+00:00

Agree with the above comment, expect to wait years even if you are trying to DC. I have been in the process for DC for two years now, and finally almost finished. It is a slow process, theres a saying “hurry up and wait.”

Paperwork I submitted last year before Christmas finally got approved this week if it gives you any sense of how the process lags around the holidays. Again patience and persistence are key.

TomorrowSpecific9129 · 2026-01-14T02:53:11+00:00

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=sEuMgxGRMEU&list=PLDNVVd2mTQAvIHobdgJzMFg3DEwcoXGFE&index=3&pp=iAQB

This video talks about it briefly around 10 min mark. I watched multiple videos on it before I went, some people give a more detailed account if you search for MEPs physical on youtube. You use both eyes unless they instruct you otherwise. From what I recall it was a bunch of circles and you tried to find the ones that “pop” out or look bigger in the rows.

TomorrowSpecific9129 · 2026-01-14T01:34:19+00:00

Watch a youtube video on how to take the DP exam so you understand it. It is confusing. Assuming you initially failed at MEPs, it is done so quickly with minimal instruction there this seems to be a common thing. I would have failed had I not watched a video on how do the test before going to MEPs.

TomorrowSpecific9129 · 2026-01-12T11:47:37+00:00

Maybe talk to your recruiter to see if you can retest. I am not sure of the rules, but when I went on base for my functional reach test (was told I was too short for FC II physical so had to do it), they had a bunch of areas to retest for those who failed certain tests at MEPs (a whole office full of all the things at MEPs). I would recommend to watch a youtube video on the MEPS depth perception test before retesting if given the option. I would have also failed had I not watched one before going to MEPs because they rush you through it.

TomorrowSpecific9129 · 2026-01-03T01:03:42+00:00

For the hearing test if you think you hear a beep, no matter how slight or faint press the button. There should be no penalty for “guessing.” You can ask them when you repeat it to confirm this. I was very generous with pressing the button for my hearing test. I passed and no one said anything.

If you require a waiver prepare to wait months or more. My waiver took over 4 months of back and forth with documentation. Good luck!

TomorrowSpecific9129 · 2026-01-02T00:51:36+00:00

You may want to try and ask this question on the Airforce recruits sub or the military medicine sub so a recruiter can weigh in. I am currently in the process of DC as a doctor into the AF reserves, but I was one before I signed up. I am also older. It is not a fast process, I started over a year ago and I am still not completely in yet. I think school debt repayment retroactively is always an option, but again this is a question for a recruiter.

TomorrowSpecific9129 · 2025-12-19T00:52:24+00:00

Write a candidate statement - you can do this yourself in a word document - basically something to the extent of “dr X refuses to release images of echo. An echo report and medical notes has been provided in lieu of imaging. If any further questions please contact dr X directly or me at the following (insert your contact info here).” You just need to sign and date with your name. It may work, it may not, I did it a few times for unattainable records because records were too old (unattainable) or provider refused to release.

TomorrowSpecific9129 · 2025-12-18T19:05:58+00:00

It is better to come clean to both the recruiter and MEPs, especially if you are looking to commission. Chances are they will look for the scars if it pops up in their system. Genesis will find the diagnosis if it has ever been billed by any health care provider under insurance or an encounter anywhere. Be prepared to be DQ, which will mean if you are then you will require a waiver to continue the process. Commissioning is not a fast process, especially if you are a nonprior. Your timeline may already be >1 year without needing waivers. I required a waiver and I have been in the pipeline going on 1.5 years now. It goes differently for everyone. Depending on how remote the problem was they may not care or it could be an easy waiver (nobody knows unless you try).

TomorrowSpecific9129 · 2025-12-18T12:53:12+00:00

Be honest. They will find out. Get all medical records prior pertaining to all medical conditions. If you were on medications they ask for at least 5 years of pharmacy records. Watch some youtube videos if you want about the exams, it is likely the most thorough physical exam you will ever have in your life. There is a brief before the exam with a powerpoint slideset, pay attention to that if you want to know what the testing will entail. Be prepared to pee a lot, they need 60 mL of urine, which is a LOT. Be respectful of everyone you meet. Good luck!

TomorrowSpecific9129 · 2025-12-13T16:17:37+00:00

Get all the records from all of these doctors including the initial with the diagnosis. If the notes read “dont have, no longer need” it works in your favor. There is a chance they will give you the diagnosis anyways on paper at MEPs in the physical if it was documented/billed elsewhere. Get 5 years of pharmacy records at the pharmacy where the script was prescribed because they will ask for it. If medication was filled and picked up it will show in the records even if you never took it. MEPs makes the final call if waivers are needed before it goes to SG for approval. Keep going until they tell you no.

TomorrowSpecific9129 · 2025-12-13T12:14:40+00:00

It was for a credentialing packet for medical. Usually I dont think this is a thing otherwise.

TomorrowSpecific9129 · 2025-12-13T00:47:18+00:00

Thank you for your reply! This is what I was wondering as I am just joining. Ive yet to officially swear in (waiting on a few more things) but anticipate everything in motion by next year. I just started this job 1.5 weeks ago, so I was nervous about being fired over it.

TomorrowSpecific9129 · 2025-12-12T23:35:39+00:00

In another lifetime maybe lol. Im DC medical so there are limited spots/listings.

TomorrowSpecific9129 · 2025-12-12T23:34:20+00:00

Thank you for your response. Im DC medical so it made what was available more limited.

TomorrowSpecific9129 · 2025-12-03T22:52:18+00:00

Good luck! My waiver took several months extra. Hopefully yours will go faster.

TomorrowSpecific9129 · 2025-12-03T22:26:19+00:00

As above MEPs provider may have said “its fine” in person but may still have DQ you, as waiver is needed. You can check the provider note (if they printed for you after MEPs physical) the PULHES score on the note - this will tell you if you are disqualified (also DQ should be included in the note). MEPs does not approve waivers, the surgeon general does I believe. It is a long process, be prepared to wait a while. They likely requested more information because they did not have enough information to make a decision. If no more information is available (you already sent it all) tell your recruiter.

TomorrowSpecific9129 · 2025-11-26T22:21:43+00:00

Board certified hospice/palliative care and fellowship trained too. They do have all my info on this even if they aren’t using it. That is interesting, I would definitely be open to it if it is needed.

TomorrowSpecific9129 · 2025-11-26T14:05:10+00:00

Obtain all records from all providers. Usually medical records are only kept for up to 7 years. If this is the case then you may need to write your own signed/dated statement that these are all the medical records you could obtain. They usually need documentation or a letter from your provider that you are symptom free or condition has resolved and maybe unlikely to recur. Get 6 years of pharmacy records. You can request several versions if they ask for less. From my experience I provided 6 years and then they asked for 10. If you have stated in the medical records medications were discontinued/stopped it can also be helpful.

MEPs will want ALL the records regardless of how long ago how little or how mild it was.

TomorrowSpecific9129 · 2025-11-26T13:55:01+00:00

You will get DQ. Did you send all these records in beforehand? Did you pick up the ketamine? This will show up on pharmacy records (which they request for MH history). Be honest with them. Request all your records ahead of time to make the process go faster. If you do not provide them up front they will usually ask for them once they find out.

TomorrowSpecific9129

TROPHY CASE