DoDMERB Gotcha's!!

How do you avoid making simple mistakes?

Every year I hear of easily avoidable mistakes by candidates during the application process for one or more of the US service academies. Many of the "gotcha's" are committed during the medical evaluations regulated through the Department of Defense Medical Examination Board (DoDMERB). The good news is that my students avoid these mistakes, and I will share some of the simple guidance that I provide to them.

This guidance includes:

1) Be careful with "yes" when responding to one or more of the 112 medical questions,

2) Don't procrastinate and complete the medical evaluations as soon as you can,

3) Prepare early to address any medical issues, and

4) Review the DoDMERB website so that you are familiar with all of the details of this process.

Let's take each of these points individually.

Careful with "yes"

The first major step of the process is completing the 112-question DoDMERB medical survey. Each question notes a particular issue or set of issues. For example, the 31st question is:

Have you ever had or do you now have problems of the stomach, esophagus, or intestine such as ulcer(s)

With this question, like the others, I recommend being careful with "yes." In other words, only respond with "yes" if you have been diagnosed by a doctor or medical professional. We all have a stomach 'ache' periodically, but that does not mean we suffer from a stomach ulcer!

I recommend completing the questionnaire with a parent, who will have better perspective and will recall any medical issues you have had over the years. By the way, if you mark "yes" by accident, you may find the questionnaire will 'lock' your response in place. There is no reason to panic; simply, leave the explanation space blank and correct the printed survey (on paper) with an ink pen. Cross-out the 'yes' and mark 'no' along with your initials. With a completed questionnaire, you may schedule your medical and eye exams.

Don't wait!

Start your Academy application early and do not procrastinate. Each particular service academy (SA) requests the DoDMERB medical examinations at different stages in the application process. In general, all will require your submission of test scores (SAT/ACT) and transcripts after completing your junior year.

The AF Academy, for example, designates 10 checklist items that must be completed. Both USNA and USMA generally 'trigger' a request to DoDMERB when 60% to 70% are completed along with the submission of academic details and test scores. By the way, ROTC scholarship applicants (who did not apply to one of the SAs) will be scheduled for their examinations after winning a scholarship.

Typically, when the DoDMERB request is made, the SAs will also scheduled your interviews with their admissions officer, such as the AFA's 'Evaluator' Liaison Officer or USNA's Blue and Gold Officer. Point is to be prepared for this important component of the application process.

Prepare early

I highly recommend that you prepare 'early' with details on your existing, healing or past conditions. For example, you may have broken your arm 18 months ago. You will note this fact in the questionnaire and will place some additional details into the corresponding 'explanation' block. However, I highly recommend collecting a release letter from your doctor stating the results and that you are "fully released for all athletic and daily activities with no exceptions." In anticipation of this need, request this letter 'today' and do not wait until it is required in the fall! The same can be said for other conditions, including surgeries, allergies, sprained ankles, routine medications and the like.

One important reference is the Department of Defense Instruction (DODI) 6130.03 Vol 1 to determine whether you will be rated as “meets medical standards” (MMS). You will find this document with a quick search of the web. Use the DODI to locate the particular condition(s) that you will identify and then plan to address them directly and concretely.

One last point: if you have a scheduled appointment for a medical exam and become ill, then change your appointment (as the examiners don't want to get sick either!). They will understand.

Know the details

I recommend that all of my students read over the DoDMERB FAQs on their website. There are lot of key details that a candidate should know. Some items to note are:

• If you are 17 years old (or younger), then you must have your parent present for both examinations to sign a medical release.

• Be sure to have your printed paperwork for the medical exam. There is not a corresponding set for the eye exam. However for the eye exam, have your glasses with you (if appropriate), plus remove your contact lenses from your eyes prior to the exam for the specified time required by DoDMERB.

• Your exam will be scheduled through the DoD Medical Examination Testing Service or DoDMETS. They use a contractor, the CIV Team, which may be reached at info@civteam.mil or 215-587-9600. The group is located in Philadelphia, PA.

• If you are having difficulty creating a DoDMERB account, or if you are locked out of your account, email the webmaster,  dha.ncr.dodmerb.mbx.webmaster@health.mil.

The DoDMERB process is full of potential "gotcha's" that may be avoided with some preparations and planning. As I noted, be careful with "yes," don't wait, prepare early and know the details. This simple guidance will ensure less stress and allow you to focus on the other important portions of the service academy application process.

Best of luck with your applications!

[ I would welcome a chance to discuss details with you. I offer coaching services to pace and prepare you (and your parents!) for the entire Academy application process -- including preparing and planning for the DoDMERB medical evaluation process. Contact me at chris@cbbrechin.com, 503.515.7406 or complete my contact form on the home page. ]