Here to help (and brag)

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Permalink Reply by John F Swibes on February 7, 2014 at 9:24am

Hi Jeff,

My son graduated from college last year January was delayed while recovering from PRK surgery in March.  He was officially dropped from DEP after the surgery but now back in with a tentative ship date in August.  My questions is this delay typical for those on the spec-ops track or are we dealing something else?

Permalink Reply by Jeff Mohler on February 7, 2014 at 6:29pm

John,

As I understand the question, your son was in DEP, then was separated due to having eye surgery. He has now entered DEP again and has a ship date in August. You are wondering if the delay in re-depping him from Jan. to Aug. is typical for SWC or is it perhaps "punitive" in nature for being a DEP Discharge?

Rest easy that the recruiters, MEPS, etc. don't have a hidden agenda here. There are minimum times post surgery for any procedure done, and some programs do have specific requirements (spec-ops for sure). These minimums are put in place by the Bureau of Medicine and they are pretty firm on those. There was a time that PRK was a non-waiverable disqualifier for spec-ops and anything in an aircraft, but the Navy revised that some years back. Hopefully all goes well and your future Sailor will start his adventure in Aug.

Permalink Reply by John F Swibes on February 7, 2014 at 8:28pm

Thanks Jeff.  Having the PRK procedure was pretty much a must have in order to get his contract.  His eyesight was close but not good enough.  Incidentally I have a nephew who is graduating the Military Academy this spring.  He had Lasik.  We chose PRK because of the risk factors with cutting a flap as opposed to the longer recovery with PRK.  He is now seeing 20/10 or better.  Word to the wise for anyone else considering this type of surgery...and find the best surgeon you can.  If they are advertising on TV or radio, my suggestion would be to stay clear.  Anyway his 6 mos. where up in early October but it took 6-8 weeks to then get back into DEP.  Just seems a long time to wait again.