Well, with the ASVAB out of the way the next step was to schedule a visit to MEPS. This is where applicants go thru a series of physical tests, visual exam, hearing test, blood test, urine sample among other things. It's a long day but nothing to worry about.
Because of previous knee surgery procedures, I had to see a local physician to have my knee evaluated. The doctor's report and my knee's xray were sent to the Navy recruiter and I also had to contact my orthopedist in Brazil and have him send me a medical report about my surgeries.
My medical pre-screening and medical reports were sent to MEPS for review and it took more than two months to finally get the OK to go in for a physical. I went to MEPS on June 24th.
I stayed in a hotel paid by the Navy and went to the station on the next day with a bunch of other applicants from all branches. Like I said before, it is a long day. I woke up at 4:30 am and I was in the bus that would take me to MEPS at 5:10 am. Besides the hurry up and wait, it was not bad. Everything is pretty simple!
Because of my medical history (knee surgery), I was disqualified but the doc recommended me for a waiver. So the day was over for me at around noon but for the majority of the folks that are not disqualified, the afternoon is the time to sign the contract and swear in.
So my waiver request was sent to the Navy and it took another two months to get the result. For some reason, now the Navy wanted me to see one of their orthopedist. So off I go to MEPS again. Stayed in the hotel again and went thru all the same fun stuff.
This time I was taken to a specialist and had more xrays taken. He examined my knee, we chatted for a few minutes and I went back to MEPS. Now the doctor's report was again sent to the Navy for consideration. Three weeks later I was contacted by my recruiter, with the good news. My waiver was approved!
Last Wednesday (9/16) I met my recruiter again and this time he initiated a dependency waiver. I'm married and I have three kids and the Navy wants to make sure that applicants with dependents, will be able to meet financial responsibilities with the Navy base pay.
Another hurdle that I have to overcome, but it is OK. I am patient. According to the recruiter, if the waiver gets approved I should be able to sign my contract next month. I began this process in April and this is almost October. What a ride!
Emerson Bertoni
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