Hello, I am currently a freshman in high school, and I’m aware that scoliosis (lumbar/thoracic) with a Cobb angle over 30 degrees can be disqualifying for joining the Air Force. I am in good health, with no allergies, no medications, and no history of surgery. The last time I went to an orthopedist, my curvature was around 32 degrees, if I remember correctly. I have been wearing a brace throughout my journey and still do. My orthopedist told me I may stop growing this year, so this will likely be the last year I need to wear a brace. I have an appointment in August, when he will see whether I can stop wearing a brace or should continue for one more year.
Keep in mind, I’m still a freshman and very new to all of this. I’ve heard of medical “waivers,” but I honestly don’t really know what that process looks like or how it works. My dream is to become a pilot for United Airlines after serving in the Air Force and earning the necessary licenses. I plan to participate in extracurriculars and take advanced academic courses after this year, but I’m worried that this physical condition could eliminate my chances of joining. Is there a way I could still join USAFA? Is this the end of my dream, or do I still have a chance?
I apologise if anything I wrote is unprofessional or inaccurate. Please feel free to correct me.
Thank you. 
You apply to the USAFA, which will include a detailed medical history that you and your doctor provide along with a thorough medical exam. DoDMERB will determine whether or not to issue a DQ (disqualifier) based on your history and exam. But, even if they issue a DQ, the USAFA can issue a waiver if they feel the DQ is not sufficient to prevent you from completing the program and commissioning. There is nothing you can do other than be thorough and complete with your medical history. DodMERB and the academy will do the rest.
So, submit the best application you can and let the chips fall where they may. That’s all you, or any candidate, can do.
Also, you may want to post this and any other medical/academy-related questions on the service academy forums website, which is the CC equivalent for service academy applicants. That forum is moderated by active military personnel who can answer your questions definitively. There is also a DoDMERB subforum there that used to be monitored by the head of DoDMERB. Not sure who is moderating there now, but it is still an active subforum.
Good luck!
2 Likes
It’s important for anyone considering an academy for pilot training to understand that the training is not done during undergrad. A pilot’s license is not part of the curriculum at any service academy.* Military flight training starts only after commissioning IF the officer is selected for aviation and IF the service selection involves flying. Also, if the service selection does involve flying, the officer may be obligated for up to ten years (exact commitment depends on various factors) which is why it is important that officership rather than pilot be the goal.
So, apply to the Air Force academy because you want to serve as an officer wherever the force needs you, not because you dream of flying. You may want to read my response to others who consider USAFA as a path to a career as a commercial pilot. There are other easier, (much) faster, and more guaranteed paths to commercial flying than a service academy whose goal is to produce officers for the various branches of our armed services. They are not in the business of turning out civilian pilots, doctors, lawyers, etc.
*You can certainly earn a license on your own, and you can join the flying club, but military flight training is not part of the USAFA undergrad curriculum.
3 Likes