How Long Do Waivers Take Military?
If you’re looking to join the military but have certain disqualifications or conditions, a military waiver might be your best option. However, understanding the process and timeframe can be overwhelming. In this article, we’ll dive into the details of military waivers, exploring the steps, timeline, and requirements. Spoiler alert: military waivers are a lengthy and complex process.
Understanding Military Waivers
Before we dive into the timing, it’s essential to understand what military waivers are. A waiver is an approval or an exception granted to a individual who fails to meet a specific standard or qualification. In the military, waivers are often necessary due to medical or behavioral conditions, criminal convictions, or low scores on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test.
How to Request a Waiver
Requesting a waiver begins by submitting a packet of medical or legal documents, accompanied by a statement of extenuating circumstances. Here’s a general outline:
- Medical waivers:
- Submit medical documents to support your case, including detailed medical reports, x-rays, or MRI results
- Complete the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) medical waiver request packet
- Include a statement outlining the extent of your condition, any mitigating circumstances, and potential accommodations
- Legal waivers:
- Gather official court documents and statements
- Complete the Character and Conduct Board (C&CB) legal waiver request packet
- Provide detailed explanations for your conviction(s) or actions, including mitigating factors
Military Waiver Timelines
How Long Do Waivers Take?
Waiver timelines can vary greatly, depending on the service branch, the type of waiver, and the complexity of your case. On average, waiver processing takes:
- 30 to 90 days for routine waivers
- 6-12 months for moderate- complexity waivers
- 12-24 months for complex waivers
- Up to 2-3 years or more for exceptional waivers requiring additional medical or legal reviews
Breaking Down the Process
The waiver process consists of multiple steps:
Step 1: Review and Evaluation (5-30 days)
Your waiver request is initially reviewed by the waiver board for eligibility. If your case meets initial requirements, it will move forward to the evaluation process.
Step 2: Evaluation (5-20 days)
An evaluating physician or psychologist will assess your medical or behavioral condition to determine if you can be accommodated. If recommended, you may undergo further testing or assessments.
Step 3: Conditional Approval or Denial (10-20 days)
Based on the evaluation, you may receive:
- Conditional approval, pending further testing or restrictions
- Approval for enlistment
- Denial of your waiver request
Step 4: Conditional Clearance (if necessary)
If approved conditionally, you may need to complete additional evaluations, treatments, or adaptations to demonstrate your suitability for military service.
Important Considerations
When considering a waiver, remember:
- Waivers are never guaranteed and may be revoked at any time.
- All military services require waivers to be fully cleared before basic training and onboarding.
- Medical or legal conditions must not prevent you from performing the essential duties of your chosen military job or meet operational security requirements.
- Be prepared for repeated denials, as this can happen, and consider exploring alternative careers or pathways.
Comparing Military Waivers: Service-Specific Guidelines
Each service branch has distinct waiver requirements and guidelines:
| Service Branch | Medical Waivers | Legal Waivers |
|---|---|---|
| Army | Most common disqualifications include eyesight, hearing, or cardio-pulmonary conditions. | Requires an overall minimum score of 32 (out of 50) on the C&CB evaluation |
| Navy | Focuses on eye-sight, ear-harmonization, and high blood pressure. | Scores 2 or 1 on the P1 rating scale require additional evaluations or waivers |
| Air Force | Medical waivers revolve around cardiovascular issues, visual acuity, or asthma. | All non-moral waivers must include evidence of remorse, acceptance, and accountability for previous behaviors |
| Marine Corps | Emphasizes overall medical fitness, cardiovascular capacity, and psychiatric conditions. | Waivers require additional legal evaluations, assessments, or treatment programs |
In Conclusion
The process of obtaining a military waiver can be lengthy, complex, and uncertain. However, understanding the timeline and steps involved can help prepare you for the journey ahead. Remember that waivers are individualized, and requirements can vary by service branch.
Timeline Checklist:
- Submit waiver packet (initial review and evaluation: 5-30 days)
- Review and evaluation complete (evaluation: 5-20 days)
- Conditional approval or denial received (conditional approval pending testing or restrictions, or final denial)
- Conditional clearance (if necessary, ongoing)
Stay patient, prepared, and proactive during this process, and don’t be discouraged if faced with denial. Many service members successfully navigate the waiver system to achieve their military career goals.
