How does DoDMERB work for Coast Guard Academy applicants?

I'm interested in the Coast Guard Academy and heard about the DoDMERB medical exam requirement. Could anyone share details on what this exam entails and how rigorous it is for academy applicants?

The Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board (DoDMERB) is tasked with determining the medical qualification of students applying to U.S. service academies, including the Coast Guard Academy.

DoDMERB's job is to ensure that aspiring cadets meet the physical and medical standards needed to serve in the U.S. military. They assess applicants' overall health, including vision, hearing, cardiovascular health, mental health, and more.

Begin by scheduling your medical examination through Concorde, the contractor that handles DoDMERB appointments. This exam is comprehensive and includes aspects such as a medical history review, a physical examination, a vision test, and sometimes, additional tests like blood work or an EKG.

While the medical standards are largely the same across all service academies, each one has its own specific requirements and waivers. For instance, the Coast Guard Academy has specific standards pertaining to eyesight: acceptable vision is correctable to 20/20 in each eye with no more than -8.00 diopters of nearsightedness, +8.00 of farsightedness, or 3.00 diopters of astigmatism.

Remember, the aim of the exam is not to evaluate your physical fitness but rather, to determine whether you meet the medical standards to serve in the U.S. military. In terms of rigor, keep in mind that the examination is thorough and is designed to detect any condition that could interfere with military service.

It's possible to be disqualified for medical reasons, but disqualifications can sometimes be waived by the academy. A waiver will depend on the severity of the condition, the academy's policies, and the projected needs of the service.

Lastly, results of the exams are shared directly with the applicant and the academy, usually within a few weeks via the DoDMERB website. Follow-ups may be requested on the basis of specific clinical findings, so dates may vary.

Don't forget to book your medical exam early in your academy application process, as the process can take some time due to the detailed nature of the exam and any potential follow-ups. Being proactive maximizes your chances of catching any potential medical issues early and working to resolve them.