Cancer Waivers

Absit · 07-13-2012, 20:16

To get right out with it, I had testicular cancer in 2005 and have been in remission since Feb of 2006. I'm interested in joining the National Guard (A/2/20th in particular) and I'm requesting anyone with any experience, knowledge, or information on anyone that's got a waiver for a history of cancer to get in touch with me. The recruiter suggested by A/2/20th has never seen a cancer waiver, so along with him working on it, I'd like to gather as much information as possible to give me the best chance I can have for enlisting.

If you have any such information, feel free to post it here or PM me. I appreciate any and all help.

In the meantime, I'll keep working my PT, reading these boards, Get Selected, and the Ranger Handbook. Just because they say "no" today doesn't mean they'll say "no" tomorrow, and I'm not going to be caught unprepared.

Also, if this is the wrong area to post I apologize, I put it here because it's NG specific and 20th group is what I'm wanting to join.

Thank you.

**Eagle5US** · 07-13-2012, 20:21

Check the appropriate Army regulation and post the proper paragraphs and line numbers from Chapter 2.

The SWC SGN is the waiver authority. I will tell you that I have boarded an active duty guy from GP OUT of the Army post Orchiectomy from having testicular CA.

Though your recruiter hasn't seen a waiver for CA, your case does not bode well to get in as we are boarding people out for the same.

Absit · 07-13-2012, 20:25

Eagle5US, thank you for your reply. Here's the reg:

AR 40-501

Quote:

2–31. Tumors and malignant diseases
b. Current or history of malignant tumors (V10) does not meet the standard. Skin cancer (other than malignant
melanoma) removed with no residual, is not disqualifying.

**Eagle5US** · 07-13-2012, 20:39

Should you decide to attempt a waiver for enlistment, you will first need a waiver thru the MEPS physician to get into the Army...then a second waiver for Special Operations training. You should check your path report to determine if your CA was malignant or benign.

Indeed, your chances are slim should you decide to apply; your chances are zero if you DON'T apply.

Well done on reading the stickies and utilizing the appropriate Regulation.

Good luck in your decision and career path.

Congrats on beating the big C for the past 5+ yrs.

Absit · 07-13-2012, 20:46

Eagle5US, thank you on all. I was unaware I'd need a second waiver for Special Operations training, the Reg gets pretty long but it looked like the same standards applied in that respect. I didn't take it to mean I'd need another waiver, but that the initial waiver would be sufficient.

The hill is steep, but not trying doesn't seem to be the best option.

**Eagle5US** · 07-13-2012, 20:58

Chapter 2 covers initial entry training...a different chapter covers special operations training.

The waiver authority to get IN the Army is different from the waiver authority to go to Special Operations Training. Similarly, the waiver authority for flight is also a separate entity...and chapter / paragraph in 40-501.