Return to active duty...again?

This marks the second time that I have met the MEB. This is a very complex and in depth process that encompasses multiple Air Force regulations documents. Just to clarify a bit on the parts that are important to Ali and I:

The MEB is a board used by the Air Force to determine if selected personnel should be retained on active duty, or retired/separated due to physical (or mental) problems. The primary question the MEB considers when making this determination "can the troop continue to perform his/her job function given the physical condition now and in the future?" This question is asked from the perspective of impact to the Air Force, and not so much to the person. Persons who cannot perform their job function, cannot change to a job function with lesser physical requirements, or whose medical condition will worsen in the future are likely to be retired or separated. All of the circumstances and details vary on a case by case basis.

An important factor in answering the above question is whether the person is still worldwide deployable. The Air Force is an expeditionary force, with a high overseas operations tempo. Those who cannot deploy worldwide are at risk to be separated through the MEB process.

The process itself begins with a doctor's recommendation to meet the MEB. This happened to me for my foot problems, and in the case of TC it is a requirement to meet the MEB. The first board that meets is the local MEB at the troop's base hospital, if the hospital is large enough to support such a function. The board is chaired, typically, by the medical group commander (or appointed designee), and several doctors. The board may choose to return the troop to active duty, or forward the case to Randolph AFB in Texas for the informal Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) review.

The local board at WPAFB has elected to recommend that I return to active duty. They have also recommended that I be placed on a physical profile. In this situation, my case will go to a Standards Committee at Randolph. This committee is primarily responsible for assigning the type of profile I will have, but it may also refer me to the informal board (which does happen). So, even though I have a "return to active duty" determination, this does not mean I am necessarily retained...there is still a chance that I may meet another MEB.

The profile that I will be on follows the Air Force Code C system. This system has three levels:

• C1: Airmen eligible for permanent and temporary-duty assignment to global Defense Department installations with medical treatment facilities. Generally, approvals are for conditions that are stable and found as a result of a medical review and not likely to worsen suddenly.

• C2: Airmen eligible for permanent and TDY assignments to continental U.S. installations. They could also be deployable or assignable to overseas bases or nonfixed facilities if appropriate care is available. This is generally approved for temporary or mild conditions requiring follow-up but clinically inactive and managed without frequent visits or unique medication regimen or prescriptions.

• C3: Airmen who are TDY nondeployable and assignment-limited to an installation based on medical need and availability of care. Approval authority is the Medical Standards Branch. The member’s commander may request waivers to send a member on deployment or permanent assignment.

My case worker has stated that my case is classified as unstable, at least now and in the near future. Therefore, C1 is most certainly ruled out. I will likely be either C2 or C3, but I don't have any indication which. She also indicated that a ruling of C3 increases the likelihood that my case will meet the PEB, because it removes my ability to deploy worldwide.

My case manager was unable to provide me with a date that the Standards Committee will meet, but indicated that it will likely be in the next month or so.