I'm a rated pilot in the Air Force. I have been diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis with some GI issues as well. I'm currently DNIF and trying out some medication (Sulfasalizine) with the eventual expectation of taking some more heavy duty AntiBody type Immune modifying meds. (Etanercept, adalimumab, infliximab)
I'm at a crossroads right now of several situations.
A. I apply for a waiver and get back on flying status flying heavies/UAVs if it is approved.
B. I go straight to an MEB and separate.
C. I go through an MEB and get reassigned a different AFSC.
I'd really like to just go with option B, separate and move on with my life. I've got 6 years in with about 5 years remaining on my pilot training ADSC. I've looked everywhere including going to personnal at my base but can't seem to find any concrete answers.
Bascially I want to get out becasue sitting down exacerbates my condition. However, If I end up being forced to stay in, I'd rather fly and deal with the pain than do a different job in the Air Force. I'm worried that if I go straight to an MEB and don't pursue a waiver that they may perma-DNIF me and make me finish out my remaining commitment as a non-rated dude. (Is this a possibility?) Nothing against non-rated folks, it's just not what is best for me and my family.
Does anyone have any experience with a situation like this? It seems like everything I read online is people desperately trying to stay in the service instead of wanting to separate. I hope I've provided sufficient background, I'd appreciate any guidance at all with this issue. The uncertainty is driving my family and I crazy. If someone could even point me in the direction of some resources/regs that I can research on my own, that would help immensely.
I'm at a crossroads right now of several situations.
A. I apply for a waiver and get back on flying status flying heavies/UAVs if it is approved.
B. I go straight to an MEB and separate.
C. I go through an MEB and get reassigned a different AFSC.
I'd really like to just go with option B, separate and move on with my life. I've got 6 years in with about 5 years remaining on my pilot training ADSC. I've looked everywhere including going to personnal at my base but can't seem to find any concrete answers.
Bascially I want to get out becasue sitting down exacerbates my condition. However, If I end up being forced to stay in, I'd rather fly and deal with the pain than do a different job in the Air Force. I'm worried that if I go straight to an MEB and don't pursue a waiver that they may perma-DNIF me and make me finish out my remaining commitment as a non-rated dude. (Is this a possibility?) Nothing against non-rated folks, it's just not what is best for me and my family.
Does anyone have any experience with a situation like this? It seems like everything I read online is people desperately trying to stay in the service instead of wanting to separate. I hope I've provided sufficient background, I'd appreciate any guidance at all with this issue. The uncertainty is driving my family and I crazy. If someone could even point me in the direction of some resources/regs that I can research on my own, that would help immensely.