scope:

REISSUANCE AND PURPOSE. This Instruction reissues reference (a) to implement policy and assign responsibilities for Medical Standards for Appointment, Enlistment, or Induction in the Armed Forces activities under reference (b).

APPLICABILITY AND SCOPE. This Instruction:

Applies to the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the Military Departments (including the United States Coast Guard when, by agreement with the Department of Homeland Security, it is not operating as a Military Service in the Department of the Navy), the United States Merchant Marine Academy by agreement with the Secretary of Commerce, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Combatant Commands, Office of the Inspector General of the Department of Defense, the Defense Agencies, the DoD Field Activities, and all other organizational entities in the Department of Defense (hereinafter referred to collectively as the "DoD Components"). The term "Armed Forces," as used herein, refers to the Army, the Navy, the Air Force, the Marine Corps, and the Coast Guard.

Establishes medical standards, which, if not met, are grounds for rejection for military service. Other standards may be prescribed for a mobilization for a national emergency. The medical standards in enclosure 1 apply to the following persons:

Applicants for appointment as commissioned or warrant officers in the Active and Reserve components.

Applicants for enlistment in the Armed Forces. For medical conditions or defects predating original enlistment, these standards apply to enlistees' first 6 months of active duty.

Applicants for enlistment in the Reserve and federally recognized units or organizations of the National Guard. For medical conditions or defects predating original enlistment, these standards apply during the enlistees' initial period of active duty for training until their return to Reserve or National Guard units.

Applicants for reenlistment in Regular and Reserve components and in federally recognized units or organizations of the National Guard when after a period of more than 6 months has elapsed since discharge.

Applicants for the Scholarship or Advanced Course Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTS), and all other Armed Forces' special officer personnel procurement programs.

Retention of cadets and midshipmen at the U.S. Service academies and students enrolled in ROTC scholarship programs.

Individuals on the Temporary Disability Retired List (TDRL) who have been found fit on reevaluation and wish to return to active duty. The prior disabling condition(s) and any other medical conditions identified before placement on the TDRL, that shall not have prevented reenlistment, are exempt from this Instruction.

All individuals being inducted into the Armed Forces.