Hi. I am posting here because I need to process my situation with maybe someone out there who has been through a similar situation.
A little background. I am currently a SrA (effective June 19,2012 due to administrative demotion, before that I was a SSgt for 5 years and was waiting for today to find out if I made tech).
I tested in March and failed the run portion by 1min, I maxed out everything else on the PT test, making it my 3rd failure in 24 months. I could not meet the time for the run portion because the pain in my back was so great, I then went to my PCM the next day and received a profile for pulling a back muscle.
I received a LOR about 2 weeks later, after a medical review with my previous PCM (I requested to switch PCM, I will explain why later) where he found nothing wrong with me.
Last week of May, I was told that my Unit Cc had initiated the process to demote me to SrA. June 19th, I was demoted. I am currently appealing it for medical reasons.
Here is where my previous PCM comes into play.
1. I have been going to him with back, feet and lung issues for 2 years now and hes always chalked it up to fatigue or pulling a back muscle. <-- my disclaimer here is that, yes I know I should have seeked a second option, but I did not.
2. Having since switched PCMs, on my first visit with him, he sent me to 3 referrals because he felt I had really bad issues.
3. Referral Doctors diagnosed me with, Plantar fasciitis in the arches of my feet,Traumatic Arthritis in my feet, degenerative back muscle spams and issues, I am still waiting for the lung specialist to see if I have asthma.
My issue is this, Yes, I should have sought a second opinion but why can't the CC (unit and squadron), according to AFI 36-2502 6.1.5. When appropriate, give Airmen an opportunity to overcome their deficiencies before demotion action is initiated. Commanders should maintain supporting documentation of all rehabilitation and probationary actions.
Is it too unreasonable of me to want some leniency here ?
Should also add that if my appeal is denied, I am up for high year tenure and will probably not be able to test for staff the next cycle due to a referral EPR.
Not to mention the financial set backs for me.
Please help
A little background. I am currently a SrA (effective June 19,2012 due to administrative demotion, before that I was a SSgt for 5 years and was waiting for today to find out if I made tech).
I tested in March and failed the run portion by 1min, I maxed out everything else on the PT test, making it my 3rd failure in 24 months. I could not meet the time for the run portion because the pain in my back was so great, I then went to my PCM the next day and received a profile for pulling a back muscle.
I received a LOR about 2 weeks later, after a medical review with my previous PCM (I requested to switch PCM, I will explain why later) where he found nothing wrong with me.
Last week of May, I was told that my Unit Cc had initiated the process to demote me to SrA. June 19th, I was demoted. I am currently appealing it for medical reasons.
Here is where my previous PCM comes into play.
1. I have been going to him with back, feet and lung issues for 2 years now and hes always chalked it up to fatigue or pulling a back muscle. <-- my disclaimer here is that, yes I know I should have seeked a second option, but I did not.
2. Having since switched PCMs, on my first visit with him, he sent me to 3 referrals because he felt I had really bad issues.
3. Referral Doctors diagnosed me with, Plantar fasciitis in the arches of my feet,Traumatic Arthritis in my feet, degenerative back muscle spams and issues, I am still waiting for the lung specialist to see if I have asthma.
My issue is this, Yes, I should have sought a second opinion but why can't the CC (unit and squadron), according to AFI 36-2502 6.1.5. When appropriate, give Airmen an opportunity to overcome their deficiencies before demotion action is initiated. Commanders should maintain supporting documentation of all rehabilitation and probationary actions.
Is it too unreasonable of me to want some leniency here ?
Should also add that if my appeal is denied, I am up for high year tenure and will probably not be able to test for staff the next cycle due to a referral EPR.
Not to mention the financial set backs for me.
Please help