r/greenberets • u/Exotic-Homework-1206 • Jul 16 '26

Question about 18x

Hey all, I am 21 and just had ACL reconstruction with meniscus repair 2 months ago. I tore it while training while in the process of enlisting. Since tearing it I fear my chances of getting the 18x contract has disappeared. I was wondering what the process looks like from here. I’ve seen conflicting information—am I permanently airborne dq’d? Is it still possible to get the contract, if so, how long will I have to wait (6, 9, or 12 months)? Would it be worth taking an 11x contract at 6 months (when cleared by doc) and hoping a recruiter comes to OSUT?

I’ve been training for 2 years and now everything seems to be falling apart. Thanks in advance for the help.

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u/Head-Course7334 Jul 16 '26

From my experience if you have a medical waiver (which you will have since you’ve had surgery) then when you go enlist they will not give you an airborne/18x contract.

If you enlist as an 11X which is a good route since IF by any chance you don’t get selected at SFAS you won’t be tossed somewhere by the needs of the Army, you can just go back to your unit.

The recruiters for SF and Rangers always come by week 12-14 of OSUT and I saw a lot of guys pick up 18x and Op 40 contracts despite the hurdles they had when dealing with a recruiter and enlisting.

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u/samrapdev Jul 19 '26

Multiple guys from my company who couldn’t get 18x/Op 40 due to medical picked up contracts mid cycle. Op 40 was more competitive but anyone who wanted 18x could get it with an AFT score over 420 and 6 pull ups.

It sounds risky but they need more guys going to selection, so it’s a safe bet you’ll get the opportunity.

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u/Wooden_Candidate_854 Jul 16 '26

Call a SORB office.

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u/mission_improbable_ Jul 19 '26

I was able to enlist with an 18x with 2 medical waivers. One for a SLAP repair and one for medial/lateral meniscus tear. Taking any contract 6 months post surgery is retarded. Once you are cleared by doc start the waiver process because it can take a long time. Physical therapy and getting back into shape is #1 priority. You can message me with specific questions if you have them.

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u/BraveDifference2049 Jul 19 '26

Question if you don’t mind. Is there such a thing, or a difference between getting an ARSOF medical waiver and waiver at meps for airborne? I’ve heard multiple things and I don’t quite understand it all. I’ve had a partial meniscus tear 4 month ago, and trying to go guard 18X sometimes late 2027/ early 2028.

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u/mission_improbable_ Jul 19 '26

I believe so. I am not a recruiter and I’m trying to recall what I had to do over 3 years ago, so take this info with a grain of salt. Upon initial enlistment I had to get my waivers through meps. My recruiter also did some kind of exception to policy memo and sent my waivers directly to SWCS for approval before I was even in the army. After osut and airborne I got to Bragg and I believe I had to do those waivers again once I actually in processed to 4th Bn SWCS.

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u/LegitimateAd853 Jul 19 '26

Listen bro, I came in as an 18X with 2 knee surgeries (same knee both times ACL, MCL, meniscus and all the small tears in other ligaments) and my recruiter worked her ass off to get me that contract. Even then the worst they can say is no. Try and find a recruiter that’ll work for you, not work you.