Medical interview

[InfantrySoldier18]

Hi,

I am recently worried about the medical interview and looking for information.

I know someone who was recently dismissed because he was allergic to nuts. ( I understand why) but this had my worried to be rejected for some reason I didn't think of, so I went and checked the medical conditions on a certain site. (Can't remember exactly, I think it was Military.com, but not the Canadian Army site for sure.) so this wasn't a really good source.

So, I have a SMALL scoliosis (5-8 degrees I believe, need to recheck with doctor)(Never found on x-rays before 15 years old) but nothing major. I have seen that the limitation for scoliosis was 20 degrees on Military.com, but many Yahoo links etc said that the were subject to immediate DQ. (Not a super source.), but one of the answers was posted by an ex-recruiter, which will bring a point later.

Secondly, I have a cervical rib. I do not have thoracic outlet syndrome (I believe). This rib was only found at about 15 and a half years old, no doctor has ever talked to me or said that I had it until then. I read that the limitation for cervical ribs was that it must not be obvious at sight or something like that, and doesn't prevent to wear uniform. (Not sure again.)

So the ex-recruiter which I talked of above, recommended to not say anything about the scoliosis at first interview, because at his recruiting center the were mostly disqualified of entry directly and to let the doctor find out by himself. I knew that the army requires great honesty and I do not want to start my carrier with a lie. Should I tell or not ?

I have not started the recruiting process at the moment, but I am wanting to start the process soon, so I am a bit (Really?) worried about this.

Huge thank you for the upcoming answers, really appreciate !

 

[medicineman]

We don't counsel people to lie here, since if you're caught, it's a National Defence Act offence - you can be charged, lose your job, etc.  Be up front and honest - if there are no problems with your conditions, odds are you won't have any issues with the medical.  There is a good chance, however, that you will need to get a letter from your family doctor regarding both conditions to ensure that you've not had to be treated for any issues related to them.  Beyond that, you'll just have to go through the process.

Good luck.

MM

 

[InfantrySoldier18]

Thanks a lot, really hope that they will not disqualify me for things that do not effect me at all !

 

[InfantrySoldier18]

Also, would it be possible that I call the recruiting office to have more info on this, or they do not really know about meds' ?

 

[Flatliner]

Also, would it be possible that I call the recruiting office to have more info on this, or they do not really know about meds' ?

Not sure if the recruiting centre can say for sure but have you checked the medical standards guide?
If not, it has a ton of info about the different medical standards for each position as well as an overall list of conditions. Located here: http://www.forces.gc.ca/en/about-policies-standards-medical-occupations/index.page

 

[medicineman]

Also, would it be possible that I call the recruiting office to have more info on this, or they do not really know about meds' ?

You can call and ask to speak to the Medical cell there - they may be forthcoming for you. 

Not sure if the recruiting centre can say for sure but have you checked the medical standards guide?
If not, it has a ton of info about the different medical standards for each position as well as an overall list of conditions. Located here: http://www.forces.gc.ca/en/about-policies-standards-medical-occupations/index.page

I've found over the years that the CFP 154 is not very specific...what is though is the Director Medical Policy's Guidance, what we call colloquially the "Pearls of Wisdom" regarding specific conditions and limitations regarding them.  These "Pearls" are usually updated annually, especially as policies are always evolving.

Each person is assessed individually against a set standard - if they don't meet that standard or will have a high likelihood of exacerbation of that condition due to the rigours of training or CAF life, they aren't selected.  If you read the Annex G under musculoskeletal conditions, it's extremely vague as to specific problems - it's up to medical staff to properly gather information and assess the applicant so that a decision of suitability can be rendered.

MM

 

[InfantrySoldier18]

Thanks alot for the info !
Will make a appointment at the doctor to have more info on my scoliosis.

Also, I have a dumb question to ask but don't want to open a new subject.
I really want to go Infantry, not really other trades, but the application requires 3 choices, what should I do ?

Thanks !

 

[medicineman]

Pick two others you can live with...and emphasize you really want to be an infanteer at your inerview.

MM

 

[InfantrySoldier18]

Okay, this sounds scary as hell !

Thanks

 

[InfantrySoldier18]

Do most people get there first choice ?

 

[Flatliner]

Do most people get there first choice ?

Not sure if anyone really has the numbers to answer your question. From what I've experienced, and heard from others though, is that if you are honest with the recruiter and let them know your preference then they will try but ultimately it comes down to your competitiveness + where recruits are needed.

As has been said before, if you get an offer for one of your secondary choices, you have the right to decline and wait it out for your ideal trade. That, however, could take some time or never happen.

 

[InfantrySoldier18]

Thanks again, you guys are of great help. Having the possibility to decline reassures me. Infantery must often have places available (guess)

Will try to have a good application !

 

[Moore]

Thanks again, you guys are of great help. Having the possibility to decline reassures me. Infantery must often have places available (guess)

Will try to have a good application !

Infantry is one of the most competitive trades from what I've heard. There are a lot of people applying for it so it will definitely be awhile to get that possible job offer. Just remember not to give up or lose hope and it could come some day. Good luck!

 

[InfantrySoldier18]

I'll wait if I have to and I'll try to be really competitif, hopeing to become vandoo since am bilangual from quebec.
Thanks a lot !

 

[InfantrySoldier18]

I'll wait if I have to and I'll try to be really competitif, hopeing to become vandoo since am bilangual from quebec.
Thanks a lot !

 

[Moore]

I'll wait if I have to and I'll try to be really competitif, hopeing to become vandoo since am bilangual from quebec.
Thanks a lot !

Anytime. Bilingual is good, assuming and hoping french is your first language. Keep us updated on the process samples thread on how you're doing!