Please Help!! In need info on medical requirements for recruiting!

[baxter33]

Writing for information on behalf of my boyfriend!

My name is Amanda and my boyfriend has always wanted to join the AirForce and become a Structures Tech or something similar. He does not want to be soldier but to have a specific trade he is a very handy kind of guy and loves fixing things and making things.

Anywho he has been very hesitant about applying and has got the paper work a few times but never gone through. I know he is affraid of failing.

I had some specific questions about the medical check and requirements.

1. He had a motorcross accident when he was about 15-16 that required some plastic plates and some screws in his left arm. He was supposed to get a second surgery to get the plates and screws removed by his 19th birthday. However he did not get it done because he was working and did not want to be out of work for months for the surgery. So now his arm bones and the plastic plates and screws are all formed/fused together and he has to live with it. There is no pain at all and can use and move it normally, there is just a bump that sticks out.
I want to know is this would effect him getting into the Air Force.

2. We also just found out last month that he has a slipped/cracked  Vertebra (L5). We thought it was a work place injury but then had a ct scan and we found out it is a birth defect that he has had all his life. His back only gets sore from time to time and with excersize and massages its fine .
AS well I'm wondering if this would effect him getting into the Air Force.

Because of these 2 things I know he is now scared to apply. Overall he is an extremely healthy/physical guy. He's like 6'2" 175lbs can pass all the physical tests like running and situps and chinups with ease.
He keeps doubting that he won't be able to get in now and I really hope that is not the case because he has wanted to join for years.

Please all the help and input would help. He keeps putting off about going to the recruiting location in our town now because of these 2 little things!

Thank you!!

 

[Michael OLeary]

If he applies and goes through the steps of having a medical review of his file, then no matter how it turns out he will know for sure. If he doesn't try, he'll never know. He loses nothing by trying, and starting the process is the only way to know for sure. No-one here can offer him a definitive answer.

 

[Occam]

I know you're not going to like this advice, but it's the only advice you're going to get that's worth listening to:

He has to actually go through the recruiting process, do the medical, and find out if he meets the common enrolment medical standards.

He can try to mitigate any raised eyebrows about his conditions by having his family doctor (or specialist, if applicable) complete a report which states that neither condition affects his day-to-day life and that neither requires significant treatment.

Aside from that, going through the process is the only way to find out if he'll meet the entrance requirements medically.  Nobody here is a doctor, and nobody here knows him.

 

[baxter33]

Thank you both for your replies! 

I know you both are right! I really think I'm going to talk to him and get him to try!

He just turned 25 and he does not have a career . He works in a factory that he hates and I know he would be much happier doing and specific trade that he enjoys and is interesting!

 

[old medic]

I will be the third to say the same.
Apply is the only answer, and the official answer will only come after doctors look at his file.
The two items you mentioned are very specific to him.

 

[OneMissionataTime]

By the Way, if he is accepted and during his medical the raised eyebrows are indeed raised then prepare either:
A] You can give up and cancel your application

or...

B] try to back up that he is absolutely fit with civilian documentation.

I had a knee problem from playing football ( Good old chomp-block during a game and received a dislocated knee). Long story short, I had too prove to the medical staff at the CFRC, (with real documentation from civilian doctors), that I was physically fine. I ended up needing an ultra-sound, X-ray and eventually a MRI too prove that my knee was up to par.
Basically if you indeed raise eyebrows and he really wants it make sure that your civilian doctors can back up the claim that he is indeed "healthy".

 

[baxter33]

Thank you so much!

I talked to him a little last night and all your input was greatly helpful!!

I'm still kind of worried about the plate and screws in his arm just because it is really obvious in x-rays. But it does not effect him in any way!

For sure going to need his doctor to support that and I know she will! She is very thorough and a good doctor!

All your input has giving him hope again and I can see it and he was a little surprised.

So fingers crossed. We are going to go to the recruiting location on Thursday hopefully!