Questions about joining the CF

[James5590]

Hello. My name is James. I am 19 years old and I am considering joining the Canadian Forces most likely to be an infantry soldier. I have a couple questions first.  I am currently in college getting degrees in criminal justice and microbiology. Are there are any positions in the CF that I would be more suited for with these degrees? If not, that is okay. 

Secondly. I have one kidney. I understand that this forum is not recommended for medical advice and only the actual doctors during the recruitment process can give me solid answers but I am wondering about people's opinions anyway. Having one kidney doesn't stop me from doing anything anyone with 2 kidneys can do. I am in excellent physical condition, and have been working out 5/7 days a week for the past two years. I have heard about some people who joined the CF with one kidney.  I could sign a waiver or  perhaps some other legal document that wouldn't hold the CF responsible if something did happen to my kidney. Do you think this could be possible? 

Thank you for you time.

 

[Journeyman]

Having one kidney doesn't stop me from doing anything anyone with 2 kidneys can do.

...I wouldn't recommend being a kidney donor. 

 

[James5590]

...I wouldn't recommend being a kidney donor. 

Haha, I guess that one slipped my mind.

 

[mariomike]

I have one kidney. I understand that this forum is not recommended for medical advice and only the actual doctors during the recruitment process can give me solid answers but I am wondering about people's opinions anyway.

You may find this discussion of interest.


"Kidney( i have one) and the CF":
http://forums.army.ca/forums/threads/92750.0

 

[James5590]

Bump

 

[Loachman]

Bump

"Bump"? After just a few hours?

Really?

Have a little patience.

And, if you want a real answer, go to your friendly neighbourhood Recruiting Centre.

Our opinions do not count.

 

[James5590]

"Bump"? After just a few hours?

Really?

Have a little patience.

And, if you want a real answer, go to your friendly neighbourhood Recruiting Centre.

Our opinions do not count.

I'd like to hear your opinions anyway, even if they don't count in your view.

 

[ModlrMike]

Firstly, only Recruiting can give you the most accurate answer.

Secondly, service in the CF can be infinitely more difficult and stressful than civilian life. While having one kidney whilst living in Toronto for example may not be a problem, imagine if your single kidney starts to crap out while you're in Cambridge Bay on winter ex. This is the sort of deliberation the CF medical authorities will need to consider respecting your application. If I were doing your medical - G4O2, but that's me and I'm as likely to be over ruled as agreed with.

Finally, only Recruiting can give you the most accurate answer.

 

[Loachman]

I'd like to hear your opinions anyway, even if they don't count in your view.

You already have, and others have told you too: Our opinions regarding this do not count. Nobody here can give you any answer of any value whatsoever, beyond "see a Recruiter".

And, no, there is no such thing as a "waiver" for any medical matter. Beyond the potential risk to yourself, there is also a potential risk to others that must be considered. One either meets the required standards or one does not.

Firstly, only Recruiting can give you the most accurate answer.

Some people don't seem to get that.

imagine if your single kidney starts to crap out while you're in Cambridge Bay on winter ex.

Or your single brain, or your single heart, or your single pancreas, or...

One of my sons has been operating on only one kidney since birth. There were many, many visits to a kidney specialist in his early years. One thing that I clearly remember is that specialist pointing out that many people operate on only one kidney and never realize it. His daughter was sixteen before they discovered that she had only one.

Yes, it's always nice to have a spare, but not too many of our important bits have back-ups.

Finally, only Recruiting can give you the most accurate answer.

Some people don't seem to get that.

 

[Shamrock]

I'd like to hear your opinions anyway, even if they don't count in your view.

Old fashion sugar doughnuts are the best.  Not only for flavor, but also in availability and consistency across multiple chains.

 

[TYLERgibson]

Old fashion sugar doughnuts are the best.  Not only for flavor, but also in availability and consistency across multiple chains.

I'm more of a boston cream type of guy.