flat feet people not allowed in military?

[studentcj]

I was wondering if flat footed people were still not allowed in the military. My mom used to be in the Af(active & reserves) and she said that when she was in it was that way. I've talked to others and they say it's only for things like infantry or something like that.

[Barenaked]

Still that way. There might be a waiver, I dont know.

[Orleander]

My Dad has flat feet and he was in the AirForce. I'm sorry, but that is just weird. When his feet are wet and he walks across cement, it leaves the weirdest prints. He's self-conscious about it, but with all his kids laughing at him, I can see why. lol

Anyways, what my Dad did in the Air Force had little to do with marching. He said he used his brains, not his back.

[Rad Diver]

The army now has special boots, so I have been told. I am guessing the USMC is the same. Don't know enough about Air Force or Navy.

[yahcanmicrowave]

My uncle spent 30 years in the AF and had flat feet. I don't think it was a problem.

[Mason B]

As long as you can run, march, stand for long periods, etc. I don't think it's a problem.

When I was in basic a girl got kicked out because she had flat feet, but it did hinder her, she could barely run.

[NewarkERT]

As far as I'm concern. . . . Flat feet is an automatic No Go . . . Unless you can pull of a waiver, but I haven't seen anyone gotten one yet.

[Sparkchaser]

When I enlisted, they noticed my flat feet (technically "fallen arches") during the physical. They simply asked me if I had any problems walking/running/standing etc. for extended periods. I replied in the negative and they accepted me... End of problem.
However, this was during the Viet Nam era and enlistment requirements were a bit looser then, than they are today. Wartime standards are usually a bit looser than peacetime standards... ie. Any warm body willing to join

[newtonjl]

waivers are available as llong as you can function
as well as anyone else. I served with a couple people who
had flat feet.

[WAMBAUGHREADER]

currently, noone needs a waiver-if you can do the job, youre in. they realized a while back they were shorting themselves on good people by not allowing flatfoots.

[Mike5166]

I did 3 1/2 years as an M-1 Tanker on active duty then 2 years on active reserves in the Light Infantry (88 - 91, 92-94) - with flat feet (Fallen Arches). They started medical discharge papers for me in basic training, but never put them through. I was able to pass all the physical requirements (ie. PT tests, force marches, etc) and graduated basic and went on to active duty. If you can do it, you can do it...

I think it depends on how much you whine about it. If you don't complain, work through any pain (and yes, there is plenty of pain involved with flat feet), and keep up, you'll be fine. If you walk around limping and complaining of the pain, they'll eventually boot you. Just suck it up and drive on and they'll forget about your flat feet.

That was my Army...can't speak for the Army of today, they may have changed things.

[Stump]

I know that is what got my dad out of the military draft, but I thought they changed the rules because of all the new types of boots they have to correct/adapt to that problem.

[Mike5166]

As far as initial enlistment - from reading this topic here it seems that it might just come down to the doctor you get when you first enlist...

I sure would have liked to try those 'special boots' though, might have made it a bit easier...

[Jynkxxie]

I know several people with flat feet, and most of them get around just fine, if not better than me...LOL

If I stand long enough, my feet kill and for some strange reason my legs start to itch. My question is, if someone has flat feet and has no problem with extensive leg activity then why make boots? Also what are some of the problems people with flat feet have? I ask because like I said, I know of no one personally that has any problems, less needing special shoes.

[Mike5166]

Well, you can get along, but not without problems. One thing you can get 'shin splints' - which I was told is when the muscle pulls away from the bone (someone else may have a better explaination) - and that can hurt like hell. After a 20 some mile force march with a full ruck, it can feel like someone cracked a board across your shins.

With flat feet you basicly have no shock absorbtion, which can cause collateral damage up your legs and even your back.


The special boots I imagine have built orthopedic 'lifts' to try to put your feet back to a normal arch. I've tried inserts myself but found they hurt worse than putting up with flat feet.