tws1098

I know this isn't a car question, but since many of you are in the military or were previously, I thought I would ask. I have a ruptured disc in my lower back. The recruiter I talked to said that if it were to "heal" I could be cleared (6 month wait after surgery). The rupture is from lifting in high school 6 years ago. I was wondering what you all thought my odds of joining are after I have surgery? I was pretty upset when I was told I couldn't join, and don't want to get my hopes up again if it is highly unlikely I will be allowed in. Thanks for any thoughts or opinions.

(the recruiter I talked to was for the Navy, I will most likely meet with an Air Force recruiter because that is the branch I am leaning toward)

EDIT: Please do not move this right away, I was looking for opinions from guys in this group.

MU71L4710N

i personally have a friend with several felonies on his record that were waived (its nearly unheard of for anyone with a felony to get into any branch other than the army and were airforce). 2 guys in my shop were waived from knee injuries. one was waived from some broken sternum or something. it may take some time to get the waivers, but its possible.

you may want to consider your long term health too. joining the military means you will be forced to work out and perform heavy lifting and whatever else the job entails, could this further upset your injury and possibly put you in a wheel chair by the time your 30?

lizzyfan

No problem
You would not get much in OT

H0SS302

Shoot my brother tried to join the army with bad hearing and a screwed up hand. If your recruiter is as sleezy and kiniving as most are, he will find a way to get you in..That recruiter jump through so many hoops to get my brother in.

Sxynerd

I was in for ten years. Almost anything is waiverable although the Air Force is a bit more picky. It honestly comes down to two things, how long you're willing to wait on waiver and how badly you want in. A bulged disk is nothing, don't worry about it.

RiCe_KiLlEr

see back a few years ago they would take anyone. problem is now everyone is trying to get into the military, and the military is over flowing with people. Im in the marine corps and right now were over our quota so now they are not taking anyone with felonies and people who have medical problems. thats probably why you are having a hard time.

mhunsr

I retired from the Army. As far as getting in one of the services after a surgery doesn't seem like too difficult of issue for a recruiter to handle. As far as YOU are concerned, just realize that the physical demands of the military can take its toll, even if your are in good shape. If you surgery leaves you in good physical condition then go for it. I encourage the willing and able bodied to serve their country. If you think you can take carrying 50lbs or more on a daily basis without affecting your back then you will do good in the military. I do not know much about a ruptured disc and everyone heals differently. Good luck, I hope you get into the military after surgery!

Kenny_k82

Just don't join the Army or the Marines... It's not worth it. 5 yrs experience with a year in Afghan. If you really wanna join they will find a way to get you in, thats the problem with the military right now. Seriously, they will let anyone in... I have seen guys that were literally mentally retarded. Hell my brother who shares this account was hit in Iraq in Oct. Stopped breathing almost died, he will never be able to run again and his knee and leg were destroyed, hell he is pissed he didn't just lose it. Anyways, he has the choice to stay in and they will give him a ****ty job where he won't do anything. Numbers are up for now, but I can tell you retention is ****ty.

Kenny_k82

And it is a shame that anyone can join, because I actually like the military. From first hand experience I will tell you that you will have to fight for any of your benefits, try getting college paid for...

Sxynerd

See, I absolutely disagree. I spent 3 years in Iraq and 1 in afgan and although it takes it's toll on you mentally and physically it's still worth it. I've buried 11 friends in 10 years, I've been blown up twice and no matter what anyone says, I'm a better person because of the experiences as a whole. You make your destiny and you mold your future. Sure there's a risk to life and limb but that's a risk for all the benefits of service. It was my honor to be in, it was my honor to give my blood and bone and all my soldiers and friends that died, it was their honor as well. It's a flawed thought to join the military for what it can give you. Only join the military if you're willing to give yourself and be humble to accept the honor if you're given the title of Marine or Soldier.