Expert: Eric Ernst - 10/14/2009

Question
hello my name is Matthew and I'm a Marine Corps hopeful. I've had knee problems in the past. ( knee dislocating and pain now the pain is bearable but I'm to see an orthopedic surgeon) but will this disqualify me from being in the Corps?

Answer
Hello Matthew,
Sorry it took me a while to get back to you. My laptop charger decided it wanted to not work anymore so I had to wait for a new one to come in. Ok, I'm going to cut right to the chase. Marine corps with knee problems could be a major issue. You have to understand, while in Marine Boot Camp, they are going to have you running constantly, marching with a 60 lb ruck or more ruck sack on your back and are going to push you to your physical limit. Knee problems could pretty much be a Disqualification, Your best bet is to go to MEPS and when you go through the physical portion of it the doctors are experts in there fields and will pretty much check every inch of your body. So my advice to you is to talk to a recruiter and go to MEPS.
I hope that this answer helps, if you have anymore questions please let me know.
Thanks,
Eric