Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 2/20/2009

Question
Hello i hope your able to answer my question.
I'm at the fit age of 17 and i take part in a numerous amount of activities like Hiking, Mounting climbing, Biking, Gym, Running, swimming etc.
I'm currently applying to join the RAF Regiment something I've always wanted to do its my dream.

When i was 7years old i got arthritis in my big toe. It never caused me any problems not once! I diddent even relise it was there most of the time. I'm now 17 and wanting to join the RAF but I'm VERY worried they will not let me in because of my past with arthritis. It does not cause me any pain present day and if i was not allowed in to the RAF because of this ill be gutted because i know its not a problem.  Do you think ill be able to get in? if now how can i get around this problem and join the raf?

Answer
So you wanna be a "Rock Ape," eh?  I've spent quite a bit of time deployed with these folks and have nothing but the highest regard for them.  My question to you is, "Why on earth would you even want to dredge up an old illness that's dormant anyway?"  If that's your only physical problem you've got it made.   I can't imagine how the examining physician would ever notice that, unless it left your toe crooked and deformed.  You are not required to bring any medical records with you, you're just given an "in general" physical exam by a physician.  If you admit to a pre-existing condition they'll disqualify you because you might cost the government a lot of money in health care treatment down the road.  However, if you let the doctor examine you he may or may not discover a problem.  What the physician looks for is any condition such as "Clubfoot" or severe Ingrown Toenails or any condition that might prevent you from wearing military footwear or impair walking, marching, running, or jumping.
I'm certainly not telling you to be dishonest, rather to let your conscious be your guide.   The doctor is being paid to do his job, so I say let him do it.  One thing you'll quickly learn in the military is to never volunteer anything.
I'd say your chances are excellent if you keep quiet.
Twenty years from now when you're retiring from the military, the examining doctor for your retirement physical  may say, "You've got arthritis in your toe."  If I were you I'd reply, "Is that right?  I wonder how that came about."  And then collect my retirement check for the rest of my life.
Good luck, you're making a great choice!
Colonel H