Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/ACL Surgery

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Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 4/30/2009


Question
My plans as of right now are to join the Coast Guard's Officer Program my junior year of college but I was wondering if having an ACL reconstructive surgery would disqualify me? Thank you for your help.

Answer
Amanda,
I checked the medical regulations that the doctors use at the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS).  To quote it, it says,

"The causes for rejection for appointment, enlistment, and induction are:
a.  physical findings of an unstable or internally deranged joint.  History of uncorrected anterior or posterior cruciate ligament injury.
b.  surgical correction of any knee ligaments if symptomatic or unstable.
c.  any condition that prevents full extension compared with contralateral or flexion to 90 degrees.

The MEPS was closed when I called, but my local USCG recruiter said basically if you've had it fixed successfully, then it shouldn't be a problem.

Have you checked to ensure your college has a College Student Pre-Commissioning Initiative (CSPI) program?  I'm just asking because not every school has one and some students just assume they do.  Also, you need to enroll in your sophomore year, do not wait until your junior year.

Please check with the CSPI office at the school you wish to attend to get the absolute answer on your ACL surgery.  I'd hate for you to miss out because I misinterpreted the regs.
Best of luck,
Colonel H

Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard

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MARK A. HOWELL

Expertise

All military questions, any Service. 30 years experience & two Ph.D.'s. 4 times Base Commander. Worked with Army, Navy, USMC, USCG and several foreign military units. Veteran of Kosovo, Bosnia, Macedonia, Kuwait, Iraq, Afghanistan, and 10 civil wars in Africa.

Experience

Air Force Colonel with 30 years experience. Air Force Base Commander 4 times. Highly decorated.

Organizations
Org of Am Historians, Wild West History Assoc., Disabled American Veterans - Life Member, Am Motorcyclist Assoc. - Life Member, North Am Hunt Club - Life Member, NWTF - Life Member

Publications
Numerous book reviews published in the Journal of American History. Two books submitted for publication.

Education/Credentials
Ph.D. in military history, Columbus University (Summa Cum Laude) Ph.D. in history, Northfield University, London, England (Summa Cum Laude) Master of Arts degree in history, Marshall University, WV Bachelors degree, double-major in history and mathematics, Salem College, WV Air War College, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL Squadron Officer School, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL

Awards and Honors
Legion of Merit Defense MSM MSM x 5 Joint Commendation Mdl AF Commendation Medal Army Commendation Mdl Joint Achievement Mdl AF Achievement Medal Outstanding Volunteer Mdl

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