Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 6/16/2010

Question
hi

I am interested in enlisting into the army but i might have a torn labrum in my hip. i did this back in January while i training to get up to physical standards bc i hope to get into airborne training then to rip. while i can run on it currently there is some pain and clicking the day after physical exercise. the recruiters are telling me i will be medically disqualified if i elect to have the surgery which the doctor says will help the pain and improve stability. the surgery itself takes 30 mins and recovery is less than a month. can this really disqualify me from service?

thank you very much for answering my question.

Answer
Dear Kyle --

Unfortunately, many surgeries can disqualify you from military service.  Those that repair an especially vulnerable join such as shoulders, hips and knees are most likely to be disqualifying.  Military training and service can put severe stress on those joints, so those with prior injuries whether repaired or not, are especially likely re-injure themselves during training.

You can still try to enlist after the surgery.  You will have to wait six months, and you will need a waiver for the surgery and joint repair.  Waivers are currently difficult to get, but not impossible.

Please write back, if you have additional questions.  Good luck to you.