Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/Dislocated shoulder disqualifying?

Advertisement

Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 9/27/2010


Question
Ok here is the question, I had previously dislocated my shoulder in the police academy back in 2008, I had to have surgery and I got it repaired and everything was fine. I dislocated it several years later because of how I caught myself when I fell. Since then I do pushups workout and do Police stuff as well as the training. I really want to be in the military very bad. Will this disqualify me? Can I get a waiver. I have seen where it says as long as you can do the range of motion and pass the physical test I should be fine. I just can not figure out the correct answer my recruiter doesn't even really know! Thanks! and I appreciate you answer in this matter.

Answer
Adam,

The surgery is not a disqualifier it it was successful.  The medical regulation say exactly, "An individual will be considered unacceptable if the joint ranges of motion are less than the measurements listed below.
(a) Forward elevation to 90 degrees.
(b) Abduction (arm muscles pulling away from the median axis of the body) to 90 degrees.

As long as you can meet these requirements your shoulder will not prevent you from joining, and you will not need a waiver.

Thanks for wanting to serve.
Colonel H

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

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

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

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.