Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 2/9/2011

Question
I am a 17 yo male and would like to join the military, specifically would like to be a ranger. I recently had surgery on my fibula with 9 screws and 1 plate.  I am once again fit and able to do all physical exercise.  Will the ankle break or the hardware prevent me from joining.  If I have the screws and plate removed after a year (an option for me), will that then make me eligible to join and train to be a ranger. Thank you for your service.

Answer
Jeff,
Sorry to hear about your leg.  It really depends upon where the break occurred, in the upper part of the fibula or the lower part.  Leaving the screws & plate in, or removing them, doesn't matter.  The military doctors require you to present "an authenticated history" of the break and subsequent surgery.

The military medical regulations say exactly:  "Orthopedic hardware, including plates, pins, rods, wires, or screws used for fixation and left in place are disqualifying; except that a pin, wire, or screw not subject to easy trauma is not disqualifying.  So you can decide how this pertains to you.

The military doctors I consulted say that if the break is near your ankle, you may want to leave the metal in for added support.  Some people think taking the plate out is good, but often leads to a repeat fracture.

You picked a tough career field.  Becoming a Ranger isn't easy, so I hope you're up to it otherwise.
Most of the running comes in the first phase at Ranger School at Ft. Benning, GA.  You'll have numerous
5-mile runs, Terrain runs with obstacle course, 12-mile foot march with rucksack, an individual 5-mile run finished in 40 minutes or less, and a 2 mile run under 13:00 minutes.  Can you your leg take these kind of stresses?

The second phase, or Mountain Phase lasts 20 days and nights and is a little easier on the legs but the tough, uneven terrain can be difficult.  It is held at Camp Merrill, near Dahlonega Georgia.

The last phase takes place in Florida and deals with water, swamps, and jungle-type environment and would be less stressful on your injury.

So you'll have about 60 days of grueling training.  If you're in that good of shape I envy you.

Colonel H