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Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/Flat Feet
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Question
Hi,
I'm currently a Marine with over 7 years in service and I am experiencing foot pain. My Air Force Doc said it is caused by flat feet and now I'm feeling pain and discomfort on my knee and lower back. I completed a 6 week training which included a 6, 9, and 12 mile hike, which was painful, but I told myself to suck it up and keep going. Now I'm in pain. My specialist said hiking with weight will increase my pain and I have also noticed during my 6 week training that boots are painful to wear - because I have this big hard bump on the outside of my feet. What are the chances of getting discharged for flat feet and how long will the process take? I'm assuming I might end up on a med board because I can hardly walk a lap around the track without feeling pain. Also, if it helps, I don't remember having flat feet before I started my service and I don't remember any documentation at MEPS about flat feet. Thank you.
basically, it is all medical issue. You should be sent to an orthopedic specialist and try boot inserts ( I have them ) given to you my the ortho doc. They are customized to your feet.
In the end, if you still have issues, yes you will be med boarded out, if you do, make sure you get some disability rating, since it was not a pre existing ocondition.
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Answers by Expert:
John L
Expertise
I am a National Guard recruiter , been doing it for seven years and am a subject matter expert on qualifications for National Guard and I keep up to date on Regular Army regs and programs. I was in the Navy for 4 years and have 13 years in the Guard. I will not sugar coat my answers to you. They are usually short and to the point. If you need more in depth, ask me. Because each situation is different, alot of times you need to actually talk to a recruiter and let them evaluate your situation in person, by looking at your documents, issues etc. If I suggest this, it would be in your best interest to do so. Finally...thank you for your interest in serving this great nation of ours. Very few people can actually make the cut to serve let alone choose to do so. So thank you for wanting to and hopefully you will get a chance. Whatever branch you choose, thank you and good luck.
Experience
13 years Guard experince, combat missions and homeland missions. 7 years recruiting. I have been a platoon sergeant and squad leader. Mentor to new recruiters and recruits.
Education/Credentials
Recruiters course and advanced courses in recruiting
Awards and Honors
Top recruiter in district for FY 2008. Nominated for recruiter of the year for 2010.
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