Enlisting in army with mesh plates in feet?

Connor Humphreys — Thu, 18 Jul 2019 11:08:21 -0400

I would like to enlist in the army, however I have flat feet and require surgery to correct it. The surgery includes a titanium mesh plate being put in each foot. My question is whether I would be allowed to enlist with the plates in my feet or whether that would disqualify me, because I am pretty sure you cannot have certain implants.

Response by SFC Melvin Brandenburg made Jul 18 at 2019 11:31 AM

SFC Melvin Brandenburg — Thu, 18 Jul 2019 11:31:12 -0400

Go to MEPS and find out. Would likely require a waiver

Response by LTC Kevin B. made Jul 18 at 2019 12:29 PM

LTC Kevin B. — Thu, 18 Jul 2019 12:29:21 -0400

You need to correct your last name. We do not allow civilian members to post on here with partial or hidden names.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 18 at 2019 1:50 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 18 Jul 2019 13:50:32 -0400

A Recruiter is your best source.
Here is what DODI 6130.03 states:
1. 2. d. Allow applicants who do not meet the physical and medical standards in this issuance to be considered for a medical waiver.
5. 18. c. (5) Rigid or symptomatic pes planus (acquired or congenital).
(7) Current or recurrent plantar fasciitis.
5. 19. g. Current orthopedic implants or devices to correct congenital or post-traumatic orthopedic
abnormalities except for bone anchor and hardware as allowed in accordance with Paragraph
5.19.f.(2).

Response by SPC Ted Ronayne made Aug 3 at 2019 8:25 PM

SPC Ted Ronayne — Sat, 03 Aug 2019 20:25:30 -0400

You definitely need a waiver, but talk to a recruiter because that's your only way to find out the most accurate and timely information.

Also, it may affect your PULHES (physical profile) a 111111 means you're able to get any job, but in your case you may be a 112111 or a 113111 meaning you are limited in your lower extremities.

If that's the case, combat arms is off the table, but there are 180 other jobs so there's still plenty of opportunity. Also, you might get a 111111 (good physical condition) if you can demonstrate that you are fully recovered and not limited physically.

I had a shoulder surgery with temporary implants, but it didn't affect my profile because my recovery was perfect.

Talk to a recruiter, and good luck! The sooner you start, the sooner your paperwork gets approved.