Trying to get into AF Special Operations, how important is my medical history?

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 05 Sep 2015 00:36:48 -0400

Not sure if this is the right place to ask this but I am just trying to find out if anyone knows how stringent AF spec ops career fields are when it comes to medical history. Long story short I had a shattered patella and compound fracture to femur. Metal rod in femur but all hardware is out of knee. Not on any profiles and have no problem with staying mid to high 90s on the AFPFT. Would those injuries automatically disqualify me from trying to cross train? Thanks for any info

Response by TSgt Jack Manigold made Sep 5 at 2015 12:41 AM

TSgt Jack Manigold — Sat, 05 Sep 2015 00:41:52 -0400

When you put in for cross training. Part of the process will be a medical evaluation. Based on the criteria set forth by that career field. You will be told whether or not you are a go or no-go.

Response by SGT Gregory Reilly made Sep 5 at 2015 12:53 AM

SGT Gregory Reilly — Sat, 05 Sep 2015 00:53:43 -0400

I was denied entry to para-rescue because of broken bones in my left wrist. No pins or rods but they didn't like the xray. That was back in the 80's though. I think you should at least give it a shot. Then ay least you didn't let yourself down. The AF will do what it thinks best for the mission. At least give your dream your best attempt. Hope it works for you.

Response by LTC Yinon Weiss made Sep 5 at 2015 9:14 PM

LTC Yinon Weiss — Sat, 05 Sep 2015 21:14:45 -0400

I would guess that you would need a waiver for those injuries, and there are always waivers. I bet it would just depend on the numbers they are trying to meet that year, and the doctor's analysis. I don't think you can know if they will give you a waiver until you try, as it's possible that everyone's experience will be different. So go for it.

Response by SGT Louis Conner made Dec 2 at 2015 11:04 PM

SGT Louis Conner — Wed, 02 Dec 2015 23:04:41 -0500

I have a lot of questions as a tacp too, currently trying to get switched over, I've been training for a year and waiting on a 368 to be signed, any help?