3 answers
Jesse
Student
Colorado Springs, Colorado
1
Question
Asked
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What will help me get into the military if i have a bad back ?
I have a really bad back what will help get in the navy
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3 answers
ANDI SANDEN
AZ2, US NAVY
47
Answers
Jacksonville, Florida
Updated
ANDI’s Answer
The military requires extensive, comprehensive medical evaluations prior to enlistment.
At MEPS you will also be required to perform a series of movements and exercises that test your entire body.
Once in you will have physical tests every 6 months to a year that include a mile and a half run, push-ups, and planks.
I would confirm that you can complete all of these things first, and if you can, I would start doing stretches or exercises to help put your back in a better "position" so that you don't experience as much pain.
Lastly, head to a Navy recruiter office and sit down and speak to a recruiter. They can give you further guidance, as well as let you know if any diagnoses, surgeries, or medications related to your back are military disqualifiers.
There is a list of things that will automatically disqualify someone for enlisting into military service before they even begin.
Some things have waivers that you can apply for to still be considered, but your recruiter will be able to advise you more on that as well.
At MEPS you will also be required to perform a series of movements and exercises that test your entire body.
Once in you will have physical tests every 6 months to a year that include a mile and a half run, push-ups, and planks.
I would confirm that you can complete all of these things first, and if you can, I would start doing stretches or exercises to help put your back in a better "position" so that you don't experience as much pain.
Lastly, head to a Navy recruiter office and sit down and speak to a recruiter. They can give you further guidance, as well as let you know if any diagnoses, surgeries, or medications related to your back are military disqualifiers.
There is a list of things that will automatically disqualify someone for enlisting into military service before they even begin.
Some things have waivers that you can apply for to still be considered, but your recruiter will be able to advise you more on that as well.
Eric Hopkins, MHA
United States Navy Talent Scout
21
Answers
Racine, Wisconsin
Updated
Eric’s Answer
Jesse,
As a medical professional and Recruiter, Andi and Kim sum up exactly what you should do and the processes involved. One thing I would advise before you start considering service with a bad back is to consider your personal health. If you do join, at some point you’ll take off the uniform and will have to live a normal life, so I would imagine that you, as with anyone, will want to be functional. While Navy life isn’t difficult, it is challenging and strains the body of the unconditioned. So will you be still functional after 5, 10, or 15yrs in service with an already bad back, I can’t say, but a doctor will help you to put things in perspective with your condition so you can project your future endeavors. I hope this helped.
Eric E. Hopkins, MHA, RMA
HM2(FMF), USN
As a medical professional and Recruiter, Andi and Kim sum up exactly what you should do and the processes involved. One thing I would advise before you start considering service with a bad back is to consider your personal health. If you do join, at some point you’ll take off the uniform and will have to live a normal life, so I would imagine that you, as with anyone, will want to be functional. While Navy life isn’t difficult, it is challenging and strains the body of the unconditioned. So will you be still functional after 5, 10, or 15yrs in service with an already bad back, I can’t say, but a doctor will help you to put things in perspective with your condition so you can project your future endeavors. I hope this helped.
Eric E. Hopkins, MHA, RMA
HM2(FMF), USN
Kim Igleheart
Career Counselor | Police Officer
1664
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Jesse,
Andi pretty much covered it. Being careful to avoid doing anything that will automatically disqualify you is key. That's why you need to find a GOOD recruiter who is willing to help you and work with you.
IF you find that there is no way around it, that is very hard to accept. You might be angry. That's okay. You might need counseling. That's okay too. I became disabled way too early in life, and it's unfair. It is. There's no way around that. But, I have learned to either find ways to do the things I want, some other way, or just stop wanting to do things that I know I can't do. So, if this happens to you, I can tell you it's difficult to work through. But, I would encourage you to sit down and analyze everything about the Navy that makes you want to enlist. Then start finding other things you can do that aren't the same, but, could maybe somewhat fill that desire.
Wishing you the best - Kim
Andi pretty much covered it. Being careful to avoid doing anything that will automatically disqualify you is key. That's why you need to find a GOOD recruiter who is willing to help you and work with you.
IF you find that there is no way around it, that is very hard to accept. You might be angry. That's okay. You might need counseling. That's okay too. I became disabled way too early in life, and it's unfair. It is. There's no way around that. But, I have learned to either find ways to do the things I want, some other way, or just stop wanting to do things that I know I can't do. So, if this happens to you, I can tell you it's difficult to work through. But, I would encourage you to sit down and analyze everything about the Navy that makes you want to enlist. Then start finding other things you can do that aren't the same, but, could maybe somewhat fill that desire.
Wishing you the best - Kim