A Vietnam war question...?

Question

I was watching Across The Universe, and the guy was telling the Lieutenant (or w.e. he was) that he was cross dresser, homosexual, etc, etc, and the lieutenant said "As long as you don't have flat feet" I also saw this on a soap oprarh his brother couldn't fight in nam because he had flat feet. My question is why did it matter if you had flat feet or not? and does this still happen?

Answer 1

"Flat feet" were considered a disability, affecting your chances of survival  during the rigours of combat. It has since been proved to be wrong, along with others, and now, entrants are accepted.

In the 'old days' applicants to to any form of public service were refused for a variety of reasons, including sexual preference, but now our enlightened (ha ha ) society has realized, that regardless of physical or personal differences, it is the ability to do the job that counts

Answer 2

Back in the 70s the military believed that having flat feet (no arch) meant that you would be unable to march long distances.

These days you can join with flat feet.

Answer 3

It was thought at the height of the Vietnam War that people who had flat feet could not run and march adequately enough. But now it has been proven that this is not true and having flat feet does not limit your running abilities so therefore it does not keep you out of military service!

Answer 4

in those days healthy feet were essential for a soldier- lots and lots of marching.

essentially the problem was that flat feet + heavy battle gear = one crippled soldier who needs to be carried out

nowadays only the special forces insist on healthy feet. The tankers, gunners and desk drivers can have all the flat feet they want