Will the army let me in if I had torn my ACL when I was 15 (its fixed now)?

Question

During the summer after my Freshmen year in highschool I tore my ACL in a dirtbike wreck, and I got it operated on and its felt fine for the last couple years. I recently started the process to join the army, I just got done taking the absvad and now all i need is to go take my psychical. I'm worried that they might not let me in because I had torn my ACL in the past...

Does anyone know what they're likely to say? Its been atleast 2 years since I had surgery and basically feels like nothing happen to it..all i got now is just a big scar on my left knee. I can run and jump like I could before I tore my ACL...

If it makes any difference, im trying to get in 11B (infantry), dont know if that would make any difference or not.

Answer 1

theyll let you in im sure...but im not entirly sure youd pass a physical..

plus i hear basic is pretty tough but its essentially how you feel

Answer 2

If you can pass the physical fitness test (push-ups, running, etc.) they couldn't care less about your injury.  I wouldn't even bring it up, they won't ask.

Answer 3

you know nothing

it never happened....

and if they find out, you dont remember.

Answer 4

these people are giving you some truly horrible answers, this is how knee ligament injuries work.it does not matter whats happened in the past so long as you pass all your tests, however one requirement is that the surgery to fix it HAS to be orthoscopic, it HAS to be otherwise i think its a DQ and i dont know if you can get a waiver for it.whatever you do do NOT lie about it, that is a major medical record and they will surely find it and you will be given a dishonorable discharge.they DQ people for a reason, and if it truly is fine you have nothing to worry about.

Answer 5

if your healthy enough now to do everything it shouldnt be a problem.  some preexisting things cause redflags but usually not injuries...and there are waivers

Answer 6

Read this

Answer 7

When you go through MEPS, Military Entrance Processing Station, you go through a very thorough medical examine and a doctor there will ask you if you have any pre-existing medical conditions. You will need to bring up your ACL injury at this point (your recruiter should already be aware) because you will need to sign a statement that identifies your injury as pre-existing, and you are choosing to enlist/get your commision regardless and accepting the risk of reinjury. This protects the military from people who you try and "pull one over on them".

If you have been physically active (running, sports, etc) since then, and tell the doctor, they will be more ammenable to letting you through. He's the one you need to convince, however, not your recruiter.

Answer 8

well as long as you can run do push ups and sits ups you would be aright as far as the physical if and so they ask for any  pass operations and such you know nothing and if for some reason they found out jus make sure to add that you forgot  dont worry youll be alright your recuiter should have a talk which you before anything by the way i also jus took the avab and physical its not that bad youll be good.  goodluck  peace and god bless

Answer 9

11b is a critical mos, if you can pass the little physcial exam without problems you should be ok. the worst thing that can happen is that they might restrict you from a combat mos. i think you should be ok, ive seen worst make it. dont lie to yourself though, if you have pain you should reconsider. best wishes, from a us army vet.  

Answer 10

First things first...talk to your recruiter.  They WANT you to get in because they have quotas to meet.  He should be able to help you out if you need special permission to join due to the surgery.  However, that being said, as far as I know from my experience with the Army and AF a past surgery or injury should have no bearing as long as you are fully recovered, able to pass their physical tests and are not having any trouble.  People themselves all the time and still get into the military after they have healed (even ones who have undergone surgery).  If MEPS does give you trouble go back to your recruiter, he/she will help you if at all possible.

You have chosen a hard road in the Army and I wish you all the luck in the world.  If I could give you one piece of advice, other than stay safe, it would be to get the GI bill.  Even if you currently have no intention of going on to college spend the $100/mo for the first year (you won't even miss it b/c it comes straight out of your check and you'll never see it).  The future benefits will be well worth the little money you have to pay.  I would even suggest the extended payments they now offer.  My husband just graduated college with the money from his GI bill and didn't even have to get financial aid.  Good luck and I sincerely salute you for the honorable role you are about to undertake to help keep my family safe!