Joining the military with metal plates in arm- Cannot get a straight answer!?

Question

I am interested in joining the National Guard in a few months and doing Split Ops training (I am turning 17 in November and I will be entering my Junior year in September). Three years ago, I fractured my arm (broke both bones) and to repair it the doctor put in titanium plates with pins.

Now, my arm works perfectly fine and it is fully healed. I lift weights four days a week and it gives me no problems. The doctor even said that my arm was fully healed and I could have the plates removed if I wanted too (but that it was not necessary). 

In doing research, I found out that these plates could be a problem if I wanted to join. I actually spoke to an Army recruiter (not National Guard) and he wasn't too sure. He said that he knew people in the service with metal plates. After talking to another recruiter, he said that it shouldn't be a problem as long as I can get a doctor saying that it is fixed completely (he did not seem sure about this answer).

As I read a lot of other places, people said that metal plates were an immediate DQ, no exception; some said that it can be waivered if there was no pain, and others said that if there was no pain it wouldn't even need a waiver!

I just need a straight answer, and a reliable source to back it up would help. Thank you very much.

John U · Accepted Answer

And a straight answer you shall get :)

AR 40-501

2–11. Miscellaneous conditions of the extremities

d. Fractures.
(1) Current malunion or non-union of any fracture (733.8) (except asymptomatic ulnar styloid process fracture) does not meet the standard.
(2) Current retained hardware that is symptomatic, interferes with proper wearing of protective equipment or military uniform, and/or is subject to easy trauma, does not meet the standard (V53.7). Retained hardware (733.99) (including plates, pins, rods, wires, or screws used for fixation) is not disqualifying if fractures are healed, ligaments are stable, there is no pain, and it is not subject to easy trauma.

Find it here

http://www.apd.army.mil/pdffiles/r40_501.pdf

About as straight from the horses mouth I can get and I didn't even have to go Hmmm? :) Good luck and if what you say is true about your arm being healed with zero problems I don't see any problem with you getting in. They may still want to do a waiver or wait and look at your treatment records but after that I think you meet the requirements of the reg. Good luck.

? · Answer

Military Metal

? · Answer

You can't get any straight answers because even the military hasn't got a clue.  And it's all due to the fact that everyone is trying to get into the military.  Jobs are scarce.  People need work.  So they try to join.  First time in history that the military can be choosey.  And that's what they're doing.  They're rejecting people who, under normal conditions, would have been accepted.  The military figures that now they can choose who they want > and of course that means that you have to be in A-1 condition to be accepted.  In your case, I doubt if they will accept you.  Even though you are completely healed and have not negative effects from the metal implants, the military doesn't see it that way.  Perhaps if you had an extremely good skill, craft, special talent, you might have a shot.

? · Answer

You will need the med docs and the recruiter will send them up.  It is up to the NG doc to say yes or no.  Have you look in to the Army Reserve other the National Guard?

Anonymous · Answer

sir i am johnson  i am failed in 10thstd  in 2007 year after that i did not write i studied in iti and dimplomo computer science engg and bba computer application in tamilnadu university and my dad was ex army and i want to no what type jobs i will get pls help me bcause o dnt have 10th pass and i have only colg id card

Joining the military with metal plates in arm- Cannot get a straight answer!?

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