Scoliosis and the Marines

Scott Meyer · 08-26-2006, 06:23 PM

Lately I have been thinking about joining the Marines. I want to go into OCS, so I have about a year left before I have my degree.

The thing I am wondering about is my Scoliosis. I was diagnosed in 8th grade and went to a chiropractor for years. I haven't experienced pain or any side effects of my Scoliosis in years; for all intents and purposes, it is gone. I have been Crossfitting for about 2 years now, with no problems.

I read an article that said I would not be able to join the Marines if I had Scoliosis. I know there are some Crossfitters who are Marines, and I was wondering if they had any information for me. I don't want to ask a recruiter quite yet, because I am not ready to join. Does Scoliosis completely ban me from the Marines, even if I don't have it anymore? Do they run a physical, and check for Scoliosis?

Any information would be appreciated.

08-26-2006, 08:11 PM

Scott,

I'm not a Marine, but a good place to check with these questions is military.com. They have a forum much like this one with lots of questions asked, some great answers, and some urban legends. Fortunately, the moderators and experienced people can really discern fact from fiction. And, yes, you do have to have a physical to enlist.

Of course, you've come to the best place for answers.

Good luck to you and best wishes.

John Hoffner · 08-27-2006, 07:23 AM

Scott,
I am in the Corps, have been in since '94. They will do an extensive physical on you, I've seen people get turned away for cold induced asthma, poor dental health, and the infamous flat feet. All that being said your best bet is to try. You'll never know until you do. I have a friend who is on Officer Selection Officer duty right now, I'll ask him about Scoliosis next time I talk to him, but I have a feeling he'll say it is situationally dependant and the individual (you) should get started with their application and let the medical examination speak for you. Like most military situations this is something you could 'what if...' to no end, but for your peace of mind there's only one way to find out.

I hope this helps, although I realize I haven't said much. I'll talk to my buddy next time I hear from him.

Semper FI, and best of luck.
John

Scott Meyer · 08-27-2006, 04:16 PM

Thank you very much Marianne and John.

08-26-2006, 08:11 PM	#2
Departed **** Profile:** Posts: n/a	Scott, I'm not a Marine, but a good place to check with these questions is military.com. They have a forum much like this one with lots of questions asked, some great answers, and some urban legends. Fortunately, the moderators and experienced people can really discern fact from fiction. And, yes, you do have to have a physical to enlist. Of course, you've come to the best place for answers. Good luck to you and best wishes.
Departed **** Profile:** Posts: n/a

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08-26-2006, 06:23 PM	#1
Scott Meyer Member Profile: Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Ramona CA Posts: 6	Lately I have been thinking about joining the Marines. I want to go into OCS, so I have about a year left before I have my degree. The thing I am wondering about is my Scoliosis. I was diagnosed in 8th grade and went to a chiropractor for years. I haven't experienced pain or any side effects of my Scoliosis in years; for all intents and purposes, it is gone. I have been Crossfitting for about 2 years now, with no problems. I read an article that said I would not be able to join the Marines if I had Scoliosis. I know there are some Crossfitters who are Marines, and I was wondering if they had any information for me. I don't want to ask a recruiter quite yet, because I am not ready to join. Does Scoliosis completely ban me from the Marines, even if I don't have it anymore? Do they run a physical, and check for Scoliosis? Any information would be appreciated.

08-27-2006, 07:23 AM	#3
John Hoffner Affiliate Profile: Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Baltimore MD Posts: 178	Scott, I am in the Corps, have been in since '94. They will do an extensive physical on you, I've seen people get turned away for cold induced asthma, poor dental health, and the infamous flat feet. All that being said your best bet is to try. You'll never know until you do. I have a friend who is on Officer Selection Officer duty right now, I'll ask him about Scoliosis next time I talk to him, but I have a feeling he'll say it is situationally dependant and the individual (you) should get started with their application and let the medical examination speak for you. Like most military situations this is something you could 'what if...' to no end, but for your peace of mind there's only one way to find out. I hope this helps, although I realize I haven't said much. I'll talk to my buddy next time I hear from him. Semper FI, and best of luck. John

08-27-2006, 04:16 PM	#4
Scott Meyer Member Profile: Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Ramona CA Posts: 6	Thank you very much Marianne and John.