If you join the RAF does flat feet matter?

[Fluffycloudland77]

My dn wants to join, I'm a podiatrist and his feet are completely flat. No arch whatsever. I've told his mom he needs treatment but she basically isn't interested.

So does this still matter? He can't walk more than 400yds without shinsplints and I can't imagine the RAF is an easy job.

Tia.

Sorry, but yes, a major biomechanics problem would be a bar to recruitment. The Armed Forces are (for obvious reasons) exempt from DDA, and are anyhow unwilling to take on a person with a pre-existing medical condition that could be exacerbated (possibly to lasting physical detriment) by the normal demands of military life.

I thought so. No one listens to me when I say he can't go, I feel like I'm banging my head on a brick wall.

Is there anyway? It is pes planus not just excessive pronation.

You can always appeal against an adverse medical assessment. This ensures each case is taken individually. I don't know enough about biomechanics problems to know if there would be any hope for DN, but he's be up against candidates who were medically fit in a field where there are more applicants than places. He probably needs to talk to the recruiters about the specifics which apply in his case. And for successful medical appeal will need backing from consultants who will go into print on his behalf to explain why it need not be a bar. It may however rule out a later successful claim should damage arise from any aggravation (complex area).

I see... He's joining some sort of cadets soon so maybe that will put him off or make him realise his feet aren't up to it.

Thank you edith.

If the condition is mild, and can be corrected with the expectation that the correction in permanent, then there may yet be a possibility. That will depend on his exact condition and treatment. But if normality is achieved whilst still young, and maintained for some years, and there is no reason to expect deterioration (ie cannot be distinguished from the normal population) then there would probably be no bar.

Cadets is not a recruiting vehicle. He might make useful contacts there, but it would be better to talk the recruiting office.