I'm a 27-year-old with a bachelor of science in IT (3.5ish GPA) and approximately 5 years of IT experience (I'm very good at what I do), and my wife finally consented to me trying to get commissioned in the AF.

However, I've got a slight problem.

I stopped in at the recruiter's office today and he told me that being flatfooted is an automatic DQ, regardless of any other factors. I am -slightly- flat footed: I have no problems with running (I was always the fastest in my grade while in school, though never in track & field - ironically), walking for long distances, hiking with a 40lb pack, or anything like that.

Since I was planning on going into comm & info - a desk jocky, for all intents and purposes - it would seem to me that something like being flat footed wouldn't make a difference. If, however, the recruiter wasn't just giving me a line of bull (he rubbed me the wrong way) might it be possible for an AF doctor to clear me for service/get flatfootedness written off?

I did a little searching online and I heard that the Navy and AF are trying to cut the number of enlisted and commissioned people right now, for some reason. Does anyone know if this is true, and if so, does anyone know what/if this might mean for someone trying to get commissioned?

Any/all input would be appreciated.

Medical Prescreen document

Here are the current medical disqualifiers relating to the foot or feet:


Current absence of a foot or any portion thereof (896) is disqualifying.

Current or history of deformities of the toes (acquired (735) or congenital (755.66)) including, but not limited to conditions such as hallux valgus (735.0), hallux varus (735.1), hallux rigidicus (735.2), hammer toe(s) (735.4), claw toe(s) (735.5), overriding toe(s) (735.8), that prevents the proper wearing of military footwear or impairs walking, marching, running, or jumping, are disqualifying.

Current or history of clubfoot (754.70) or pes cavus (754.71) that prevents the proper wearing of military footwear or impairs walking, marching, running, or jumping is disqualifying.

Current symptomatic pes planus (acquired (734) or congenital (754.6)) or history of pes planus corrected by prescription or custom orthotics is disqualifying.

Current ingrown toenails (703.0), if infected or symptomatic, are disqualifying.

Current plantar fasciitis (728.71) is disqualifying.

Current neuroma (355.6) that is refractory to medical treatment, or impairs walking, marching, running, or jumping, or prevents the proper wearing of military footwear, is disqualifying.


Note the one in bold. This covers your issue, and applies to all branches of the services. Sorry.

That all? Hmm. That's not bad 't all. :-/