Posted on Jun 29, 2019
DaVina Horne
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Can I re-enlist with RE 3 and separation code JFW for flat feet. I was discharged in BCT and that was in 2015. I havent had any issues with my feet since then. I really want to go back in.
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Responses: 8
COL David Turk
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Boy, times have changed. I went down to Fort Hamilton for my draft physical (Nov 71), with a doctors file covering my flat feet and fallen arches (trying for 4F, to not get drafted). At the end of the physical, to include an ortho consult, I was told I was fit for duty and that a profile for my feet would be waiting for me at basic (Fort Dix). Never saw the medical profile, which actually turned out to a good thing. Went through like everybody else.
Later on, I got some custom inserts at Valley Forge General Hospital when I was TDY there in support of the returning Vietnam POWs sent there (early 1973). I wore those plastic inserts for 15- 20 years. Still have them in my “military storage tote”.

Sorry, but that brings back a funny story. I was wearing those inserts in my books during a night patrol/attack in advance ROTC camp at Fort Bragg. We were moving quietly through a wooded area when the TAC officer stops and says “what the hell is that noise?” After resuming our approach, he stops us again, and comes up to me and says, “Turk, what’s with your boots?” Turns out the plastic inserts were rubbing up against the leather, making a noise. The inserts came out on the spot and I never wore them again on training or noise sensitive missions.
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DaVina Horne
DaVina Horne
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They most definitely have. The Army doctor who handled my case was basically just like you need to leave and go back home because your feet are a problem and had only prescribed anti-inflammatory drugs no support or anything.
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SP5 Peter Keane
SP5 Peter Keane
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Colonel, that is a good story. My father went to enlist after Pearl Harbor and was turned downed for medical reasons. 18 months later he was drafted.
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MSgt Neil Greenfield
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Hmm, I’ve had flat feet all my life. I may have a very little arch. My wife calls them “chicklet feet” (check out chicklet gum). The point is I enlisted in the Army in 1978. The only time I had problems in BCT was after very long road marches, and Ft Jackson in August is hot!
The point is that I served for a total of 21+ years, in two different services. So it is possible.
My father-in-law wanted to join the Navy in the early 50’s, but they wouldn’t take him because of his flat feet. Mind you, he was a runner. He went next door to the Air Force recruiter, and guess what? He enlisted in the Air Force.
Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Check out the other services. You might get a break.
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MAJ Operations Research/Systems Analysis (Orsa)
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They’re doing this again? When I joined in 2002 my flat feet was a non issue. I got custom orthotics and got sent to basic. 17 years later, I still have no issues. It was my understanding flat feet went out the door as an issue decades ago.
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