Would my scoliosis disqualify me from getting a Ranger Contract for the 75th?

Anthony . — Tue, 03 Apr 2018 03:06:26 -0400

I just finished losing 180lbs in about 5 months to join the Army. It's the only thing I want to do with my life. I want to be a Ranger in the 75th, but I've heard it could disqualify you. I don't know if I have actual scoliosis or just a minor curvature. It doesn't cause me pain nor limit my movement. Thanks for those who can help me. RLTW.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 3 at 2018 3:32 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 03 Apr 2018 03:32:30 -0400

Anthony, first, excellent job losing that amount of weight. That’s probably harder than a lot of things you’d go through in the Army. Out of curiosity, why rangers, and why specifically 75? A more focused understanding of your goals would help you manage expectations.

Also, about scoliosis, the below article seems to word it better than I can. https://www.thebalance.com/military-medical-standards-for-enlistment-and-appointment-3354060

Military Disqualifying Medical Spine Conditions

The disqualifying spine & sacroiliac joint conditions for enlistment in the U.S. Armed Forces are listed here directly from DOD regulations.

Response by LTC Jeff Shearer made Apr 3 at 2018 7:22 AM

LTC Jeff Shearer — Tue, 03 Apr 2018 07:22:00 -0400

Anthony I would contact a recruiter, tell em your goals they will give you the fastest guidance. They want you to raise your right hand.

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Apr 3 at 2018 8:07 AM

CPT Lawrence Cable — Tue, 03 Apr 2018 08:07:12 -0400

Why do you suspect that you have scoliosis? Do you have an obvious curve in your spine? Mild scoliosis usually doesn't cause any issues and you say you aren't symptomatic, take the physical and see what the MEP's doctors tell you.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 3 at 2018 9:10 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 03 Apr 2018 09:10:57 -0400

Technically no. I've met people in the Army with mild scoliosis and even had a Ranger buddy with it. It comes down to the degree if it. If it's not disqualifying from the Army you can go to Ranger Regiment with it. Just be aware that you're probably going to deal with a lot more back pain than others. In Ranger school my pack was sometimes over 100 pounds.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Apr 3 at 2018 9:43 AM

SGM Bill Frazer — Tue, 03 Apr 2018 09:43:29 -0400

1. If you don't know, then why worry. I would worry more that it might bar you from enlisting period. Not sure if they still have RGR contract right now, we much more preferred to b\get proven soldiers before wasting time, resources on think they can.

Response by SPC David Willis made Apr 3 at 2018 10:31 AM

SPC David Willis — Tue, 03 Apr 2018 10:31:16 -0400

I have a minor curvature and I never disclosed it, I will say I have more back pain than most and I was only in a line unit. If you go Ranger and you have a curve it could really hurt ya, but backs are weird and it also could be fine.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 3 at 2018 12:14 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 03 Apr 2018 12:14:10 -0400

First, congratulations on losing the weight! That was a lot of work, I'm sure, and you never lost sight of your goal. That took heart.

Is it scoliosis or a spinal subluxation causing the curve? If it's the latter, getting chiropractic adjustment might reset your alignment.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 4 at 2018 8:35 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 Apr 2018 08:35:49 -0400

After a few combat equipment jumps your spine should get straightend out just fine. It's better than a chiropractor for realigning vertebrae ;). Good luck.

Response by SGT Dave Tracy made May 22 at 2018 1:55 PM

SGT Dave Tracy — Tue, 22 May 2018 13:55:01 -0400

Depends on how bad I should think.

There are many people with minor scoliosis in the military; so minor, many might not even know they have it.

My son has scoliosis and he needed hardware put in. His back may now be structurally stronger than the average human being, but there's practically zero chance he could enlist-to say nothing of a Ranger contract.

In Infantry OSUT we had a guy who enlisted with scoliosis--with the full knowledge of a recruiter who told him to be quiet about it--but it caused him such trouble and so much pain, they recycled him in order to med-boarded him from basic.

So experiences may vary.