Hello All,

I am looking for a little bit of clarification on a possible disqualification I may have. I am getting my OCS packet together and need to get to MEPS here shortly, but I am terrified that a physical forearm deformity I have will cause me to lose any chance I may have of becoming a USCG Officer.

My left arm does not extend all the way and I can’t turn my left arm over so that my palm is in the air. It only goes about half way. I can however do push ups, etc. I can’t catch a ball and struggle getting change in a drive through, but physically I can do anything the CG needs me to do. This condition is known as “Congenital Radioulnar Synostosis.” Synostosis, or osseous union, of any 2 adjacent bones can involve any part of the upper extremity. Synostosis between the radius and ulna can take 2 forms: congenital and posttraumatic. This condition is caused by a failure of segmentation between the radius and ulna. This is a birth defect that I have dealt with my entire life. It does not hinder me much at all.

What do you guys think? Will this cause a problem or do you think a waiver can be used? Like I said I can do push ups, lift weights, shoot a 9 mm, etc.

Any comments would be greatly appreciated! Thank you all!!!

Holly

Hmmmm. That doesn't sound good. You may be able to function in everyday life, and you THINK you can function in the CG, but you have no idea what will physically required of you.

For example, you would probably do well on a Marine PFT if you're a guy, but if you're a female, you can't perform the flexed-arm hand. To do it, you'd need to hang on the bar with your palms facing your face.

And what about all the various activities done in boot that you have no clue about? What happens when you get to the obstacle course and you need to hold your rifle palm-up to keep the constantina wire out of your face?

I don't think the prognosis looks good. There are too many what-if's. I think you should give it a shot, but be realistic about the situation.

There are plenty of things you will encounter that you have no way of knowing you can cope with or not because you've never had to do it before.

(BTW, sorry for all the Marine examples, but I don't know anything about CG boot... since I'm a Marine).