Are you allowed to join RAF with flat feet?

[Djentz]

This might seem a bit bizarre but allow me to start from the beginning.

Upon starting my degree i thought i would join the TA to earn some extra cash and get some experience for if i wanted to join the armed forces after i finished university I passed the barb test but when it came to the medical they instantly barred me due to having flat feet (even though i would have easily passed the fitness test and was in good shape). The TA doctor said that due to me being barred from the TA it would also ban me from all other forces (Navy, marines, and RAF). Is this true? and is flat feet a problem when joining the RAF (either intelligence officer role or something similar)

any help is appreciated

 

[Dragoon]

Yes. (But speaking from me joining in 2002)

I have flat feet and did my time no worries, although my dad did insist I went to the local medcen to check with the RAF doctor first. He said it was no problem, and I didn't have any problems whilst yomping around Wales etc with bergens on my back.

 

[Tango]

Yeah, you can. I had my medical in September and it was fine, one thing to watch out for is shin splints, but you can get orthotic insoles to fix that.

 

[Djentz]

Thanks for the advice,

So it's not true about me being barred from all armed forces? Would you recommend me mentioning it to the careers office?

 

[Tango]

Nah, it's really not a problem, alot of people are flat-footed they must see it all the time. It's not a medical risk or anything so they're not bothered.

 

[firestorm]

Have you tried a foot pump?

 

[Realist78]

Have you tried a foot pump?

That just made me titter.DT_Xtremez_19:

 

[Liggy]

I'm going into the regiment, had my PGSC there at the start of the month and passed.

On the final day, we had to walk up and down this hi-tech panel. It x-rays our feet or something, I'm near sure it's built round heat-thermal. Anyway, people had flat feet and high-arched feet like myself. It's no problem, they just gave us advice on what running shoes etc to purchase.

Hope this helped.