Taking plate out of arm

[Wrestler215]

So, I've done some research on the fourums and it seems I can't enlist with Option40 because I have a metal plate in my arm. If I have it taken out can I still enlist with Option40. I figure if I don't have anything in my arm I won't need a medical waiver for something that isn't there.

Thanks a ton!

[whocares175]

plates are typically used to reinforce and provide additional strength. after enough time yes it may be possible to remove it however, this typically isn't done unless a screw is backing out or there are other complications due to the fact that you have to go through surgery all over again. you'd be better off getting a letter from a doctor advising that you have the stability needed where the plate is for military operations. having it removed should be closer to the bottom of the list. the army grants waivers for everything. i'm sure they can grant a waiver if a doc signs off on it.

[Zonk 1/75]

I think having metal in your body is only an issue if it is required for stabilization and support, not if installed to aid in the healing process. In other words, if the metal is no longer required after healing it doesn’t matter if it is there or not and a waiver should cover it.

Good luck...............

[Wrestler215]

Thank you Rangers Zonk and Whocares! Ranger Zonk, I just needed the plate for healing my arm, the doctor said if I wanted I could have it removed after 6-8 months of having it in. It's been about 4 months, some recruiter said I can't join if I need a waiver. But I'll look for ways to get Option40, I'm going to speak to another one sometime this month. Thank you both again!

[PocketKings]

I have a plate in my arm for the same reason (stability for healing, could've been removed if I wanted). I had to get waivers for my scholorship, Airborne and RS and it was a bit touch and go (even 10 years ago). These things aren't that uncommon, and I suspect that metal that is no longer needed for functioning is waverable, just as mine was. Now, rods in the leg or fake hips are a whole different story.

My gut tells me that the recruiter is giving you either the easy answer or not fact checking enough, but I could be wrong. I'd be 100% sure before going under the knife. Surgery is tricky and you might end up with more medical issues.

[Zonk 1/75]

My gut tells me that the recruiter is giving you either the easy answer or not fact checking enough, but I could be wrong.

x 2

[Wrestler215]

Ranger PocketKings, thank you. When you say that the recruiter is giving me the easy answer, are you saying that I can get Option40 in my contract even though I'll need a waiver? I'm also still deciding between 68w and 11b. Will either one be easier to get Option40 with? Or are they both the same?

[panthersix]

The ortho consult is for your own good. I have two, one for my rt knee before I ever went into the Army and then one for my left hand after I wanted to get back in after being out for 6 years.

Both of my surgeries healed up fine and the ortho's asked why I was there and both times it was because I wanted to go Airborne. If you don't get the option 40, just get your ass into the Army and then work your way towards your goal of being a Ranger.

I tried to enlist for SF but the recruiter jerked my chain around so I just asked for the easiest unit to get into SF from...and that would be....wait for it.....


RANGERS!

Once I became a Ranger and served with other Rangers, I lost my desire to go SF. Or I got it beat out of me at the 1st Bn....

[Wrestler215]

Thanks Ranger Panthersix, I'll remember that when my recruiter tries to get me to enlist without Option40. I'll just have to be persistent and hope I can get it in my contract.

[PocketKings]

Ranger PocketKings, thank you. When you say that the recruiter is giving me the easy answer, are you saying that I can get Option40 in my contract even though I'll need a waiver? I'm also still deciding between 68w and 11b. Will either one be easier to get Option40 with? Or are they both the same?

When I say your recruiter is being lazy I'm insinuating that he isn't checking his facts on your ability to get a waiver because he wants to try and rope you into something else. I suspect you can get a waiver, but I'm a) not a recruiter and b) 7 years removed from the Army. So, take that with a grain of salt.

I'd put money on your plate being waiverable, let's put it that way.

I'll let a former enlisted man speak to your MOS choices.

[whocares175]

a plate is waiverable. as i said earlier it may require a note from a doctor stating that it's only for additional stability during the healing process. dont be in a huge rush to get it removed prior to the 6-8 month mark. the bones are still calcifying even at that point. if you can get your doc to draft up a letter for you then you should be able to get in without having to get it removed. surgery, while it may seem like an assembly line thing these days, should never be a primary option for something like this. the risk outweighs the benefits. i've known plenty of guys that came in with screws here and there, plates here and there, etc. hell, even plenty of guys came to Ranger school, Batt and here even in the q course with the same things. you're recruiter is definitely taking either 1-the easy way out because he's a worthless shitbag who can't hack it anywhere else or 2-trying to get you into another MOS as an NCOER bullet for himself. remember to most recruiters you're simply another number. this is YOUR career. they will try and jerk you around. hell i even had a "career counselor" at MEPS try that same thing with me...and i was prior service 1/75, Ranger qual'd with 2 combat deployments with Ranger Batt. my 214 spoke for itself and i said "if the army wants someone like me i'll gladly go to either SF (as an X-Ray) or back to Ranger Batt" as i was walking out the door...i didn't make it to the elevator before i had a contract in my hand to where i wanted. you may have to do something very similar and refuse to sign until you get what you want. just know IT CAN BE DONE! remember this is YOUR enlistment, YOUR job and if you stay in long enough YOUR career. dont let anyone steer you off course from where you want to go (start now because it WILL happen again).

[Wrestler215]

a plate is waiverable. as i said earlier it may require a note from a doctor stating that it's only for additional stability during the healing process. dont be in a huge rush to get it removed prior to the 6-8 month mark. the bones are still calcifying even at that point. if you can get your doc to draft up a letter for you then you should be able to get in without having to get it removed. surgery, while it may seem like an assembly line thing these days, should never be a primary option for something like this. the risk outweighs the benefits. i've known plenty of guys that came in with screws here and there, plates here and there, etc. hell, even plenty of guys came to Ranger school, Batt and here even in the q course with the same things. you're recruiter is definitely taking either 1-the easy way out because he's a worthless shitbag who can't hack it anywhere else or 2-trying to get you into another MOS as an NCOER bullet for himself. remember to most recruiters you're simply another number. this is YOUR career. they will try and jerk you around. hell i even had a "career counselor" at MEPS try that same thing with me...and i was prior service 1/75, Ranger qual'd with 2 combat deployments with Ranger Batt. my 214 spoke for itself and i said "if the army wants someone like me i'll gladly go to either SF (as an X-Ray) or back to Ranger Batt" as i was walking out the door...i didn't make it to the elevator before i had a contract in my hand to where i wanted. you may have to do something very similar and refuse to sign until you get what you want. just know IT CAN BE DONE! remember this is YOUR enlistment, YOUR job and if you stay in long enough YOUR career. dont let anyone steer you off course from where you want to go (start now because it WILL happen again).

Perfectly said, thank you very much Ranger Whocares!