Having flat feet, or fallen arches, is a common foot condition that can make it more difficult to meet the physical demands of military service. However, in most cases, having flat feet alone does not automatically disqualify you from joining the military.
Quick Overview
The military has specific guidelines regarding flat feet and military eligibility. In general:
- Mild or flexible flat feet may not disqualify you from service.
- Rigid, painful flat feet can be disqualifying.
- Each branch of the military has its own standards for flat feet.
- Waivers may be possible in some cases if your flat feet are mild.
- Orthotics or arch supports may improve your symptoms so you can meet requirements.
What are flat feet?
Flat feet, or fallen arches, refers to a condition where the arch of the foot collapses and the entire sole of the foot touches the ground. It is estimated that about 20-30% of the general population has some degree of flat feet.
There are two main types of flat feet:
- Flexible flat feet – The arch is visible when sitting, but flattens out when standing. Flexible flat feet are often asymptomatic and may not affect physical activity much.
- Rigid flat feet – The arch is flat and rigid whether sitting or standing. Rigid flat feet can cause pain, stiffness, and difficulty with physical activities.
Flat feet can sometimes lead to issues like overpronation, plantar fasciitis, bunions, shin splints, and knee or back pain. However, not everyone with flat feet experiences symptoms.
Can you join the Army with flat feet?
You may be able to join the Army with mild or flexible flat feet that are asymptomatic. The Army’s basic standards regarding flat feet are:
- Your feet must be flexible, with a normal range of motion, and without symptoms.
- Your arches should reappear when non-weight bearing.
- You must be able to perform physical activities without pain or limitation.
- Rigid, painful flat feet may be disqualifying.
During the physical examination at MEPS, your feet will be closely evaluated. You may be asked to stand on your toes to test flexibility. If your flat feet are determined to be rigid or symptomatic, you may require a medical waiver.
Army medical waiver for flat feet
If your flat feet are mild or correctable, you may qualify for a medical waiver to join the Army. To get a waiver:
- Your condition must be deemed mild and unlikely to limit your ability to complete training and military duties.
- You may need to provide medical documentation about treatment and orthotics.
- Orthopedic surgery is sometimes required prior to a waiver being considered.
Waivers are considered on a case-by-case basis. having a waiver approved is not guaranteed. More severe flat feet are unlikely to receive a waiver.
Can you join the Navy with flat feet?
The Navy has strict physical standards similar to other branches. Their guidelines for flat feet include:
- Your arches should appear in a seated position.
- You must have full range of motion in your feet and ankles.
- No symptoms like swelling, pain, or restricted movement.
- Ability to complete physical training and run without limitation.
If your flat feet are determined to be rigid or symptomatic at MEPS, you may need a waiver to join the Navy. Waivers are sometimes granted for mild, flexible flat feet.
Navy medical waiver for flat feet
To receive a medical waiver for flat feet in the Navy, the condition must meet the following criteria:
- The flat feet do not cause impaired mobility or function.
- Orthotics/arch supports sufficiently improve your condition.
- Your physical activities are unrestricted when wearing orthotics.
- You can complete all Navy training and duties with orthotics.
Like other branches, medical documentation, orthopedic consult notes, and corrective treatment may be required for a waiver.
Can you join the Air Force with flat feet?
The Air Force guidelines for flat feet focus on flexibility and functionality. In general, you may be able to join if you meet these standards:
- Your feet must be flexible both sitting and standing.
- Your gait and mobility are normal.
- You have full range of motion in feet and ankles.
- You can complete all physical training and run without pain or limitation.
- No arthritis, deformity, or loss of function.
If your flat feet appear rigid or symptomatic, you may require an Air Force medical waiver. Waivers are sometimes given for mild or correctable flat feet.
Air Force medical waiver for flat feet
To qualify for an Air Force waiver for flat feet, your condition must meet these criteria:
- The flat feet do not limit mobility or physical activity.
- Custom orthotics effectively improve your symptoms.
- You can complete all physical training and military duties with arch supports.
- No recurrent foot pain, sprains, or orthopedic issues.
Like other branches, the Air Force will require thorough medical records, proof of treatment, and orthopedic evaluations when considering a flat feet waiver.
Can you join the Marines with flat feet?
The Marine Corps has very strict physical standards. In general, their guidelines about flat feet include:
- No diagnosis of symptomatic flat feet is allowed.
- Your arches should appear when seated and bearing weight.
- Full range of motion, flexibility, and strength in feet.
- No limitation to mobility or physical activities.
- Ability to complete all training without pain or restriction.
Since the Marine Corps emphasizes physical fitness and combat readiness, waivers for flat feet are rarely approved. Only mild, flexible flat feet have a chance of a waiver.
Marine Corps medical waiver for flat feet
To possibly qualify for a medical waiver for flat feet in the Marines, your condition must show:
- No current symptoms or limitations from your flat feet.
- Custom orthotics effectively correct your arch and gait.
- Full, unrestricted mobility and activity level with orthotics.
- Ability to fulfill all Marine training and duties with arch supports.
Given the strict standards of the Marines, a waiver is difficult to obtain but may be possible in some cases of mild, flexible flat feet.
Can you join the Coast Guard with flat feet?
The Coast Guard’s policies on flat feet focus on both flexibility and function. Their general guidelines are:
- No diagnosis of rigid flat feet is permitted.
- Feet must be flexible and arches visible when seated.
- No limited mobility of feet or ankles.
- No pain, swelling, cramps, or stiffness with activity.
- Must be able to fulfill all duties and physical activities.
If your flat feet appear rigid or limiting at MEPS, you may require a waiver to join the Coast Guard. These are granted on a limited basis.
Coast Guard medical waiver for flat feet
To potentially qualify for a flat feet waiver in the Coast Guard, you must provide evidence that:
- You have flexible flat feet with a normal range of motion.
- Orthotics adequately correct your arch and gait.
- You can complete all physical activities and duties without limitation.
- There is no history of foot pain, sprains, or fractures.
Given the active nature of the Coast Guard, they carefully screen flat feet waivers similarly to other branches before approving.
Treatment options for flat feet
If you don’t initially meet military standards for flat feet, there are treatment options that may improve your chances for a waiver:
- Orthotics or arch supports – Custom orthotics can correct overpronation and support the arch.
- Physical therapy – Stretching and exercises can increase flexibility and reduce pain.
- Surgery – Procedures like arthrodesis may repair rigid flat feet in some cases.
- Footwear – Well-cushioned athletic shoes provide arch support.
Treating flat feet symptoms and showing you can meet physical demands with orthotics can help your waiver case.
Tips for joining with flat feet
If you have flat feet but want to join the military, there are a few things that may improve your chances:
- Get custom orthotics and wear them regularly to practice.
- Start physical therapy to improve flexibility.
- Train and exercise intensively with orthotics to show your ability.
- Get documentation from podiatrist about treatment, orthotics, and function.
- Highlight past participation in sports, exercise, and physical jobs on record.
- Request an orthopedic or podiatry consult for your waiver review.
Taking these steps demonstrates your flat feet condition is mild, corrected with arch supports, and unlikely to limit your military service. This can help make a stronger waiver case.
Conclusion
Having mild, flexible flat feet does not automatically disqualify you from joining the military. While each branch has strict policies regarding flat feet, waivers are sometimes granted if your condition is deemed correctable and unlikely to limit physical abilities with orthotics. Showing your flat feet are asymptomatic, that you have a normal range of motion, and that orthotics allow you to exercise and function without restriction can help your chances of military service.
