Fracture Surgery and Military Draft: What You Need to Know

When considering the impacts of having a prior fracture on your eligibility for a military draft, it's important to understand a few key points. As of now, the U.S. military has been an all-volunteer force since 1973, and it remains to be seen whether that might change in the future. However, for the sake of clarity, let's delve deeper into what a potential draft might entail and who can offer you the necessary guidance.

The Current Status of Military Drafts

1. No Current Drafts: The U.S. has not had a selective service draft since 1973. Since that time, military service has been entirely voluntary. This means that if you had a prior fracture, as long as it healed properly and you meet all other service criteria, it should not prevent you from joining the military.

2. Future Considerations: The municipal services would go through a Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) for a medical evaluation. This assessment takes into account both medical and physical conditions. If Congress were to pass a new draft law in the future, the specifics would be outlined and enforced by your draft board or primary care physician. As of now, you should focus on concerns that you can control, and not worry about potential scenarios that are not here yet.

Understanding Medical Exemptions and Exceptions

It's also important to recognize the existence of medical exemptions and exceptions. A medical trauma prescription is one such tool that can be used to qualify for certain medical conditions or physical limitations. For instance, if you have a history of fractures, your medical records and any relevant medical certificates can be used to support your exemption from certain physical requirements.

However, these exemptions are subject to the discretion of the medical board or your primary care physician. They will evaluate your health status and determine if the condition is severe enough to be considered a disqualification for a draft. Recipients of such a prescription would ideally need to coordinate with a medical professional to ensure that their condition is documented effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Will a previous fracture stop me from being drafted?

No, a prior fracture should not prevent you from being drafted as long as it has healed properly. The military conducts thorough medical evaluations at MEPS to ensure that recruits are fit for service. Any previous health conditions, including fractures, can be evaluated and documented during this process.

2. Who can help me if there is a future draft?

In the event of a future draft, your primary care physician or draft board would provide guidance on any medical exemptions or exceptions. They would review your medical history and determine if you qualify for any exemptions based on your current health status.

3. What is a medical trauma prescription?

A medical trauma prescription is a document that certifies a medical condition or injury, such as a previous fracture. This document can be used to support a medical exemption or physical limitation. However, the validity and acceptance of such a prescription would be at the discretion of the military medical board or your physician.

Conclusion

While the U.S. military has been an all-volunteer force since 1973, the possibility of a renewed draft is a matter of speculation. If a draft were to be implemented in the future, it is essential to understand the process and consult with medical professionals to ensure that any prior medical conditions, such as a healed fracture, are properly documented. Remember, it's best to remain informed and prepared, but also to stay focused on the present and what you can control.