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Hey guys,
I'm new to the forums, I was in Royal Marines training down at Lympstone in Feb of 06. I eventually left training due to a severe case of shin splints and some personal problems. All I've thought about since I've left is rejoining and I've always intended to. However about 8 months ago I damaged the ACL ligament in my knee and as I'm a pretty physically active guy I ignored it and got back to training mixed martial arts but the knee buckled again several times to the point where I've had to have an ACL reconstruction on the knee, that was last week.
Before I had my surgery the doctor mentioned that they might not let me back into RM after my operation. If he is right this would be devastating to me. According to him I should be "just as good as anyone else" once I've healed up and gone through rehabilitation.
I was wondering if any one here knows the current policies they have about people who have had their ACL reconstructed. Is there any kind of blanket rule that im going to fall under and not be able to get back in?

Firstly, You're going to get told this about a million times, ask your local AFCO, I heard of a similar case to yours where the applicant had to wait a few years and then get a statement signed off his surgeon for the AFCO to even consider him...

secondly, Welcome to the forums

Oh ok, well to be truthful I dont really want to let them know. If there's even the smallest chance that I might be able to slip it past them at the medical I want to. I'm pretty sure I could get my surgeon to write me a good letter right away.

Sorry mate I was under the impression they knew, dont tell them IMO.
I may get slated for this but I've opened my mouth only to find setbacks before so..

HybridWarrior wrote:Oh ok, well to be truthful i dont really want to let them know. If theres even the smallest chance that i might be able to slip it pasted them at the medical i want to. I'm pretty sure i could get my surgeon the to right me a good letter right away.

In the past you may have been able to get away with this but in these days of computers I think you will find it best just to be honest and hope that your surgeon's view will be taken into account.

Tell porkies (Lies) and they will bin you ASAP even if your at week 31 at CTCRM. Sorry to come across as a right Killjoy but I know of at least two lads who tried to rejoin and were caught out by the system in the end.

Artist

Artist is right, if you lie and get found out you've had it.

The problem with not telling them is that you have to have a medical form filled in by your GP which will ask about any surgery you've had etc... and I highly doubt your doctor would be prepared to lie for you and even if he did somehow agree to once the Marines request your medical history they will have the documentation of your operation in your notes.

Even if you are not accepted back it's better than lying and getting caught out.

Yeah I wouldnt lie about it, but I thought that there might be a very small chance that it could slip pasted the medical. And then if i got to do the PRMC and proform as well as im planning to proform I'll have much more ground to stand on when they do find out.
Any ways hopefuly it wont be an issue and they'll let me back in. Because it really does mean allot to me.

Check your PMs Hybrid.

Didn't think it was worth starting a new thread as my problem isn't that big, but I've got my medical tomorrow morning.

I've got a very large scar across my stomach from where I got in a fight in a pub and got knifed. Basically was wondering if I should tell them truth or say I done it on construction site as I don't know if they can reject me on grounds that they think I may be a trouble maker which I'm really not! lol thanks

Same applies quirk ref lying but I can't imagine they'd be the slightest bit bothered. An oppo of mine had something similar (and was flatlined for a few minutes after he was stabbed) and he just told it as it was. He's now a policeman. Just tell the truth mate.

Hiya mate, I know what your going through I tore my ACL and tendons in my knee on the assualt course...been out of action for over a year now, still in agony, but I have been to two different doctors both said I don't need an op and must give it time!

I haven't read everyones post replies...But I hope you get it sorted, my best mate had ACL reconstruction and was playing rugby within about 10 months!

Good luck mate, hope it all goes well for you, and hope you look forward to re-joining one day. As for me, I guess I will have to see...I've got a good career in Civvy Street, so it's going to be a hard decision.

Haha cheers Sully. Yeah I just went in and just explained it all and she passed me! Right then now I have to book my PJFT for next week and I'll be on my way

Good effort quirk. Just a quick question - what attracts a trouble maker like you to the Corps?

Oh ok, thanks for the reply DLink, I hope it goes well as well.

Haha well I do enjoy the idea of being let loose with explosives and maybe the odd tank!