JOINING the Army is a dream for many — but some medical conditions can stop you being accepted.
From ear problems to heart disease, certain issues can prevent you from being an effective soldier.
GettyMedical conditions including heart disease and ear problems could stop you joining the army[/caption]
All prospective soldiers have to state their medical history and a team will decide whether you meet guidelines.
Here are some of the conditions that could see your application stopped or delayed if you want to join the Army.
Back problems
If you have ever had spinal surgery, you might not be able to become a soldier.
Structural issues with your back or spinal cord could also bar you from entering.
Chronic or recurring problems with back pain may also prevent you from having a successful application.
Blood diseases
Various blood diseases, including sickle cell disease, congenital spherocytosis and thalassaemia could stop you joining the army.
Others include Hepatitis B or C, leukaemia or malignant lymphoma, and disorders resulting in abnormal coagulation.
Bone or joint problems
Knee injuries and chronic knee pain could also prevent you joining.
A history of broken bones, shoulder problems resulting in restrictions of movement or lost limbs could also stop you.
Clubfoot and chronic joint diseases such as ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or gout could also affect your application.
Heart problems
You’re unlikely to be accepted into the army if you have heart problems.
Conditions that may affect you’re application include diagnosed heart disease, an abnormal heart rhythm or high blood pressure.
If you have a bicuspid aortic valve or cardiomyopathy you’re also unlikely to get accepted.
Ear problems
A burst ear drum or chronic ear diseases like cholesteatoma could stop you getting in as well.
Ear problems can affect you on noisy shooting ranges.
Eye problems
Likewise, vision issues could stop you being in the Army.
Chronic eye conditions such as glaucoma, keratoconus and retinitis pigmentosa, damage to the eyelids affecting vision and chronic conjunctivitis are all red flags.
Gatrointestinal problems
Chronic diseases like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis may bar you from entry.
Dyspepsia and Haemorrhoids could also affect your application.
Kidney problems
Any congenital kidney disease or anomaly may stop you joining the Army.
A history of kidney problems such as kidney stones, urinary incontinence or genital infections may also prevent you.
Neurological disorders
Epilepsy, migraines and multiple sclerosis could stop you being a soldier.
Psychiatric problems
Being diagnosed with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or a personality disorder could halt your application.
Anxiety and depression could also bar you from entry, while drug or alcohol dependence may as well.
Respiratory problems
Asthma, emphysema, bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis or tuberculosis could all stop you being in the Army.
Skin problems
Active eczema or psoriasis may impact your chances of joining.
Other conditions
Other thing that could affect you include being an organ recipient, having a food allergy or being diabetic.