SF Physical

[The Reaper]

SPECIAL FORCES PHYSICAL EXAM CHECKLIST

LNAME_______________ L4 SSN____________ CLASS/YG_______ STN_____

BLOCK# DD FORM 2808 PAGES 1-3 REPORT OF MEDICAL EXAMINATION


1-15b ______________ Personal / General Information
15c ______________ PURPOSE OF EXAM ( SF/ SFAS/ SFQC)
16 ______________ NAME OF EXAM LOCATION CLINIC ETC
17-44 ______________ CLINICAL EVALUATION (Any Abnormalities must be explained)
43 ______________ DENTAL (Must Be Acceptable, Class 1 or 2)
45 ______________ URINALYSIS (MUST BE < THAN 2.00 SPECIFY GRAVITY)
45a ______________ ALBUMIN (negative or trace only)
45b ______________ SUGAR (NEGATIVE ONLY)
48 ______________ BLOOD TYPE
49 ______________ HIV (NEGATIVE)
52 ______________ OTHER (SICKLE, RPR, EKG, CHEST X-RAY)
53-55 _____________ HEIGHT/ WEIGHT (If over max weight include tape test)
57 ______________ PULSE (not over 100) 58a-c ______________ BLOOD PRESSURE (MAX’s 140/90 MIN’s 90/60) If High or low need 5dy BP Check
59 ______________VIVID RED/GREEN PASS (Required if fails normal color test in item# 66)
61 ______________ FAR VISION (Must Correct to 20/20 in both eyes)
62 ______________ REFRACTION (Required if uncorrected vision is not 20/20; +or-8 diopters max)
63 ______________ NEAR VISION (Must correct to 20/20 in both eyes)
66 ______________ COLOR VISION (If fails color vision test must be able to pass Vivid Red/Green test)
71a ______________ HEARING(500-2000 Average less than 30db, 3000-45db 4000-55db)
72b ______________ VALSALVA (should be SAT OR +)
73 ______________ NOTES ( Should include here or somewhere on physical – No Fear Statement, Digital Rectal exam or Hemmocult/occult Blood, Chest Xray, EKG)
74a ______________ QUALIFIED/NOT QUALIFIED(MUST STATE SF / SFAS TRAINING)
75b ______________ PHYSICAL PROFILE AND CATEGORY (MIN 111121)
81-84a/b ______________ DOCTOR (MD) & DENTIST (DC or DDS) / Name/Signature


BLOCK DD FORM 2807 1-3 REPORT OF MEDICAL HISTORY

1-9 ______________ EXAMINEE INFORMATION
10-28 ______________ EMAMINEE HISTORY
29 ______________ALL YES ANSWERS MUST BE FULLY EXPLAINED BY EXAMINEE
30 _______________All YES ANSWERS MUST BE EXPLAINED BY PA OR DR
30b ______________ DOCTOR/PA SIGNATURE AND DATE


All Lab results should be annotated on DD 2808 – Retain copy of lab printout in Residual file but do not scan in with physical
Chest X-ray – Should be annotated on DD 2808 as Normal - Retain copy of lab printout in Residual file but do not scan in with physical
EKG/ECG – Should be annotated on DD 2808 as Normal- Retain copy of lab printout in Residual file but do not scan in with physical



Physical QC’d BY: __________________________________________________ _______
Name of Recruiter/Station Cmdr

[Sacamuelas]

Originally posted by The Reaper
SPECIAL FORCES PHYSICAL EXAM CHECKLIST
...
43 ______________ DENTAL (Must Be Acceptable, Class 1 or 2)



I haven't seen this explained before in the past threads here or elsewhere. Recruits need to understand that their oral health is examined and evaluated. Here is a brief explanation of the US Army Dental classifications system. Remember that you have to be a class 1 or 2 per Reaper's information. You don't make the decision on the likelyhood for future emergencies. The Dentist will make that judgement call based on his/her experiences. Don't take any chances.

The Department of Defense Dental Classification Guideline and AR 40-35 outline the following dental fitness classifications:

Class 1-
1. Soldiers who require no dental treatment
2. Soldier has had a complete dental exam within the past year

Class 2 -
1. Soldiers whose existing dental condition is unlikely to result in a dental emergency within 12 months
2. Soldier requires some type of dental care or re-check
Examples:
A few Simple fillings
Routine Dental cleaning
Simple wisdom tooth extraction

Class 3-
1. Soldiers who require dental treatment to correct a dental condition that is likely to cause a dental emergency within 12 months.
2. Soldier requires dental care as soon as possible
3. A dental emergency is likely to occur if the condition is not corrected
Examples:
Badly decayed teeth
Severe gum disease
Root canal needed
Painful or diseased wisdom tooth

Soldier is not deployable/acceptable

Class 4-
1. Soldiers who require a dental examination or panographic radiograph (X-ray).
2. Disease status is unknown

Soldier is not deployable/acceptable



*** Remember - The health of your entire mouth, not just your teeth. The mouth includes the teeth and the gums (gingiva), ligaments, muscles and jaw bones. It also includes the tongue, the lining of the mouth and throat, salivary glands and lymph nodes.

[WholeManin2010]

Hadn't found this anywhere else here, and this seemed like the most appropriate thread...

I thought it might be useful to know that you may NOT attend SFAS with braces on your teeth :(. Verified this with more than one SF recruiter to be sure - the last one read through the reg while I was on the phone. None had ever been asked this question before.

Even though I am considered Class 2, I still can't go until they're off. At least I get another 12-18 months under ruck before I throw my hat into the ring.

[JWhistler]

73 ______________ NOTES ( Should include here or somewhere on physical – No Fear Statement...


Nobody at the hospital apparently knows about a No Fear Statement. What can I tell the doc?

[Eagle5US]

73 ______________ NOTES ( Should include here or somewhere on physical – No Fear Statement...


Nobody at the hospital apparently knows about a No Fear Statement. What can I tell the doc?
It should state:

"I have no fear of darkness or confined spaces."

PA

[x SF med]

It should state:

"I have no fear of darkness or confined spaces."

PA

Oh, the guys that tried to lie about that one...... it was almost funny, sad, scary, dangerous but funny.....

[Eagle5US]

Oddly, they find it strange that there is a true necessity for this statement during their training :D

Eagle

[Irish_Army01]

Oh, the guys that tried to lie about that one...... it was almost funny, sad, scary, dangerous but funny.....

The Irish SOF have a do or die test on the selection for that.. Don't do it, RTU.

[TimberWolf82]

.

[Eagle5US]

This is more of a question of what's the right thing to do. Not being a dentist, and not being able to examine your chompers, I wouldn't be able to determine the extent of the damage to see if you would be a class 2 or class 3.

People do join the military all the time with what we call EPTS (existed prior to service) conditions and expect Uncle Sam to spend thousands of dollars to "fix it" for them.

It will eventually become an issue, even if it isn't right now, and will require repair. I would disclose it when you get to the dental exam and let them determine the best COA. It will probably be a non issue and if they determine you to be a class 3 they will fix your teeth at MEPS or during your initial processing as it is something that can be accomplished relatively quickly (as opposed to folks with multiple rotting teeth and or moderate to severe gum disease).

If they see you as a class 2, they may wait until you have at minimum completed basic training before fixing your teeth.

Good luck-

[Dusty]

Oh, the guys that tried to lie about that one...... it was almost funny, sad, scary, dangerous but funny.....

I've got claustrophobia, myself. I don't recommend SF for others with that particular problem...

[1stindoor]

I've got claustrophobia, myself. I don't recommend SF for others with that particular problem...

I've never had an issue with the dark, confined places...but there's been more than one dive in pitch black (can't see your hand in front of your mask) conditions that I've had to remind myself to trust my training and the training of my teammates.

[sfrecrutr]

This is more of a question of what's the right thing to do. Not being a dentist, and not being able to examine your chompers, I wouldn't be able to determine the extent of the damage to see if you would be a class 2 or class 3.

People do join the military all the time with what we call EPTS (existed prior to service) conditions and expect Uncle Sam to spend thousands of dollars to "fix it" for them.

It will eventually become an issue, even if it isn't right now, and will require repair. I would disclose it when you get to the dental exam and let them determine the best COA. It will probably be a non issue and if they determine you to be a class 3 they will fix your teeth at MEPS or during your initial processing as it is something that can be accomplished relatively quickly (as opposed to folks with multiple rotting teeth and or moderate to severe gum disease).

If they see you as a class 2, they may wait until you have at minimum completed basic training before fixing your teeth.

Good luck-

Allow me to weigh in on this one. As a SF Recruiter I have seen far too many NPS show up thinking MEPS will fix the issue. Rarely does that happen. The MEPS Dr will stop your processing and send you home with a ship date some time in the future after your corrective procedure. If you get the teeth fixed prior to your trip back to MEPS you will need to provide your Recruiter with all of the documents and have a MED Read completed. The MEPS Doc will review it, determine if you are good to go or not with the procedure, then allow you to return to MEPS and ship. MEPS is not a medical facility and I have never known them to be helpful in fixing anything for a new enlistee. Get it fixed. And keep your Recruiter informed of whats happening with you. It makes life much easier.

1SG Ed

[TimberWolf82]

.

[Eagle5US]

1SG Ed-

He'll need to see the dentist regarding this. The Physician won't have any input.
Thanks for your expertise.

Eagle

[Dusty]

When I was seven and my brother two, we climbed into a broken dryer while we were playing spaceman, and it was the kind that locked when shut-we couldn't get out.

We were in there for nearly four hours in August in Dallas.

If my mother hadn't knocked over a glass when she woke up from a nap, we wouldn't have started yelling so she could hear us and release us. We nearly bought two little farms. :D

Ever since, I've really gotta psyche up for enclosed spaces and whatnot.

[ZonieDiver]

sfrecrutr, thank you so much for your input. I don't want any hic-ups along the road and will take your recommendation to heart. I am going to schedule an exam immediately and get this taken care of on my own time/budget. I don't leave for MEP's/Basic until mid September so that gives me about 6+ weeks still. Since I am having this done prior and should be fully healed long before then will I still need to bring the medical documentation with me or will the MEP's Doc be fine in just doing his standard dental check, observing the work and signing off? Thanks again for everyone input on this!

Check for dental schools in the area. They usually have a clinic for students to"practice" in... under supervision. You can save some $$, since you have no insurance.

[stfesta]

Don't discount MedPros.

I use it all the time. The data sheet will list Dental, Vision, and Hearing. It will also give the date and the class/status for all three. If they are green, that is one, two, or three things that the SM has to complete.

If the SM is cleared thru MedPros on dental, I remark "Teeth found to be in good repair on physical exam, SM is Class x on MedPros dated mm/dd/yyyy"

I've always put two statements for the SM to initial. The first is about the dark spaces.... and the other is "My physical condition hasn't changed since my last medical exam."

I make sure to give the SM a certified true copy of all labs, x-rays, and anything else they may need for the recruiter.

The more complete, the easier it is for the recruiter, the easier it is for the SM.
sf

[Ret10Echo]

Check for dental schools in the area. They usually have a clinic for students to"practice" in... under supervision. You can save some $$, since you have no insurance.

Ohio State...

The OSU College of Dentistry offers primary care and a full range of specialty clinics all in one building. Patients can choose to receive care from:

A dental hygiene student in our dental hygiene clinic,
A second-, third- or fourth-year dental student in our student dental clinic, A graduate dental student doing advanced specialty study in our graduate clinics,
Or from one of our experienced faculty members in the faculty practice clinic.

[TimberWolf82]

.

[PedOncoDoc]

Thanks for all the great advice! I made a reservation at the Case Western Reserve School of Dentistry and go in next week for x-rays. Ohio State looks like a better school but it is also 4 hours away and with the price of gas right now this just seems to work best for me & my wallet. You were all a tremendous help!

As a graduate of the CWRU School of Medicine, I can tell you the dental school is excellent. Many of the patients I saw medically had dental work done through the student clinic and were pleased with the clinic.

[TimberWolf82]

.

[Digger25]

I haven't seen this explained before in the past threads here or elsewhere. Recruits need to understand that their oral health is examined and evaluated. Here is a brief explanation of the US Army Dental classifications system. Remember that you have to be a class 1 or 2 per Reaper's information. You don't make the decision on the likelyhood for future emergencies. The Dentist will make that judgement call based on his/her experiences. Don't take any chances.

The Department of Defense Dental Classification Guideline and AR 40-35 outline the following dental fitness classifications:

Class 1-
1. Soldiers who require no dental treatment
2. Soldier has had a complete dental exam within the past year

Class 2 -
1. Soldiers whose existing dental condition is unlikely to result in a dental emergency within 12 months
2. Soldier requires some type of dental care or re-check
Examples:
A few Simple fillings
Routine Dental cleaning
Simple wisdom tooth extraction

Class 3-
1. Soldiers who require dental treatment to correct a dental condition that is likely to cause a dental emergency within 12 months.
2. Soldier requires dental care as soon as possible
3. A dental emergency is likely to occur if the condition is not corrected
Examples:
Badly decayed teeth
Severe gum disease
Root canal needed
Painful or diseased wisdom tooth

Soldier is not deployable/acceptable

Class 4-
1. Soldiers who require a dental examination or panographic radiograph (X-ray).
2. Disease status is unknown

Soldier is not deployable/acceptable



*** Remember - The health of your entire mouth, not just your teeth. The mouth includes the teeth and the gums (gingiva), ligaments, muscles and jaw bones. It also includes the tongue, the lining of the mouth and throat, salivary glands and lymph nodes.

Sir, in regards to the dental requirements, I just had all four wisdom teeth extracted along with having two implants placed in my top eye teeth (teeth 10 and 7). I ship 20111107 for BCT, and I'm scheduled to have crowns placed 2 weeks prior to that ship date. My question is, am I in the clear as far as falling into Class 2 for the SF physical? My oral surgeon and dentist say I will be completely healed by ship date, as there is no recover period after crown placement, only recover time after the implant surgery I just had. Thanks for any and all information.

[WhiskeyBoarder]

All:

I have been recommended for attendance to SFAS by the NQP program at which I participate. Unfortunately, I am encountering continued difficulty locating a location to complete my Special Forces physical exam. I live and work in D.C., and was hoping to have the exam completed at either Belvoir or Bethesda (although I am willing to commute nearly any where, if necessary). Both locations are indicating that I need to be on active duty orders (for more than 30 days) to allow them authorization to complete the exam.

Is there anyone here that may be able to provide guidance? I am hoping to hear from either someone that has completed their physical in the D.C. area, or, perhaps, someone connected to one of the bases up here that may be able to provide a helpful connection.

I hate to sound like I am requesting a shortcut. I am dedicated to this effort. I attended NQP drills during a break in service, receiving no pay, and incurring all transportation costs, so I am definitely willing to do the legwork. But it seems to me that I would not be making the most of my resources by continuing to stumble around blindly when no doubt someone participating here has encountered my same dilemma previously, or has knowledge of how it can be easily overcome.

I appreciate any help that you may be able to provide. Thank you.

[Eagle5US]

All:

I have been recommended for attendance to SFAS by the NQP program at which I participate. Unfortunately, I am encountering continued difficulty locating a location to complete my Special Forces physical exam. I live and work in D.C., and was hoping to have the exam completed at either Belvoir or Bethesda (although I am willing to commute nearly any where, if necessary). Both locations are indicating that I need to be on active duty orders (for more than 30 days) to allow them authorization to complete the exam.

Is there anyone here that may be able to provide guidance? I am hoping to hear from either someone that has completed their physical in the D.C. area, or, perhaps, someone connected to one of the bases up here that may be able to provide a helpful connection.

I hate to sound like I am requesting a shortcut. I am dedicated to this effort. I attended NQP drills during a break in service, receiving no pay, and incurring all transportation costs, so I am definitely willing to do the legwork. But it seems to me that I would not be making the most of my resources by continuing to stumble around blindly when no doubt someone participating here has encountered my same dilemma previously, or has knowledge of how it can be easily overcome.

I appreciate any help that you may be able to provide. Thank you.

There may be a miscommunication as you must simply complete your physical (by a current Army Flight SGN) on a single set of orders.

That is to say-

You shouldn't need to be on orders for 30 days AS LONG AS you can get your part 1 and part 2 done on the same set of orders. This means your labs, hearing, vision, dental etc all have to be accomplished (and lab results received) i.e. PART 1 on the same set of orders that you have the hands on portion of your physical PART 2. This may be what they are trying to tell you. It is not unusual for labs to take 2-3 weeks to be resulted.

Hope this helps.

[Slantwire]

Both locations are indicating that I need to be on active duty orders (for more than 30 days) to allow them authorization to complete the exam.

The medical facilities are required to bill someone for the time and lab costs. I've heard of three ways to handle this, but I only have first-hand experience with one.

1. If you're on AD orders for 30 days or more, you're automatically covered by AD Tricare. That's easiest for the clinic, so it's what they tell you to do. (Or at least, that's what they told me.)

2. Orders for less than 30 days give them no account to bill, unless your orders explicitly provide it. I have been told that your unit can put you on orders for one day, with whatever appropriate accounting and billing information the clinic needs; then the clinic will gladly see you and process you on that one particular day.

Note: I think this means you'll need two separate one-day orders. One for when they run all the lab tests and take samples, and another two or three weeks later when the doc does the physical exam and signs the paperwork. In between, the clinic will run labs and (theoretically) the doc will review your file so he's informed before the actual exam. This doesn't seem to fit what Eagle5US said about the same set of orders, so it may not be correct. Find out and report back, so others can benefit.

3. Schmooze the admin folks into letting you do it anyway. I can neither confirm nor deny that this works. :D

[WhiskeyBoarder]

3. Schmooze the admin folks into letting you do it anyway. I can neither confirm nor deny that this works. :D

This is the option I am trying to work currently. However, both locations have a safeguard to prevent this effort's success: They schedule via Tricare (which brings me, full circle, to the issue of requiring orders).

I just got off the phone with the clinic in Belvoir and, no-go. But I am in touch with my NQP program and I am confident we will work something out. If it will provide an option with less hassle, I am even willing to travel to Bragg to have the exam done.

I appreciate your responses. At least now I have rationale to allow me to better understand the requirement for actve duty orders. Thank you.

[smg2080]

WhiskeyBoarder I recentley completed my SFAS physical at the Fort Lee TMC. I am active duty and I'm not sure about your situation but its worth a shot the number to the clinic is 804-734-9057. Its only a couple hour drive for you from DC.

[WhiskeyBoarder]

I don’t know how likely it is that any other candidates may be encountering the same difficulty as I had originally in regards to completing the SF physical as a National Guardsman (described in posts above) AND are located in the Washington, DC area. But if so, here are the steps I followed to successfully navigate the issue:

I had all labs, the chest x-ray, and EKG completed by my private provider. Total cost was a single co-payment.

Although the National Guard coordinates annual dental exams via Health Readiness, I had one conducted by my private dentist, in the hopes that I may make the cut-off date for an upcoming SFAS class. Either option works; my dentist signed DD form 2813 and the appropriate block on the 2808.

There is a really helpful Navy physician working in the Occupational Health clinic at the Bethesda Naval Hospital. I took all of my documentation to him and he completed the physical portions of the exam. He didn’t require Tri-Care, orders, or anything to establish the appointment; basically, the physician was seeing me out of generosity. I can provide his contact information via PM. However, he indicated that he may deploy soon. At that time, there may be other POCs within the Occupational Health clinic willing to help.

The physician executed the 2808. It still requires the SOCOM stamp but in the case of the NQP program in which I participate, the cadre works this issue on candidates’ behalf.

I hope this is helpful. If anyone has any questions, please do not hesitate to PM me, although my SF physical knowledge, really, is restricted to the experience described above.

[Ranger0704]

Does a physician (MD or DO) have to do the physical or can it be done by an Army PA?

[NurseTim]

73 ______________ NOTES ( Should include here or somewhere on physical – No Fear Statement...


Nobody at the hospital apparently knows about a No Fear Statement. What can I tell the doc?

I thought it had something to do with the DRE.

[Mako November]

QPs/Moderators: After reading all of the available threads pertaining to color vision, I chose to post this information here, because it's a sticky and will hopefully be read first by those who, like me, came to this site for information on SF service and color vision. If this is the wrong location, or if this information is deemed unnecessary or irrelevant, please delete or advise me on a more appropriate location for this post. V/R, MN.

To those of you who are color deficient and interested in pursuing an 18X contract, hopefully this information will help prepare you to take one of the first steps on that road. I am aware that there has been some debate on this forum and in the real world regarding the exact color vision standards required for SF, and hopefully this post can provide you with up to date information on those standards, and how they're applied at MEPS, at least in my experience. YMMV. If you'd like further information on this topic, please contact me privately.

The current US Army color vision standards are available in AR 40-501, Chapter 5, Section 3, Paragraph G-4, which states: "Failure to pass the PIP test or FALANT test for color vision [is disqualifying] unless the applicant is able to identify vivid red and/or vivid green as projected by the Ophthalmological Projector or the Stereoscope, Vision Testing (SVT)."

What that means in practice, at least in my experience, is that you will be subjected to the following three tests at MEPS: (1) PIP test, (2) FALANT test, (3) a small booklet with red and green squares [two or three each] broken up by plain black pages. You are good to go for ABN, Ranger, and SF contracts provided you can pass the third test.

I had an interesting experience in processing for the military because I initially planned to pursue a commission in a different service. I was disqualified and labeled completely colorblind at MEPS, which would have barred me from any Army combat arms MOS. I couldn't be happier about the way my experience turned out because I feel that the Special Forces mission set is better suited to my skills and background than any other job in the military, however it did complicate my application process. Lessons learned:

1. If you're worried you won't pass the test, get yourself checked out by a civilian ophthalmologist prior to meeting with a recruiter. If you live anywhere near Ohio State University, PM me for the contact information of an excellent doctor there that conducted my screening. Regardless of where you go, show him/her the regulation above and ask for a full colorvision screening. If you fail everything and the doctor doesn't conduct a vivid red/vivid green test, ask for one. They will probably at least have a red/green marker for you to differentiate. Provided you can tell the difference between those two colors, ask for the doctor to write a letter substantiating your ability to see the two colors. That letter is the number one thing that helped me get my contract.

2. If you're set on SF and you meet the standard based on the information above, don't let a recruiter tell you no. Two local recruiting offices refused to look at my paperwork before I finally found a third office willing to help. Obviously don't let on that you have a color deficiency if they don't ask, but if for some reason, as in my case, that information is already known, be prepared to argue and spend a lot of time on the road finding someone who will work for you.

3. Take your copy of AR 40-501 and your doctor's letter with you to MEPS. I clung to those papers like my life depended on it. If for some reason the MEPS personnel don't give you the vivid red/green test, show them that paperwork. They will probably be upset with you but it's worth it if you get the contract.

4. If for some reason MEPS disqualifies you despite the doctor's letter, don't give up. There's an exception to policy waiver that, if approved, essentially requires MEPS or a third-party government-approved doctor to revisit your case. This is the route I had to take and it worked for me. Again, YMMV.

Bottom Line: as of DEC 2013, color deficient applicants have been allowed to sign 18X contracts, despite current DOD budgetary issues/downsizing. Furthermore, at least some waivers have been approved for those applicants pursuing 18X contracts. (In addition to the required exception to policy waiver mentioned above, I also had a sulpha drug allergy waiver.) If you really want an 18X contract, there's a good chance you can use this information to get it. It might have helped that I was so excited to finally get medically cleared after 3+ months of waiting that I forgot to ask about bonus money, but the opportunity to join the Army as an E4 with a guaranteed shot at trying out for SF is enough for me.

Hope this information is useful to someone.

V/R
MN

[REP63WannaB]

.