A decade of experience of examining candidates for entry to the army.

A total of 3886 civilian candidates were medically examined for entry to the Army during the period 1980 to 1990. Eight per cent of the candidates failed their examination. The commonest causes for rejection were back and knee disorders, the majority associated with trauma. The next most common disorder was hearing loss, closely followed by myopia. Analysis of the incidence of individual conditions showed that only hearing loss and myopia were more prevalent than spondylolisthesis. It is felt, therefore, that consideration should be given to the routine radiographic screening of all candidates for spondylolisthesis and indeed for spondylolysis. The incidence of medical conditions was low. In the assessment of the individual's fitness for entry, the effects of military training and service in the field on his or her functional capacity must be considered. Problems that may arise when a candidate is rejected are discussed.