CHAPTER 11
PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS
The Department of Defense has established
uniform physical standards for all members of the
military service. Physical examinations are conducted
to interpret each individuals physical qualification for
initial entry, mobilization, retention, assignment to
special duties, and training programs that lead to
enlistment and commissioning. The purpose of the
examination is to identify physical defects and
psychological problems that would compromise a
members ability to perform duties normally assigned.
Physical standards are intended to preclude acceptance
of those individuals who present contagious or
infectious hazards to other personnel, would be unable
to perform assigned duties, or who have conditions
likely to be aggravated by naval service.
The purpose of this chapter is to review the various
types of physical examinations and their requirements,
provide a general understanding of how physical
examination forms and reports are completed, and
cover some of the testing procedures and equipment
for which you may be responsible. In your capacity as
a Hospital Corpsman, you will function as both clerical
and medical assistant to the medical examiner. To do
t h i s p r o p e r l y, y o u s h o u l d b e f a m i l i a r w i t h
administrative regulations that apply to physical
examinations. You should also ensure the patients
health record is correct and complete, all tests and
laboratory results are recorded, and the completed
report of medical examination and history are properly
filed in the members health record.
TYPES OF PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS
LEARNING OBJECTIVE: Differentiate
between the types of physical examinations.
Physical examinations, whether routine or special
duty, are mandatory for members at certain times
during their military careers. The first of these
examinations is the entrance (enlistment, appointment,
or commissioning) physical examination, and the last
is the physical examination that occurs upon
separation from the service. In addition to these two,
there may be several others, depending on the length of
the members service or special duty requirements.
Physical examinations of Marine Corps and Navy
personnel, active and reserve, are performed by Navy
medical officers or other credentialed providers. If a
Navy medical officer or credentialed provider is not
available, the medical examination may be performed
by a Department of Defense (DoD) physician or
credentialed civilian contracted physician. Dental
examinations are normally performed by Navy dental
officers.
For further information on dental
examinations for naval reserve personnel, refer to the
Manual of the Medical Department (MANMED),
NAVMED P-117.
Most physical examinations will require special
studies (tests). Some of these special studies (which
will be performed in advance of the physical
examination by the medical examiner) may include
laboratory tests to detect syphilis (RPR), HIV, and
cholesterol levels; optometric evaluation to determine
visual acuity; audiometric testing for hearing
capabilities; and dental examination to determine
dental fitness. For more information on special study
requirements for each type of physical examination,
refer to the MANMED and directives that address
specific physical examinations.
ROUTINE PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS
Essentially, there are four types of routine physical
examinations you should know about. They are the
entrance, periodic, reenlistment, and separation
physicals.
The MANMED provides specific
instructions on how and when each type of physical is
to be conducted.
Entrance (Enlistment, Appointment, and
Commissioning) Physical Examination
The Department of Defense (DoD) establishes the
standards for entry into military service (DoD
Directive 6130.3).
Entry physical standards for
training programs leading to officer appointment are
more stringent than the basic physical qualifications
for enlistment or commissioning. This policy ensures
qualification of the member at the time of his
appointment.
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