My name is one of many aspiring servicemembers who have faced a common roadblock-- being medically disqualified for US military due to a medical condition, despite the ability to pass all standard fitness tests required to serve. I have been denied the opportunity to serve because of a birth defect resulting in a left leg amputation when I was 1 year old. Although I pass all standard fitness tests required without accommodation, the current DOD medical policy (DODI 6130.03) disqualifies amputees from military service, and therefore disregards my capability and aspiration to serve my country as a nurse. This petition is for those like me who were denied their chance to serve despite their capabilities and physical readiness.

People with physical disabilities deserve the opportunity to serve and are not a liability, but rather an asset to our Force. Their courage, resilience, and adaptability make them equally, if not more, qualified for military service. The Pentagon states that 77% of young Americans would currently not qualify for military service at all, but out of those who try to serve, 13-16% are still medically disqualified due to prior medical conditions (Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, 2022.). 

I am not asking to lower the military's standards for the sake of inclusivity, but rather take into consideration our advancing technology, medical care, and diverse military specialties that allow individuals like me to excel as a nurse without any accommodation. The military can no longer ignore the ability of those who are considered "disabled" by DOD standards. 

Please sign my petition if you have been denied for military service or face barriers trying to serve due to a medical condition, and share with those you know who are facing the same denial. Together, we call into question the outdated military standards within the DODI 6130, and show our Nation that we are a strength, not a weakness, determined by our own ability, dedication, and courage to serve in to our Force.