How does a military medical check-up work?

In order to take part in a competitive examination for the French army, candidates or reservists must undergo a military medical examination by an army doctor. The purpose of this examination is to assess the candidate's technical skills and military aptitude for the position.

This article describes the medical check-up in the army.

What is medical fitness during a military medical examination?

As mentioned above, a candidate applying for a military post must undergo a full medical examination by a military doctor. The purpose of this examination is to assess medical fitness, a key stage in the recruitment process for the French army.

Medical fitness is determined by meeting the physical, intellectual and psychological criteria required for military service or civil defence, without compromising one's own health or that of others.

The medical fitness decision is based on the following elements:

• Medical examination
• Interviews with psychologists for psychological tests
• Sports tests

Medical fitness requirements for joining the army

The army, whatever its type, requires personnel with specific skills and a minimum level of health. All new applicants must meet a minimum health profile, known as SIGYCOP, before they can join the French army. SIGYCOP is a medical profile that determines a person's suitability for military service. It is made up of seven precise criteria, represented by the letters of the acronym S.I.G.Y.C.O.P. :

• S: Shoulder girdle and upper limbs
• I: Pelvic girdle and lower limbs
• G: General condition
• Y: Eyes and vision
• C: Chromatic direction
• O: Ears and hearing
• P: Psychic

After a military medical examination, the medical officer assigns a score from 1 to 6 to each SIGYCOP component, and the combined scores form the candidate's medical profile. Depending on the results obtained, the person will be declared fit or unfit for service.

How does the initial army medical check-up work?

During the recruitment process, all candidates undergo an initial medical examination at a specialized medical practice. The purpose of this assessment is to evaluate their general aptitude, as well as their specific aptitudes for certain jobs, such as parachuting or embarking on a French Navy ship.

Medical expertise includes a complete medical examination that takes into account the following elements:

• The BMI (Body Mass Index) is a calculation based on the ratio between the candidate's height and weight, while the waist circumference is a complementary measurement for detecting possible overweight.

• An electrocardiogram (ECG) is carried out to detect any cardiac pathologies, performed by the military doctor or a cardiologist if necessary.

• A visual acuity assessment is carried out to evaluate vision, chromatic and stereoscopic vision, as well as visual correction by an optician for spectacle wearers. This assessment is crucial for fighter pilots.

• A hearing assessment, performed by audiometry, measures hearing acuity,identifies any disorders and determines the limits of hearing.

• Vaccinations are also checked during the military medical examination, and candidates must present their vaccination records. Based on the candidate's vaccination record, the military doctor suggests preventive vaccinations against various diseases and infections, such as tetanus, diphtheria, polio, measles, meningitis, mumps and rubella.

• Pulmonary function testing is carried out on the basis of the medical questionnaire and the requirements of the position for which the candidate is applying. If respiratory protection is required, a pulmonary function test is carried out to measure lung and respiratory volumes, in order to detect any disorders.

• A urinalysis and a blood test are usually requested. The blood test is used to determine blood type,assess blood biochemistry (liver function, liver) and screen for infections such as HIV, hepatitis B and C. The aim of this analysis is to detect any pathologies at an early stage, to take account of the individual's state of health when assessing military aptitude, and to plan treatment for civilian life. In the event of unusual results, a written communication is sent, together with an invitation to consult a general practitioner if the values are too high.

• During themedical interview, the medical officer interviews the candidate and carries out a full body examination, including the heart, motor organs, abdomen, circulatory system and soft tissues. At the end of the assessment, the doctor determines the candidate's medical profile and issues a certificate summarizing this profile, as well as any temporary or permanent unfitness for the position concerned.

To sum up a military medical examination:

After the medical officer hasexamined the candidate, additional medical tests may be prescribed if necessary. The doctor communicates his conclusions to the candidate and draws up a medico-administrative certificate of fitness. The candidate receives a copy of this document, signed by the army's chief medical officer. This document is required for renewal of the reserve service contract.

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