text: why does the military have so many stupid rules against recruits joining? like no tatoos, no asthma, no mood disorders, no flat feet, etc.?  i've seen all sorts of marines with crazy tatoos, and there are definitely plenty of crazy people, no doubt. if someone wants to join and they're not evidently unfit, what's the problem? 1) many tattoos are gained in prison, through gangs, etc.  specifically targetting such people has resulted in lawsuits, so they just say "no tattoos". 2) asthma?  you want to be defended by someone who keels over when the going gets tough or has to pull out their medicine in a firefight?  that's silly! 3) mood disorders?  why would anyone hire someone like that?  why should they have to? 4) flat feet interfere with movement, slowing them down.  i don't know about you but i wouldn't want someone slowing down the unit just because they insist on being in the military despite their problems.  shall we add quadraplegics?  how about children?  because the take the best to defend our country with their lives, and most can't afford to deal with additional problems such as you name.  they are already dealing with seditious traitors like you often see in responses to posts like this one by people too cowardly to join.  i was too cowardly to join, but i know a hero when i see one.  not teachers (i am a teacher), not sport figures.  our real heroes risk their lives for us.  you want to help?  insist that they get the best.