Expert: Howard Lorenz - 1/2/2008

Question
Hi, I was wondering more about the Air Force's Policy on asthma. I realize that in most cases, asthmatics are not allowed to join the service, but I have to get some answers. I know there are people in the military with asthma, and I know there are people who got IN with asthma(I know a few people myself). I do have a history of asthma yes, but it has been YEARS since my last asthma attack, and I've only had allergy-induced flare-ups since(all of which stopped when I took allergy-meds). Im in good shape, I can run longer and faster than most people I know without asthma(without using my inhaler). So Im still curious, Is it absolutely, 100%, undeniably impossible for me to join the Air Force?. I want to serve and help my country the best way I know how, and given the need for young men and women to enlist, I want to do my part, but I don't want some sickness from my childhod to get in the way. And what of these "waivers" I've been told about?, Is it possible to get one for my asthma? Thank you for your time!.

Answer
Dane,

In most cases those with asthma are not allowed to join. The thing is that you may not have the triggering mechanism there where you live. If the military allowed you to join and you get deployed to a place where your triggering mechanism abundant, this will cause you harm as well as that to others around you...Its all situational, but its more for your own protection than anything else. Do not mistake the military for being prejudice against your condition even though you may not have had the symptoms in a few years, they only have your best interest and those you serve with at heart. I have had some in the past who have gotten letters, but they had to go through the gauntlet of tests to be proven not to ever had asthma. If this is some thing that you want to pursue, you will have to have the battery of test issued by a pulmonologist and then have letters from that doc and your doc as well. I advise that should you choose to take this course, to do it before you try to enlist.

There is not a waiver for asthma. There was however as time where if you had not had any attacks since age 13, they were allowing entry off of your signature, I am not sure of what the current regulations are offering at this point. Best bet is to talk to the recruiter and get the current OI.

HW