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Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/Depression a DQ?
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Question
I really want to join the military (Coast Guard mainly), but I have clinical depression and light Asthma. The depression is being treated and well under control with medication and for the Asthma, I only use an inhaler when I need it. I was told by a Coast Guard recruiter that I am not able to join until I have been off of the medication for at least a year. I have heard that if you get depression while in the service, they will treat you there and that there are many members of the armed forces who have Asthma and are allowed to carry their inhaler with them. So I am wondering, is depression and Asthma really a deal breaker when it is under control 100%? And if it is, what has to happen for me to be able to join?
Thank you!
To enter the military you have to be off the medication for depression for 2 years....There is no such thing as "Light Asthma" either you have it or you dont. Thats the way the military looks at it anyway... Those things now will keep you out..... Those who are later diagnosed with asthma in the service are discharged.
HW
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Answers by Expert:
Howard Lorenz
Expertise
I have spent the past 20 years in the U.S. Air Force, 3 years was assigned as an Enlisted Accessions Recruiter. I have been deployed various times to several locations. If it is a career in the military you are looking for or thinking about I most likely have the answer. I still have contacts with in the recruiting field and if I don't know the answer then I have folks who do where I can find the answer. I am very blunt and straight forward and will make no attempts to BS you. I will give you the best information that I possible can can. If you think that you cant handle the answer that I give you, then don't ask the question...... If you are planning on joining the military, your number 1 decision factor in making this kind of move is that you need to be more concerned about serving your country than your country serving you!! All the benefits are the best that you can find. Education is at a premium right now and its the most rewarding thing that you can do. If I dont answer right away probably means that I am busy, but have patience, I will get to you.
Experience
Air Force Recruiter for 3 years, Air Force Career 21 Years
Organizations
Veterans of Foreign Wars
Education/Credentials
Community College of the Air Force, International Air Academy, Allied Business Schools, Embry Riddle Aeronautical College, Defense Acquisition University
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