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Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/Enlistment hurdle
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Question
I tried to enlist in the Army about 4 years ago. I disclosed to taking prednisone as a child to clear mucus and congestion. The doctor at meps told me that she had a child who took the same medication for asthma and since then I have been labeled as having asthma. I took a peak flow test and did better than other people my age did on average. I also did some exercise to make sure that no asthma symptoms became present. I gave this letter to meps and now they need a note saying I don't have allergy induced asthma. I don't even have any asthma symptoms and another problem is that I haven't really seen a doctor since I was a young teen and I am now 25. I had moved around quite a bit growing up. So there isn't really a trail of medical records. How do I go about getting a waiver or proving I don't really have asthma?
The only way that I know of is to go to a pulminologist and have them giver you a lung function test, then f you "REALLY" dont have asthma as you have been trying to tell those who wont listen, then have the doctor write in a letter including the results of the test that "You do not have asthnma and You never have had asthma" This usually works, but you have to realize that there is a possibility that the MEPS could still reject it.
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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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