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Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/asthma waiver
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Question
hello sir,
when i was a kid all I wanted to do was become a marine but when I was 12 I was "diagnosed with asthma". This is how it happened, one day early in the morning (it was about 6 or 7 A.M.) I woke up with a bad cough and I had trouble breathing I was barely able to talk. The "asthma attack" lasted for about 2 minutes. If you are wondering how I controlled it I just drank a glass of water. so later that day my mom decided to take me to the doctor the doctor said I had "asthma". I no longer have "asthma" and I know it was not exercise induced because I had just woke up when it happened.
I did not have asthma or asthma symptoms past my 13th birthday. By the way it was childhood asthma and is no longer a problem.
A couple weeks after the "asthma attack" my symptoms were gone.
my doctor also gave me an inhaler at the time of the "asthma attack" but i never used it. I also think i was misdiagnosed.
so here are the questions.
will I require a waiver? I don't think I will because it did not occur after my 13th birthday.
If I do require a waiver will the fact that it was not exercise induced increase my chances of getting a waiver?
How often does the Marine Corps give out waivers?
Will a high ASVAB score and a high IST score help me get a waiver?
What else will increase my chances of getting a waiver?
Have you spoken with a recruiter? If not, do so. They can tell you almost immediately if MEPS will grant a waiver.
If you were diagnosed with childhood asthma you'll need to go back to that doctor and have them state it was either an incorrect diagnosis, or that you no longer have that condition. Even with that, you'll need a waiver, which in cases of asthma, is extremely difficult to obtain for any branch of the service. ASVAB scores, etc., have no bearing on medical waivers.
Again, your case may well be different, but it will be up to the doctors at MEPS to make that decision. Talk with a recruiter who will give you a 'no bs' answer.
Jason
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Answers by Expert:
Jason Grabill
Expertise
Questions relating to US Marine Corps; rank, awards, uniforms, career choices. I can also help people spot and expose fakes (people pretending to be Marines or have awards they didn`t earn). Considering the Marines as a career? Or another branch, like the Air National Guard? Drop me a line. HOWever..know that I am NOT a recruiter. I can offer my expert opinion and advice, but can't (and won't) over rule what a recruiter says, they are the 'on duty' expert.
Experience
Infantry Rifleman, MOS 0311: 3 years. Marine Barracks Security (Marine Barracks, Annapolis, Maryland(not Embassy Duty): 3 years. Parachutist: MOS 9962: Got my wings in August of 1984.
Intelligence Specialist: MOS 0231 10 years working as an Intelligence Analyst with a Fixed Wing Fighter Squadron, Force Service Support Group, and at Headquarters, Marine Corps. Field Radio Operator: MOS 2531. Served as a Platoon Sergeant in a Communications Platoon assigned to MEU Service Support Group 24 (Special Operations Capable). Did a hitch in the Army reserves as an 11B (Infantryman), 3 years. Finished out my career in the Air National Guard as a BioEnvironmental Engineer MOS 4B3X1, did that for a few years.
I"ve been collecting and selling Marine Corps and other military uniforms, medals, and field gear since I was 8 years old.
Organizations
United States Marine Corps Logistical Company.
Publications
I was an Editorial writer for Marine Corps Times from 1998-2000.
Education/Credentials
Extensive library of research materials relating to uniforms, medals, and equipment of the military and the Marine Corps. 22 College credits, Community College of the Air Force. Certified Historical Interpreter.
Awards and Honors
Kosovo Campaign Medal w/1 star
Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with 4 stars.
Numerous other unit awards.
I was on duty on 9/11 at HQMC, near the Pentagon, and responded to that location to try and lend a hand if needed...
Past/Present Clients
United States Marine Corps Historical Company, Guardian Security and Investigations, lead Investigator for 'Stolen Valor' cases.
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