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Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/Asthma undiagnosed
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I want to join the Marine Corp but I can't find a succinct answer for my medical history. I was diagnosed with exercise induced asthma at age 9. I was undiagnosed at the age of 12 by PFT with a tread mill. It was noted that I likely was misdiagnosed with asthma. I know this is within the regulations for "childhood asthma." The problem with this is that I was prescribed an inhaler after this due to a cold which turned into a sinus infection. The reason for this was that it caused a relatively nasty cough. The albuterol inhaler did absolutely nothing (which was noted by my doctor each time) and it cleared up with a course of antibiotics. This happened a few times in the past years. Recently, the cough didn't stop after I was done being sick and I was again prescribed an inhaler to no effect. My doctors were baffled as to why because that was my only symptom other then nasal congestion and a postnasal drip. Just a few weeks ago I finally went to see an allergist who gave me another PFT which I passed and then a allergy test. I was found to have a significant reaction to dust mites which I was told was causing all my symptoms. He gave a prescription for an antihistamine and instructions to get special bedding. All my symptoms have cleared up since then.
I told my recruiter this and he had no idea what a difference that allergy would make for MEPS. He also said that any inhaler use would be disqualifying, though he seemed not to know if that included any illness unrelated to asthma. I'm going to MEPS within the next few weeks but I don't know what to expect.
Hmmmm.....based on what you've said, it sounds like you have a more 'allergy' issue than 'asthma', which from what I understand, is waiverable. However, the MEPS docs are the one's who'll make the call. Ensure you bring ALL documents you have from your doctors with you and go from there.
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...
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United States Marine Corps Historical Company, Guardian Security and Investigations, lead Investigator for 'Stolen Valor' cases.
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