Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/asthma

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Expert: - 2/21/2009


Question
I have had asthma since the age of 4 and I plan on joining the navy.  The asthma that I had was allergy-induced; specifically pet dander.  I have never had a serious asthma attack and never had any symptoms from exercise.  I don't believe that I have anything on my medical records that show anything about asthma past age 13.  I have recently seen a pulmonary specialist and did really well on all the tests.  My question is; with the pulmonary specialist's letter of recommendation, and my medical records, will I have a good chance of getting a waiver for joining the navy?  Also, if I do end up getting a waiver, I know that the physical side of boot camp will not trigger an attack, but could the 'gas chamber' possibly trigger an attack?
Thanks in advance.  Jay.

Answer
Jay:

 You stand a decent chance of getting a waiver, better than average I'd say.  But no one really knows until they go to MEPS.  Gas chamber shouldn't be an issue but realistically, you just don't know.  I'd say you stand a better chance of having an attack due to the excercise than the gas chamber.

Jason

Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard

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Jason Grabill

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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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