Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 4/30/2009

Question
My son is a junior at Villanova University and is interested in possibly pursuing a career in the military after college graduation.  My son has asthma and allergies.  What opportunities would be available for him?

Answer
Mary Ann,
Unfortunately he would not be allowed to join any of the Military Services.  Here is a direct quote from the military medical regulations that all of the Services use:

"THE CAUSES FOR REJECTION FOR APPOINTMENT, ENLISTMENT, AND INDUCTION ARE:
ASTHMA, including reactive airway disease, exercise induced bronchospasm or asthmatic bronchitis, reliably diagnosed at any age.  Reliable diagnostic criteria should consist of any of the following elements:

(1)  Substantiated history of cough, wheeze, and/or dyspnea that persists or recurs over a prolonged period of time, generally more than 6 months.

(2)  If the diagnosis of asthma is in doubt, a test for reversible airflow obstruction (greater than a 15 percent increase in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEVI) following administration of an inhaled bronchodilator) or airway hyperactivity (exaggerated decrease in airflow induced by standard bronchoprovocation challenge such as methacholine inhalation or a demonstration of exercise-induced bronchospasm) must be performed.

ALLERGIC manifestations.

(1)  Allergic or vasomotor rhinitis, if moderate or severe and not controlled by oral medications, desensitization, or topical corticosteroid medication.

(2)  A reliable history of anaphylaxis to stinging insects. Reliable history of a moderate to severe reaction to common foods, spices, or food additives."

Has he considered Federal Civil Service?  They're in all the Services working right alongside military folks, even overseas, the only difference is they don't wear uniforms.  He can check it out at http://www.usajobs.gov/

I appreciate his willingness to serve in uniform, but he's going to have to choose another career.
Good luck,
Colonel H