Expert: John L - 8/15/2009

Question
I know you've been asked this question WAY too many times and I know that in short, the answer is no.

However, I know that the military would jump through rings of fire to get someone who fluently speaks a middle eastern language... I fuently speak Farsi, Mandarin, German, Spanish, and I'm working on yet another Arabic dialect (I've always had an interest in foreign languages). The problem, if you haven't guessed already, is that I have type 1 diabetes. I wanted to get the opinion of an expert on qualifications to see what my chances of getting a medical waiver would be during this time of dire need for qualified translators and the like? Additionally, I have a college education, I fight professionally, so I am no stranger to a 4-6 hour day of non-stop intense cardio and physical conditioning regimen, and I have a comprehensive knowledge of how this condition affects me and how to manipulate it.

While I do not have a transplant, I was considering the option as it would eliminate my diabetes. Unfortuantely, I'd be trading one chronic condition for another as I would have to use immune suppressants. There is the option of islet ransplants that do not use immune suppressants, but I wouldnt qualify as I have too good of control over my condition.

Have you ever seen anyone enlist with any of the above conditions? After explaining my unique qualifications to the chief medical officer at MEPS, what would the chances be of me obtaining a medical waiver?

Answer
Even though you posess those qualities, they would not jump through any hoops for this.

You do not even qualify to ask for a wiaver with  diabetes, the reason being is access to medical care and medications you need.  If you were seperated from a support  unit, you wouldbe screwed, not being able to do your job, and being a burden on those around you, that is why they do not take people with medical conditions.

Transplants are usually disqualifying as well.  I have heard or sen no evidence of it passing before.

Sorry, there are militray civilian jobs which would be interested in talking to you I am sure.