Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 9/10/2009

Question
so, im 19. good health. i havent used my inhaler in 5 years maybe 6. i was born with mild cerebal palsy. in my case, a lack of muscle tone. today, i can run, jump, climb, excercise, lift weights, and anything anyone else can do, am i disqualified from joining the military- navy in particular. THANK YOU.

Answer
Robert,
Short answer is maybe.

It depends upon how mild your case is.  Sometimes, a child with mild or minimal cerebral palsy may outgrow their cerebral palsy.  Therefore the military doesn't count childhood illnesses before the age of 12.  That's because everybody has had something as a kid.  If it persists beyond age 12 then it may be a problem.

The military medical regulations say exactly, "Degenerative and hereditodegenerative disorders affecting the cerebrum, basal ganglia, cerebellum, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves, or muscles may be a disqualifier.

If your case is indeed considered mild by a physician, not just yourself, and you have no lasting physical abnormalities such as poor reflexes or motor development and coordination; joint and bone deformities; spasms and other involuntary movements (e.g. facial gestures); speech and language disorders; or unsteady gait, then you should not have a problem.

I don't mean to get your hopes up and then you find out you're disqualified, but you'll never know until you talk to a Navy Recruiter.  There's no penalty for trying.

Right now the quotas are full for 2009 and your chances may be slim.  You should wait a few more weeks until October 1st.  That's when the new quotas are released for Fiscal Year 2010 and the recruiters will bend over backwards to recruit whomever they can.

I salute you for wanting to serve your country in uniform.
Please let me know how it goes for you.
Colonel H