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

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Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 9/30/2009


Question
my son had thyroid cancer 4 years ago, it was removed and he is fine but must take thyroid medication for the rest of his life. Does this disqualify him for any branch of service? Also he just started his 3rd year in college but is not happy. Would the two years he has completed in college give him any advantage? His GPA is over 3.

Answer
Kelley,
According to the military medical regulations, hypothyroidism and any other thyroid disorders is an automatic disqualifier.  This is true for all Branches of Military Service.

His GPA of 3+ is very good, however just about any decent job he applies for will want a completed 4-year degree.  If you think there's a danger of him not completing a 4-year Bachelor's degree, the he should convert the 2 years that he already has, into an Associate's degree.  That way at least he'll have something to show for all that work.  Otherwise he'll just be considered a college dropout.

Hopefully he'll stick it out a little longer and complete his Bachelor's.  Maybe he sholud lessen his course load to make school seem a little more appealing.  It may take longer, but sometimes that works.

I wish him well in whatever he chooses and thank him for considering the military.
Colonel H

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

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MARK A. HOWELL

Expertise

All military questions, any Service. 30 years experience & two Ph.D.'s. 4 times Base Commander. Worked with Army, Navy, USMC, USCG and several foreign military units. Veteran of Kosovo, Bosnia, Macedonia, Kuwait, Iraq, Afghanistan, and 10 civil wars in Africa.

Experience

Air Force Colonel with 30 years experience. Air Force Base Commander 4 times. Highly decorated.

Organizations
Org of Am Historians, Wild West History Assoc., Disabled American Veterans - Life Member, Am Motorcyclist Assoc. - Life Member, North Am Hunt Club - Life Member, NWTF - Life Member

Publications
Numerous book reviews published in the Journal of American History. Two books submitted for publication.

Education/Credentials
Ph.D. in military history, Columbus University (Summa Cum Laude) Ph.D. in history, Northfield University, London, England (Summa Cum Laude) Master of Arts degree in history, Marshall University, WV Bachelors degree, double-major in history and mathematics, Salem College, WV Air War College, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL Squadron Officer School, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL

Awards and Honors
Legion of Merit Defense MSM MSM x 5 Joint Commendation Mdl AF Commendation Medal Army Commendation Mdl Joint Achievement Mdl AF Achievement Medal Outstanding Volunteer Mdl

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