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

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Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 11/6/2010


Question
I'm 19 years old looking into becoming an aviation rescue swimmer in the navy. When I was 14 I tore my aorta and a section was replaced with an artificial piece. My heart rate and functions are perfectly normal. Would I be denied entrance into this program, the Navy or even the military in general because of this?

Answer
Gordon,
I'm sorry to hear that you had such a problem but I'm glad you are fine now.
A history of heart and vascular problems will disqualify you from any military service, even though it has been successfully repaired.  The military medical regulations do not give any reason for this disqualification.
Sorry,
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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