Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/Airforce and Childhood Asthma

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Expert: - 3/24/2010


Question
Hello! I had Asthma when I was born and it was always mild asthma. I never have had an asthma attack. Breathing problems I pretty much never had past 10 years old or so. Bad coughs here and there but who doesn't get those? Anyway I have been prescribed an Inhaler around 16 years of age and I had one prescribed around 12-13 years of age. I only had it because my mother would tell the doctor I was diagnosed with Asthma in the past. However, I never used the inhalers for 8-9 years (I am 19 years old). I understand the Airforce will not take my word for it. I run everyday 1-2 miles at the local gym and don't have shortness of breath/wheezing/coughing/anything. I have never had problems for almost a decade but got inhalers anyway. What should I do for enlisting in the Airforce? I really want to join and I don't want something that I didn't really have consent over to get in my way. Is there any way I can get around it or get myself cleared? Please if there is anyway you can find out that would be great.

Thanks

Answer
Josh:

  ANY diagnosis of asthma (after age 13) or it's related conditions is automatic grounds for disqualification, with no waivers being approved.  If you had/have asthma and have carried an inhaler, there is no appeal and no way 'around' it.  

 The only possible chance you might have is to go to your doctor that prescribes the inhaler and attempt to have him/her correct the diagnosis, stating you are not now nor have you been, since age 13, asthmatic or have any of the symptoms of it.   I believe they'll have to do a pulmonary function test as well, to prove that.  

 Otherwise, there is nothing more you can do.  

Jason

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

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Jason Grabill

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Questions relating to US Marine Corps; rank, awards, uniforms, career choices. I can also help people spot and expose fakes (people pretending to be Marines or have awards they didn`t earn). Considering the Marines as a career? Or another branch, like the Air National Guard? Drop me a line. HOWever..know that I am NOT a recruiter. I can offer my expert opinion and advice, but can't (and won't) over rule what a recruiter says, they are the 'on duty' expert.

Experience

Infantry Rifleman, MOS 0311: 3 years. Marine Barracks Security (Marine Barracks, Annapolis, Maryland(not Embassy Duty): 3 years. Parachutist: MOS 9962: Got my wings in August of 1984. Intelligence Specialist: MOS 0231 10 years working as an Intelligence Analyst with a Fixed Wing Fighter Squadron, Force Service Support Group, and at Headquarters, Marine Corps. Field Radio Operator: MOS 2531. Served as a Platoon Sergeant in a Communications Platoon assigned to MEU Service Support Group 24 (Special Operations Capable). Did a hitch in the Army reserves as an 11B (Infantryman), 3 years. Finished out my career in the Air National Guard as a BioEnvironmental Engineer MOS 4B3X1, did that for a few years. I"ve been collecting and selling Marine Corps and other military uniforms, medals, and field gear since I was 8 years old.

Organizations
United States Marine Corps Logistical Company.

Publications
I was an Editorial writer for Marine Corps Times from 1998-2000.

Education/Credentials
Extensive library of research materials relating to uniforms, medals, and equipment of the military and the Marine Corps. 22 College credits, Community College of the Air Force. Certified Historical Interpreter.

Awards and Honors
Kosovo Campaign Medal w/1 star Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with 4 stars. Numerous other unit awards. I was on duty on 9/11 at HQMC, near the Pentagon, and responded to that location to try and lend a hand if needed...

Past/Present Clients
United States Marine Corps Historical Company, Guardian Security and Investigations, lead Investigator for 'Stolen Valor' cases.

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