Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/will I still be able to join?

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Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 6/22/2010


Question
I have never been officially diagnosed but it has been discussed that I have minor IBS, I am getting better at controlling it diet and exercise help a lot and i very rarely have a problem, especially if I stay away from spicy food. I have a friend in the Navy with really bad BS but I don't know if he had it when he enlisted. I was wandering if there was any chance with this (since it isn't on paper# that I could still join any branch. I really want to go air force #not wanting to fly though) but more than anything I want to serve my country

Answer
Jessica,
IBS is not a disqualifier for entry into the military.  Mostly because it's too hard to discover and prove you have it, plus most recruits simply don't admit to having it, and as you said, it's easy to control.

So don't mention it and don't worry about it.
The AF is a good choice, you'll like it.
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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