Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/Joining the military

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Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 9/24/2010


Question
Will having a hyperthyroid prevent me from joining the military?

Answer
Ashlee,
Yes, unfortunately hyperthyroidism is a disqualifier.  This is because hyperthyroidism can cause some very severe symptoms such as
difficulty concentrating, fatigue, frequent bowel movements
heat intolerance, nervousness, restlessness and irregular menstrual periods in women.  None of which are good in the military.  Quite often you may be deployed overseas or find yourself in a situation where you may have lost or forgotten your medication and none is available.  In the military you may also be responsible for operating, or supervising the operation of, multi-million dollar machinery which can be large and dangerous.  Then is not a good time to experience any of these symptoms.

Right now you may not have any of these symptoms, but the military won't take the chance that you won't develop them later.

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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