Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 9/27/2010

Question
QUESTION: Before I post, I will let you know I also asked the expert on the Coast Guard this same question. I just wanted an answer from a different perspective also. Thanks and sorry for a repeat if this has been asked.
Hello, I am currently in flight training for my private pilot license and am 17 years old. I have an allergy to peanuts, fish, and berries. I want to do something in aviation in the future but can't find any jobs that will pay me decently until about 5 years into it. I always aspired to be in military aviation because of the job security, honor, and training aspects of it. It would certainly make me a more disciplined person. About two years ago I learned about disqualifications and have been hoping since that I would, by the grace of God, outgrow my allergies. I recently got tested, and my doctor said I could try berries since it was not a severe allergy. This leaves me with peanuts (had a hospitalizing reaction as a child and still have allergy according to test) and fish. Can you shed any light on my options in the military? If no that's okay, but I already know about my civilian options. I always wanted my flying to mean something, not just haul around cargo for people. Unfortunately, I think the recruiters I have left messages for ignore me due to my allergies, so I can't get good answers. Thanks in advance.

ANSWER: Gray,
Sorry you're getting the brush off from recruiters.  I'd like to think they're better than that, but unfortunately some aren't.

Did you know that an allergy to peanuts is the most common food allergy in the U.S.?  Although not as common, almost 7 million people in the U.S. are allergic to fish.  Although 20% of children diagnosed with peanut allergy outgrow it, fish allergy is considered lifelong; once a person develops the allergy, it is very unlikely that they will lose it.

The answer John gave you is correct.  The military medical regulations say "a reliable history of a moderate to severe reaction to common foods, spices, or food additives is disqualifing."  This is true for all the Services.

Having said that, let me tell you what some people with food allergies do to serve in the military.  By now you've figured out you can avoid reactions by controlling your diet.  Same in the military, therefore some people simply do not admit to having allergies.  Once in the military you'll eat cafeteria-style and select what you wish to eat, so they simply avoid the problem foods.  Nobody makes you eat something you don't want...never.
Likewise, you'll never normally be medically tested for allergies.  I'm not encouraging you to be dishonest, I'm just telling you what some folks with food allergies do.

The choice is yours.  I wish you well in whatever you decide to do.
Colonel H

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QUESTION: I've always wondered if it could be avoided. Thanks for answering that. I would have no problem avoiding it in the cafeteria. It's almost become second nature. But is it possible to avoid it in training such as boot camp or survival training? Also, won't they check my allergy history when I sign up? Thanks again

ANSWER: Gray,
Even in Boot Camp you'll eat cafeteria style where you can select whatever you wish to eat.  Only a few select people will go through Survival Training, depending upon their job.  If you mean going out into the field, a portable kitchen will be setup where you'll again eat cafeteria style.  Even when you eat MREs (Meals Ready to Eat#, the stuff in a plastic bag that replaced the old K-Rations, you'll get to select what type of meal you want #beef, chicken, etc.).

Civilian medical records are never requested by the military because they're too hard to obtain.  You may have moved 10 times and seen doctors all over the country.  Only those folks that are trying to request a waiver for some waiverable problem will be required to produce medical records.

Again, the choice is yours.
Colonel H

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Okay great! And last question (maybe two). Can I be court marshaled later if I have a reaction and did not state my allergy on the forms? Also, do the MRE's have peanuts in them or just highly refined peanut oil?

Answer
Gray,
There are 24 varieties of MREs and none of them contain peanuts in any form.  After researching the ingredients of each, none of them claim to be prepared in peanut oil.  As always, please read the ingredients of each package before you eat anything.

Here's a complete list of every available MRE:
01 - Chili w/Beans
02 - Chicken Fajita
03 - Beef Ravioli
04 - Maple Sausage
05 - Mediterranean Chicken
06 - Beef Patty
07 - Beef Brisket
08 - Meatballs w/Marinara
09 - Beef Stew
10 - Chili & Macaroni
11 - Vegetable Lasagna
12 - Spicy Penne Pasta
13 - Cheese Tortellini
14 - Ratatouille
15 - Southwest Beef & Black Beans
16 - Pork Rib
17 - Pork Sausage w/Gravy
18 - Chicken w/Noodles
19 - Pot Roast w/Vegetables
20 - Spaghetti w/Meat Sauce
21 - Lemon Pepper Tuna
22 - Chicken w/Dumplings
23 - Chicken Pesto & Pasta
24 - Buffalo Chicken

Not every flavor will be available at every meal, but most of them are.

No, you cannot be court marshaled later.  The most they can do is simply discharge you for what they believe is a "pre-existing condition."  It's not common, but it can happen.

Good luck,
Colonel H