Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/Disqualifier for military

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Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 3/8/2011


Question
My child was diagnosed with Addison's disease at age 21.  She is in pharmacy school currently, and was interested in going into a branch of the military after she graduates with her Dr. of Pharmacy degree.  She would like to work as a pharmacist at a military hospital.  Would Addison's disease be a disqualifier for her hopes of joining the military?

Answer
Tammy,

I'm sorry to hear she has this problem.  The military will not accept her with this illness.  Primarily because folks with disease often lead very normal lives, with treatment.  But there's a chance it could turn very nasty later on causing nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hypoglycemia, headache, and irregular or absent menstrual periods.  In short, the military just isn't willing to take a chance her because it may cost them a lot of money someday for her health care.

Has she considered Civil Service?  Many of the military pharmacies are contracted out to civilian contractors anyway.  She should look at  http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/

I wish her well in whatever she chooses.
Colonel H

PS.  Sorry for the delay in answering, I just came back from a mission.

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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