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

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Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 8/7/2011


Question
Hello, I am 16 and almost 17 and I dream of becoming a Marine, but I have an allergy to peanuts. Luckily my allergist said I can eat peanut oil with no problem so does that mean I can join the Marines?
I'm not asking the corps to give me any dietary help I just want to be a regular soldier.
Thank you,
-Mike

Answer
Mike,
I wouldn't worry if I were you.  Peanut allergies are the most common allergy in the country.  Almost 1% of the population has it.  As always, you must be careful of what you eat.  Meals in the USMC are served cafeteria style where you pick and choose what you wish to eat.  Nobody is ever going to make you eat something you don't want, never.  When you're out in the field and need to eat MRE's  (Meals Ready to Eat) you still get to select what you'd like to eat.  I believe there are 36 types of MREs now, some are delicious and some are terrible.  They all contain these items:  Entree, Side dish, Cracker or Bread, Spread, Dessert, , Candy, Beverages, Hot sauce or seasoning - in some MREs, Flameless Ration Heater - to heat up the entree, Accessories - spoon, matches, creamer, sugar, salt, chewing gum, toilet paper, etc.
Sometimes the Spread is jelly, peanut butter, or cheese spread.  So if it's peanut butter, just throw it out.  So the point is, you needn't worry.
Good luck Marine,
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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