Expert: Rod Powers - 11/19/2007

Question
I am interested in enlisting in the Army. I am prior service with the USAF. I currently reside in the UK. I have picked up asthma in the last few years but it does not really bother me. I still cycle and walk in the m mountains regularly. I have been prescribed inhalers for it but don't really take them that often and have never had an asthma attack I would describe as "serious". Anyway, in exchanged e-mails with the Army recruiter I was told that being on inhalers was a bar to enlistment. To be considered for enlistment I would need to be off the inhalers for at least a year and pass the PFT. I have started running again to help me get through the Fitness Test and also do Tae Kwon Do. Is there anywhere in the UK where I could do the PFT? Furthermore, do I stand a chance of passing it and being considered for re-enlistment? Thanks for your time.
Jim

Answer
Hi Jim,

Asthma after the age of 13 is an enlistment disqualifier (see my article at: http://usmilitary.about.com/od/joiningthemilitary/a/asthma.htm).

The Army recruiter is correct, in that a waiver will not even be considered until you have been off any asthma medication (including inhalers) for at least a year, with no negative results.

Even so, with a diagnosis of asthma after the age of 13, in order for a waiver to be considered, it's very likely that the service will require a PFT (pulmonary function test).  This is a medical test which can medically measure your current lung capacity.

I have no way of knowing if the test is available in the UK. My best guess is "probably not" at U.S. Government expense. Furthermore, I have no way of knowing whether or not you would pass the test. I don't know you, or your medical history, so how could I know? (Plus, I'm not a doctor).

For more information about the United States Military, feel free to visit my U.S. Military information site at: http://usmilitary.about.com

Hope this helps!

Rod Powers
http://usmilitary.about.com