Asthma in the military?

Question

I'm 18 years old and I want to join the Marine Corps. The thing is that I have/had asthma. I don't use any medications or an inhaler and it hasn't been a problem for 4-5 years. I've talked to the Marine recruiter and he said it was fine and I can still join, but I've heard of people who where disqualified from military service because they had asthma. My question is can I still join since the recruiter said it was ok, or will I be disqualified when I go to MEPS to get my physical?

Answer 1

As long as you haven't used your inhaler since the age of 13 you're fine :-) Otherwise its a permanent disqualifier with No waivers. Trust your recruiter - unlike ppl say they aren't there to lie to you.

Answer 2

You will be disqualified if you go to MEPS but there are other ways depending on how bad you wanna join. I joined the Marines with pins in both my hips i just never told them at MEPS but if they find out you would most likely be discharged dishonorably i finished my enlistment without any problems but i was lucky. So if you wanna join real bad just don't tell them and if thats what you plan on doing let your recruiter know i doubt he would dime you out especially if you haven't had any problems in a couple of years.

Good Luck!

Answer 3

If you tell them you have asthma thats a no go. If you can prove it's no longer an issue than you should be fine.  If you really want in give it a try at least.

Answer 4

Sounds like maybe you out grew your asthma. Childhood asthma is often outgrown so I say sign up and see what happens, unless of course you don't really want to join.