Could I get into the army?

Question

I'm only 4'11 and I have asthma and a lot of allergies. I'm a fighter and I work really hard in school. I already have a black belt in karate and my instructors are retired marines are so put in a little military into our training so I'm used to it. I only weight 106 and I'm 15 so I'm really fit. I want to go to military college in a couple years and serve from there. I want to be an engineer or work with science. I feel that I should serve my country and I love the US more than anything. I'm only a freshman but I always see recruiters in the hallways during lunch and I talked to a couple and they gave me some info. Do you think I could get in even though I have asthma? I have a 90 gpa and I'm in a lot of clubs (science, library, renisannce) so I'm good at managing my own time. Thanx

Answer 1

I admire your courage.
Asthma is a serious illness, you may not and should not join the army or any branch where your condition is at risk. You can endanger yourself or god forbid another soldier or marine etc.

I'm sure there are military staff where your academic abilities will be very useful. Perhaps you can research the CIA or some other area where your skills can be put to good use.THE GpahInquire

Answer 2

Unfortanetly Shawn is right. If u hav EVER been to a doctor for your asthma then the only way you can get in is if u are asthma free for I believe 5 years. Asthma and felonies are like the only two things tht will keep u from joining ANY military no matter what!! OCS is a good way to go but military college is the best if u wanna get promoted faster. One other option is joining the Gaurd in your local area and do what they call a Simaltaneous Membership. Where U are in the Gaurd part time, go to college and be in ROTC. This will help U choose what u wanna do if u do get your commision and the pay benefits are a lot better. ROTC pays U and so does the Gaurd plus in most states the Gaurd will pay for tuition and fees.

Answer 3

It depends on how severe your asthma is. One thing you may want to take into consideration is the gas mask training they do at basic. They use chlorobenzylidene malonitrile in the chambers, and you will breathe it in. They won't let you out until you do. It's not leathal, but your asthma could complicate things. I would talk to a doctor about it.

You're also going to spend a lot of time in the woods, in the dirt and in close vicinity with dozens of people almost constantly.

As far as physical training goes, you're going to have to run a mile just to get into basic, and then several by the time you're done. It's all timed, so stopping to catch your breath isn't much of an option.

My drill seargent would often make us do heavy physical workouts as punishment...with our gas masks on. It was like trying to breathe with a plastic bag over your head. It's a lot more than just running and jumping jacks.

Answer 4

Its very possible the only thing is they are very very strick on medical. So i would talk to your doctor to see if there is a way to work on your asthma like some kind of therapy. Sometimes they can do this with steroids and things. 3 years gives you enough time to work on it. Asthma is really serious so i wouldn't lie about this on a application because you need to have an inhaler on you at all times. Best of luck!!!!

Answer 5

asthma is a problem, as for military college you could do ROTC for your first year and not be committed to college. This will allow you to have the opportunity to go to OCS and other opportunities. Remember, 15 is a young age and plans can change drastically.

Answer 6

Asthma means no. Height wont disqualify you. However, check with all the branches, sometimes you can get a waiver for asthma because they will slot you for an administrative job, but as far as combat and other physically strenuous jobs probably, you probably will not qualify for them.

Answer 7

You should ask a recruiter, not us.
Besides, your asthma might be better in 3 years.
You sound like you would be a great asset to the armed forces. If not, you would be a great asset serving your country in another way.

Answer 8

dont tell them u have asthma, or they wont accept u. my advice is to lie about it, what u dont tell them, they dont know.

but if u have severe asthma, then i wouldnt reccommend joining, its very physical during ur initial training.....another thing, i dont think they will care about ur black belt, the military has there own thing.

good luck man, im in the air force and i definatly reccommend the air force, its better quality of living than the other branches, were treated pretty good and of course were the most inteligent.

Answer 9

I don't think you'll be able to join if you have asthm. Well being in the front lines or any combat MOS. Are you a male? If so then you cannot join period at your height and weight. There are limits of weight and height in the Military.

Answer 10

If you asthma is medically recorded then i dont think you can, but if you didnt go see a doctor for it, then you can just lie and say you dont have asthma