Food Allergies and the armed forces?

Question

I have been considering signing up for the marine corps. A recruiter i talked to pretty much told me to lie about any flaws i have. I don't want to say i have no peanut allergies and get to boot camp and be forced to eat peanut butter sandwiches. Can i still get in if i tell the truth?

Answer 1

you'd better if you don't want to end up in the hospital or worse. LOTS of foods are processed on equipment that also processes peanuts and peanut products. if your allergy is severe enough to induce Anphylactic shock, and you are stuck in the field with only MREs to eat, and said MREs contain traces of peanuts, do YOU want to take the risk of DYING if you have a reaction nowhere near medical treatment?!

Answer 2

Food allergies can have severe reactions. Peanuts, as we all know, seem to be in everything now. This is not something to omit when enlisting as any accidental exsposure could lead to a life or death reaction that, if no one is aware of, could go unaided. In all things, it is best to be honest with the recruiter, the doctors and anyone doing enlistment evaluations. Not only can it save you, but it saves the military the time and money it would spend training you only to find out when given your first MRE with peanut oil in the mix that you have health issues that need to be addressed in a specific manner. I do not know if the allergy would preclude you from service..it may depend on the severity as well as other factors..but it is best to know immediately. Also, keep in mind that if the allergy did become known later on and the fact you lied about it came to light, you could be discharged for falsifying information..not really something worth risking.

Answer 3

I have a peanut allegry as well... though, I am in the Army so I don't know what to tell you. I did not lie about my allergy and had no troubles.

I don't think you'll be forced to eat peanut butter sandwiches.

If you have a reaction while there and not have it documented, you could get into trouble (assuming it's in your local medical records)

Answer 4

Well, I have an Uncle who's a Green Beret (Special Forces) and he says that at the base, the food is typical of any other kitchen serving large groups. It's definitely better than the typical school cafeteria's MO, but nothing special. It's a different story, however, when your out in the field on a mission. My uncle showed me his surplus of various Ready-To-Eat prepackaged meals that consists of plastic utensils, a powder you can add to water to make a certain beverage, a chip/cracker, dehydrated fruits/veggies, a main course, and a candy bar (The one he showed me had M&M's in it). What's really cool about the food pack is that if the main course needs to be heated up, then one puts the main course package inside of another package with a special metal plate that reacts with water to output a good amount of heat. My uncle let me try one on a camp-out I had recently and I really liked it. The package was light-weight and small and the food was decently portioned and somewhat tasty. My friends were jealous when my mashed potatoes and gravy with chicken was done in less than 15 minutes while their "hobo dinners" were still being cooked. They are also really good for food storages and emergency situations. You can buy them at any Army Surplus Store, but they're a little bit pricey compared to buying basic food supplies in bulk. Hope that answers your question.

Answer 5

No one is going to force you to eat peanut butter sandwiches. If the Allergy really doesn't affect you I wouldn't bring it up. You will have to produce all kinds of medical documentation, which in turn could disqualify you anyway

Answer 6

It's possible that you would be rejected:

"The causes for rejection for appointment, enlistment, and induction (without an approved waiver) are an authenticated history of:

a. Allergic manifestations (995.0). A reliable history of anaphylaxis to stinging insects. Reliable history of a moderate to severe reaction to common foods, spices, or food additives."

"The doctor bases this recommendation on the following criteria, using his/her professional medical judgement:

1. Is the condition progressive?

2. Is the condition subject to aggravation by military service?

3. Will the condition preclude satisfactory completion of prescribed training and subsequent military duty?

4. Will the condition constitute an undue hazard to the examine or to others, particularly under combat conditions?

If a waiver is required, it is initiated and processed by the service you are trying to join, not the MEPS. Whether or not a waiver will be approved, and how long it takes for approval/disapproval varies greatly. Each and every waiver is considered individually."

On the other hand, lying about it will be discovered eventually, if not at MEPS, and then you're guilty of falsifying official information. Tell the truth.

Answer 7

i wouldnt lie but i can tell you from personal experience that no one can make you eat peanut butter