Should I lie about my asthma, when joining the air force?

Question

I know I had childhood Asthma, only had an attack like once. I went to some specialist when I was about 12, he diagnosed me with Asthma. Even then I never used an inhaler. I am currently 17 and I still never use an inhaler, no point. I even occasionally smoke and I don’t suffocate or start coughing or wheezing, im fine. I know you can still join with childhood Asthma but, I honestly don’t know the last time I was treated for it; my physician was a sicopath, she use to proscribe inhalers for every cough I use to get. I am scared that if I disclose the fact I had childhood Asthma, they will check my records and find something I am unaware of. So do you think I should lie or be straight forward? I am also scared of the consequences of lying; I heard if one is caught lying they can get a felony on their recorded and a dishonorable discharge. Is that true? The last thing I want to do is F up my life, all I want to do is serve my country.


Thank You, Sorry if my grammar or spelling sucked, I am just in a hurry. Once again thank you for your time.

P.S Serious comments only, no anti Bush or anti war comments please. Just answer my question, thank you.

Answer 1

If you lie and you have an attack, they will find out and you will be dishonorably discharged for false enlistment. You could even be prosecuted and put in jail for it.

Answer 2

Disclose exactly what you have said here to the recruiter. I would also immediately request a complete copy of your medical record from the doctor/doctors that have treated you since the age of 10 (you may have to pay for this, but it will be helpful to have them with you when you see the recruiter). Childhood asthma will not disqualify you from enlisting, but asthma after the age of 12 can. Since it sounds as if you may have only had a single attack, and assuming your records support that, you may be able to get a waiver. The only way to find out is to talk to the recruiter. Far better to be honest now than to have it become an issue later on if, for some reason, the asthma is still active.

Answer 3

Retired Navy: It would not be wise to enlist with this diagnosis questionable. Take the time and confirm the diagnosis with a specialist i.e. asthma or pulmonary specialist. The military will peform a enlistment physical and you must provider accurate information on the questionair. They will require a specialist evaluation. You must be proactive to confirm this condition. what is $150. for a visit for peace of mind. If while in training you were to suffer an asthma attact. They will revaluate you. You don't that disappoint. Also you can serve in other goverment agencies that don't not have a strict physical standard. Some of these agencies have training/internships/school Sacrifice is blood red and not only in the uniform colors of blue,green, yellow or gold. Pray and ask God to help you discover and guide to your purpose in life. You were created and gifted with a purpose. To operate void of that purpose will result in someone or some organization misusing you. Pray for the leaders of our nation. Bashing leaders undermines our authority and effects our ablity to vote for the best interest of our country and family. Enjoy life

Answer 4

If they really do accept people with childhood asthma, it's best to be honest. The military is a place where integrity is held up as a pillar of foundation - if they catch you lying, watch out!

Besides, one must keep in mind that asthma really does plague you for life. Chances are, people who haven't had asthma since childhood just haven't come in contact with whatever triggered it when they were a kid. Someone living somewhere nice for most of their lives may suddenly experience asthma again when sent somewhere colder, moldier and more vegetated - basic training, for instance.

So at least if you're honest about it and you do experience asthma again while in training, they'll actually try and treat it or at least discharge you on honorable medical conditions. If you're dishonest, they'll give you hell about it and drum you out.

Answer 5

My brother is an asthmatic and after ten years his asthma has shown no sign of improving. He has been to several doctors but they didn't help much.

If you want a proven, all-natural way to cure your asthma, without having to pay for useless medications with harmful side-effects, then this is the most important page you'll ever read.

Answer 6

No. Be fully honest about your medical history during all phases of your Air Force enlistment. Your recruiter probably could care less; he or she is only out to meet a "sign up quota", expected to be met each month. They'll figure the medical department will sort things out.

It's when you undergo the medical exam phase of enlistment that you disclose honestly your medical history. If you omit or lie about your medical history, you later can be found guilty of Fraudlent Enlistment---a very real and very serious military law offense; penalities for violating it range from a "entry level" or "medical discharge" to a "DD" (dishonorable discharge) and possibly incarceration at Ft. Leavenworth (the military prison) for several hard years.

Logically, asthma may disqualify you from being a USAF jet pilot as well as other military jobs--but the door may still be open for you to take other jobs, where your condition won't interfere w/ matters.

Answer 7

I dont know if asthma would disqulify you, I know of Marines who have it. But NEVER lie about anything on your paper work, you can get in trouble for it, and possibly kicked out. My husband had to get a letter from his doctor to join the Marines because he had 1 seizure has a child. I think you could do the same thing? As your recruiter, and if you wanna stay annoymous, just call one an ask them over the phone. Hope this helps, and good luck. And thank you for makeing the choice to serve your country!

Answer 8

One of the CORE values of the military is HONOR. you have none if you are willing to lie about ANYTHING.

YOU WILL GET CAUGHT, and when you are, you will be discharged with a Fraudulent enlistment and lose all benefits and any chance of ever serving in the military.

OR you could do it the right way and possibly get a waiver to enlist. Remember, it is not a right to serve, it is a privilege.

Answer 9

I strongly recommend telling the truth about that. If you tell the truth, the worst that can happen is it disqualifies you. If you lie, however, the worst that can happens turns into jail time (that probably wouldn't happen, but it could.)

I think it's all around better for your future to be honest with the recruiters and the folks at MEPS.

Answer 10

If you have it it most likely will disquifiy you and if you join and they find it they most likely will kick you out. I had a friend and he signed up and he had it and when they did the medical part of the entry stuff he got send home.