OK... I'd like to start by saying that I want to serve my country as a Marine or a member of the Army. I want to be in the combat force (infantry), but I'm told by recruiters that I am not qualified (as of right now).
So on with the story. I'm a senior in High School and before I even join the military, I would like a complete college education which will grant me a spot as an officer. I'm aware I'll have time to grow and mature, but as of right now these are my problems (don't insult me or provide foolish answers please).
-I'm 6'1" but only 125 lbs.
-I'm what some people call "skin and bones" or "toothpick".
-I have a very (extremely) MILD case of Asthma. I was diagnosed with it when I was an infant, but I feel I have definitely outgrown it. I play sports nearly every day without the need for an inhaler and haven't had an attack for nearly 6 years or more!
I know I'm small but I'm doing my best to workout of toughen up, and I refuse to take no for an answer!
2007-11-30 10:38:25 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Military
As far as the asthma, you probably will have to have a DoDMERB physical. Goggle it if you don't know much about it. Lots of links.
If anything, the weight needs to be increased just from the physical aspects of military life. Strength conditioning and some good ol' wholesome food will surely help. I did get in myself at 6'2 and 122 pounds long ago. But it was tough keeping up with the stronger guys until I started gaining weight and strength. Unfortuantely :) it didn't stop. Now I'm 6'2 and 225 pounds. Hey - I'm strong! :)
I hope you get in, son, and make it a career. Great life. But irregardless of whether you become an officer or not, get your degree for you enlist. Someday you'll need that paper for a job.
2007-11-30 11:08:15 · answer #1 · answered by Too Old For Idol 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As of right now your weight is in question so yes you do need some pounds on you, Maybe a good 30 would do and best work on it now instead of later. Drink malts with a raw egg in it. But keep up the work outs eat right on other things. As for your asthma you will need a Doc letter about your health and you said it has been 6 yrs since an attack that is a good thin because you play sports daily with out an inhaler. You hardest part will be boot after that it should be better. Infantry might be the best choice there are other fields, if you have a brain can type, do engine work, maybe even work on aircraft(my brother did with skins)so after boot you would not need to be around as much of the pollen and could be in more stationed in places like AZ or CA. You would still get a pull ACS but at least you would be in.
2007-11-30 10:52:42 · answer #2 · answered by Yogi 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't see how you are disqualified form joining since I know people that are just as skinny as you and I also know people with Asthma and both are in the Military, find out from your recruiter why you aren't qualified and try to fix that. Personally I'll give you heads up that officers gain more respect form their soldiers if they were prior enlisted because the soldiers feel like then they might acctually know somthing about the jobs they are having the soldier do.
2007-11-30 12:15:37 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
First, I applaud your decision.
Second a college education does not "grant" or Guarantee a commission as an officer. There are many enlisted soldiers and marines with degrees.
Asthma typically disqualifies you. You will be required to undergo a DoDMERB physical. During the physical you will be sent to a pulmonary specialist who will evaluate the severity of your asthma. The determination to grant a waiver will be based on your symptoms.
Your size doesn't matter.
2007-11-30 10:46:43 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
What was the specific reason that the recruiters gave for being DQ'd? I can help you out if you can be more specific. Since you are functioning without an inhaler then you should be able to enlist. So what's the problem? If you'd like some answers then send me a message.
2007-11-30 11:27:14 · answer #5 · answered by cmortality 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Only two problems I see, your weight and the asthma.
For asthma: "Under new MEPS policy, dated 4 June 2004, asthma is a disqualifier, only if it was present after the 13th birthday. Applicants with a history of asthma will be required to sign an official statement, certifying that there have been no attacks (including exercise induced asthma) since the age of 13." http://usmilitary.about.com/od/joiningthemilitary/a/lungs.htm
For your weight, you need to put on 10 pounds. http://usmilitary.about.com/od/marinejoin/l/blintweightmale.htm
2007-11-30 10:45:36 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Asthma past age 12 is disqualifying for entry into the armed forces. So, your weight issue isn't one to worry about. You can't serve because of the asthma.
2007-11-30 11:42:55 · answer #7 · answered by desertviking_00 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
asthma past age 13 is a PDQ with no waivers authorized. if anywhere in your medical records past age 12 the A word is listed, you will have a hard time getting in. best you can hope for is to get a pulmonary function test that shows you no longer have it.
2007-11-30 12:52:37 · answer #8 · answered by Mrsjvb 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
your fine....I see guys on here all the time with these questions....basic training, combat, all of that is 99% mental....I've seen guys built like trucks fall apart and tiny guys that look harmless be some of the biggest bad asses
2007-11-30 11:31:35 · answer #9 · answered by Gordito 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I say you will have a hard time but start working out and eating a better diet and then see what will happen.
2007-11-30 11:30:23 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋