How is the military enlistment process for people with a medical history?

I have some medical history and I'm worried it might affect my ability to enlist. How does the military handle medical records during the enlistment process? Should I be prepared to provide detailed documentation?

When you make the decision to enlist in the military, your medical history will indeed be evaluated as part of the entry process. This is done to ensure that you're medically and physically fit to meet the demands of military service.

The Department of Defense uses a standard known as the Medical Standards for Appointment, Enlistment, or Induction in the Military Services, or DoDI 6130.03. This document outlines the medical conditions that may disqualify someone from serving, including certain physical, mental, and chronic health conditions.

During your enlistment process, a military entrance medical examination will be scheduled at a Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS). The MEPS medical staff will review your medical history, perform a physical exam, and possibly a specialty consultation or test if needed. Prior to your MEPS appointment, you'll be asked about your detailed medical history, including hospitalizations, allergies, injuries, and surgeries among others.

You'll be expected to be transparent about your medical history. The military may disqualify individuals who are found to have withheld medical information during the enlistment process. In case you want to prepare your medical records beforehand, it's typically a good idea to do so. However, historical records you gather may not always be requested, but you may find it handy to have them to reference when filling out your medical history forms.

Remember that even if you have a health condition, it does not automatically preclude you from military service. Waivers can sometimes be granted depending on the nature and severity of the condition, the specific branch, and the current recruitment need. That decision is made by the military medical waiver authorities on a case by case basis.

So, to summarize, the military does take medical records into account during the enlistment process and you should be prepared to provide a detailed medical history. However, each case is reviewed individually and a medical condition may not necessarily prevent you from serving.