How Important is Health Condition When Joining the Military?

Hey guys, I've been mulling over potentially joining the military. I'm generally healthy but I do have mild asthma. Is that gonna be a showstopper? What are the general health prerequisites for military service? Any input would be great!

The military does have certain health prerequisites that recruits need to meet in order to join, but this doesn't necessarily mean that a pre-existing health condition would automatically disqualify you.

In the case of asthma, the Department of Defense has guidelines in place. Specifically, if you’ve had asthma symptoms or been treated for asthma beyond your 13th birthday, you may be disqualified. However, waivers can sometimes be granted if you can prove that your asthma has been under control for a certain period, and is not severe enough to disrupt your ability to perform military duties.

The process usually involves undergoing a medical exam and potentially performing a methacholine challenge test where you'll inhale certain substances to see if your lung function drops. Regardless, it's important to avoid withholding this information because if it's discovered later, it may lead to disqualification or even dismissal.

In general, the military requires recruits to be medically, emotionally, and physically fit. This has more to do with being able to maintain the robust day-to-day schedule, including intensive physical training. Conditions that may affect your ability to fully participate can potentially be disqualifying.

Your best course of action would be to speak with a recruiter about your specific situation - they might be able to give you more personalized advice and guide you through potential options such as medical waivers. Be honest about your condition from the start to retain credibility and trust in the process.