Can you enlist in the military if you have asthma?

I've had asthma since I was a kid, but I'm interested in joining the military after high school. Does having asthma disqualify me from enlisting, or are there specific waivers or conditions?

Asthma can indeed impact your eligibility to join the military, but it doesn't necessarily disqualify you outright. The specifics will usually depend on the severity of your asthma when you've had your last symptoms, and the demands of the military branch you're interested in.

For branches like the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines, medical standards indicate that if you've had asthma or reactive airway disease after your 13th birthday, you may be disqualified. However, a waiver can be granted if a recruit can demonstrate that their asthma is well controlled without the use of a daily medication.

Similarly, in the Coast Guard, recruits with a history of asthma are usually disqualified, but a waiver can be considered if it can be shown that the condition is well-controlled, mild, and unlikely to limit one's ability to perform military duties.

What's most important is that if you pursue a waiver, you'll likely need to undergo a methacholine challenge test, which evaluates how responsive or "reactive" your airways are.

But remember: in all cases, honesty is key. Misrepresenting your medical history during the enlistment process can lead to disqualification or other legal repercussions.

You should consider discussing your career goals with a military recruiter. They'll be familiar with the enlistment process and the specific medical standards of their branch, and they may provide guidance on how best to proceed. Always consult a healthcare professional about your circumstances.