Hey, I'm 17 and I want to enlist into the Army once I graduate high school but I have two allergies will I be able to join?

Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 07 Nov 2018 18:37:15 -0500

According to my mom when I was younger I had an allergic reaction to shrimp and then later with Penicillin i would like to enlist as an 11X but I don't think I will be able to join with two medical waivers which both are common medicine in the military. I am seeing a allergists eventually to see if I've 'outgrown' them persay since I haven't been around them in 15-16 years, I just want to know my chances of getting in with two medical waivers. Thank you for you're serivce.

Response by SrA John Monette made Nov 7 at 2018 6:43 PM

SrA John Monette — Wed, 07 Nov 2018 18:43:11 -0500

check with a recruiter. he/she should be able to get you specific information or get it for you
https://www.military.com/join-armed-forces/disqualifiers-medical-conditions.html

Medical Conditions That Can Keep You From Joining the Military

These standards generally apply to all branches of the military. None of them are automatic disqualifiers, just red flags.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 7 at 2018 8:51 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 07 Nov 2018 20:51:52 -0500

Private RallyPoint Member No one can give you odds on being able to enlist. I would see your Allergy Doctor first and then talk to the recruiter. Make sure that you have all your medical records when you do. Please provide us with an update.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 8 at 2018 1:18 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 08 Nov 2018 01:18:49 -0500

Save your money on an allergist. Go to red lobster. Find out about the shrimp. Fortunately also, shrimp cocktail isn’t a big option for many military meals, so you might be good.
While it’s impossible for anyone on RP to give you percentages on yes/no about joining, I think we all have seen plenty of soldiers with penicillin or sulfa allergies.

Best of luck.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Nov 8 at 2018 1:23 AM

LTC Jason Mackay — Thu, 08 Nov 2018 01:23:26 -0500

Private RallyPoint Member I've been allergic to penicillin my whole life. Never an issue. I also know others allergic to shelf fish. Stop wondering aloud and go see a recruiter, or don't. Up to you.

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 8 at 2018 7:55 AM

SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 08 Nov 2018 07:55:43 -0500

Well I can tell you I've seen a lot of privates and soldiers with Red Dog tags most of them being allergic to Penicillin so that is not a show stopper. Plus I know a lot that are allergic to Shellfish well that's what they at least told me. I can tell you that's one meal you will not get in an MRE or out in the field so that is not a big deal. Neither would stop you from becoming an 11B. But none of us here can tell you 100% for sure only a recruiter and MEPS can.

Response by TSgt David Holman made Nov 8 at 2018 1:12 PM

TSgt David Holman — Thu, 08 Nov 2018 13:12:11 -0500

Shouldn't be an issue. Those are two very common allergies (though odd to see both in the same person). If those are the only issues, you should be fine.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 26 at 2018 7:24 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 26 Nov 2018 19:24:40 -0500

We can submit a waiver for those. As far as getting approval for medical waivers, that's very hard for me to say- it seems to depend on how the Docs/CMO are feeling. If the allergist clears you- too easy, just give the docs to the recruiter for your medical jacket.