Posted on Nov 7, 2018
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?
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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.
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 7
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(Join to see) 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.
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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
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.
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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.
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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.
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(Join to see)
Thank you! That is great news to hear and it motivates me more to keep trying to pursue it :) but yes MEPs will be where it all comes together.
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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.
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.
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(Join to see) 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.
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(Join to see)
That is actually my plan is to get my records see a allergists and then look at some medical stuff with my recruiter. I am seeing the allergist to see if my reaction to any of it has changed in that time, I use to be allergic to fish but amazingly I outgrew and now I can eat fish without any sort of reaction so I am sort of hoping it's similar with these but I suppose I'll find out. Yes I will update you but I don't plan on enlisting my junior year I'm just trying to get my stuff in order ahead of time and go over it with my recruiter. Thank you for replying
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Sgt (Join to see)
(Join to see) - Dawson, you sound like a squared away young man that would be an asset to the military. Good luck.
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(Join to see)
[Update] got my allergies tested and I don't have any of those allergies anymore so it seems like in okay for the most part besides my Vitiligo (which concerns me slightly) do you happen to know anything about it?
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Sgt (Join to see)
(Join to see) - That is good news on your allergies. I could not find Vitiligo listed under skin conditions on the below link. The Recruiter will have to answer that question. Good luck.
https://www.military.com/join-armed-forces/disqualifiers-medical-conditions.html
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.
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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.
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