I still want to join the military, but how can I come clean about having previously been deceptive about my asthma while trying to join?

2019-08-23T03:31:52-04:00

I wanted to enlist in the marine Corp and I went to the recruiter I told him I was diagnosed with asthma but that it had been a year since I used my inhaler.

He me told to just go on with the process but to never mention asthma.

At MEPS I marked everything “No” but glasses once it came to the interview I said something that gave away the asthma but I said I only got tested for it but never had it and they asked for medical records once I stepped out the office I called my recruiter and told him what happened all he said was “honestly dude your just done” and hanged up nothing else since then. Either way I went to get my medical record and I was diagnosed with asthma but with out taking a test and in 2017 I took the test and came out negative. I did not want to take back the medical records because I did not want to get in trouble for lying because 1. I suppose I did have asthma and 2. I did use an inhaler and since my recruiter said “all the liaisons are gonna do it’s disqualify you for anything” then the “5 years in prison or $10’000fine”

I got scared and decided to just do nothing but I really wanted enlist and I was wondering if there was away to come clean.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 23 at 2019 4:12 AM

2019-08-23T04:12:43-04:00

First, put your real name on your profile. Second, find a different recruiter in a different station and tell the whole truth and story

Response by CW4 Craig Urban made Aug 23 at 2019 5:48 AM

2019-08-23T05:48:25-04:00

You learned a valuable lesson. The recruiter will deny he said that.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 23 at 2019 6:43 AM

2019-08-23T06:43:40-04:00

You can't be fined or jailed for lying, only for fraudulently enlisting. Even then, they'll just kick you out.
Asthma is not a disqualifying condition if it's controlled. I have asthma and I've had it for years. As long as you're not going to die from it, you can join.

Response by SGT Chris Stephens made Aug 23 at 2019 10:33 AM

2019-08-23T10:33:30-04:00

Yes, this is a valuable lesson. If a recruiter tells you to lie or omit details, don't ever do that, especially on medical records. They're only seeing you as a number as they try to hit a quota. Integrity is a value across all military branches. Don't get started off on the wrong foot.

Response by CPL D Malone made Aug 23 at 2019 12:53 PM

2019-08-23T12:53:15-04:00

find a different recruiter, and just be honest. I know plenty of individuals with Asthma that the issue later went away. So the process might take a little longer. SO what, go see your doctor and get tested. The key here is to be honest. Don't start the process by being dishonest. ALWAYS DO THE RIGHT THING. If your going to be dishonest about a small issue, what else are you hiding. When it comes time for you to go through a clearance investigation, there is always someone somewhere who knows what you did, and there is 99.9% chance that person will spill the beans. This speaks more to your integrity than anything else. If I knew I had a liar in my unit, no matter how small the lie is, I'm going to wonder what else are you not being honest about, so just be honest...