[JordanFountain]

Hello and my name is Jordan and I am 16 years old. I was diagnosed with asthma when I was 5 years old and ever since I have not had any symptoms of it but I believe it is still on my record. I believe that the repeat prescriptions are there but I have not taken any inhalers for years.

Now, I have spoken to an Army Careers Advisor and they said that you would have to be clear from Asthma for 4 years before being eligible to join the army. What would you reccomend I do to make sure that it is of my record permanently and that it will not return?

The fact that it could take 4 years for me to be eligble is definately a pain for me however, I have always wanted to join the military and so would be determined to wait that long due to the fact that it gives me time to do my A Levels and possibly go to university, not to mention get even fitter and more prepared. All advice would be greatly appreciated

[king0vdarkness]

(Original post by JordanFountain)
Hello and my name is Jordan and I am 16 years old. I was diagnosed with asthma when I was 5 years old and ever since I have not had any symptoms of it but I believe it is still on my record. I believe that the repeat prescriptions are there but I have not taken any inhalers for years.

Now, I have spoken to an Army Careers Advisor and they said that you would have to be clear from Asthma for 4 years before being eligible to join the army. What would you reccomend I do to make sure that it is of my record permanently and that it will not return?

The fact that it could take 4 years for me to be eligble is definately a pain for me however, I have always wanted to join the military and so would be determined to wait that long due to the fact that it gives me time to do my A Levels and possibly go to university, not to mention get even fitter and more prepared. All advice would be greatly appreciated

I would say speak to your doctor about it - see if there is a way they can get you cleared for asthma and if you haven't had any symptoms from it i'm sure they are more likely to clear you sooner for the army. Good Luck! Hope this helps!

[cid]

My brother had very severe asthma he's whole childhood on all sorts of inhalers and what not, upon trying to join there was a bit of red tape and such, but if you have actually been off the medication for a few years i believe you essentially do some sort of lung function test, just checking your ability to breath properly and that your not a welfare case waiting to happen.

My brother got in in less than a year where as for someone with a past knee problem such as myself it took 2 years from first application to starting basic, so its not all gloom and doom.

[JordanFountain]

(Original post by cid)
My brother had very severe asthma he's whole childhood on all sorts of inhalers and what not, upon trying to join there was a bit of red tape and such, but if you have actually been off the medication for a few years i believe you essentially do some sort of lung function test, just checking your ability to breath properly and that your not a welfare case waiting to happen.

My brother got in in less than a year where as for someone with a past knee problem such as myself it took 2 years from first application to starting basic, so its not all gloom and doom.

Thank you both for your quick answers. How long ago was it that your brother had to do the lung function test? Because if it was a while ago, couldnt the whole recruitment contest change?

[Jengess]

When they say ‘clear of asthma’ it means: no Asthma, wheeze, asthma symptoms or treatment within the past four years.

The fact that a diagnosis of asthma is on your record shouldn’t matter if you fit the above. I agree with the suggestion of speaking to your doctor; make sure your records accurately state your medical history and when you last had symptoms or treatment, if any. Some people do get it taken off their records if it is thought that a diagnosis of asthma was incorrect.

Also, talk to the Careers Advisor again, explain your situation and see what they suggest. Nothing wrong with wanting to get further qualifications, but you may not need to do them if it’s just to bide your time. The regulations are for the 4 years prior to you applying so, from what you have said about not having had symptoms or treatment for a long time, it may not stop you joining the Army earlier. Don’t be afraid to keep asking questions until you are sure you understand what your options are. The Careers staff are not medical experts; they have rules to work to and can only go by what you say, but do be honest; once you have started the recruitment process a doctor will assess you and look at any particular conditions, such as asthma.

Best of luck.

[Schleigg]

If you want an elegant solution then go to the docs sometime soon and have the requirement for inhalers removed from your file and get a note saying you have no symptoms. Then live your life for the next 4 years after which you'll be at university. If you're still clear then go ahead and apply.

If you have some sort of attack during those 4 years you'll know you're not eligible.

[**zebra**]

The first thing you need to do is see your gp to find out what your current position is with asthama. Ensure that he makes it clear that you are now symptom free with no meds on your record incase your med record is questioned later on but also if it isn't clear you have a start date for the four years.

If you have been symptom free etc for the four year period or longer as part of your medical you will have to do a peak flow analysis for a month. The doctor at the afco will then make a decision based on your peak flow analysis whether you are able to continue with your application.

[cid]

my brother joined end of '09 he had his asthma tests early '09

depending on what you are planning to join and the spaces they have, recruitment can be a bit of a drawn out affair, it never hurts to get the ball rolling, remember you can go all the way through the application process and be under absolutely no commitment to actually join, even if you get right to the end and sign your name on the dotted line, if you don't show up day 1 of basic training they'll probably just strike your name off of the nominal role, send a letter to your home informing you that you have missed basic training and ask if you really want to join.

so it never hurts to start applying as soon as possible.

[C_B_C]

I'm not very aware of the Medical side of applying for the forces: I've never had any issues (touch wood).

But I DO have the opinion that going to University is a great opportunity for you, and opens up several doors in your life.
In the meanwhile, if your medical situation allows you to, join the TA/RAF Reserves/RNR to get a good idea of what the forces are all about.

Good luck.