[Crixus]

I'm 20 years old and I've been considering joining the Forces for the past 2 years or so. I have asthma though, and reading other forums regarding acceptance has been a bit of a dream crusher.

It is only exercise induced, but with two quick puffs from my inhaler BEFORE any exercise, I do not experience ANY symptoms at all. I am in very good shape, and have been my whole life. I never have asthma attacks, but need it only if I exercise without it. I've been drafted by the OHL, played Junior A hockey, trained in various martial arts, and asthma has never been an issue for my performance or physical fitness. I'm in better shape than most my age, but I'm afraid that the two puffs from the inhaler before exercise, will pose as a technical barrier for my acceptance.

Can anyone share any knowledge on this issue? Any help is appreciated, even if it will hurt hearing it.

Thanks

[Canadian_Mind]

Depends on your trade. However, I highly doubt you'll have time for "2 quick puffs" before getting into a firefight.

But honestly, you wont really know until you try. Better to apply and get shot down than take advice from a bunch of strangers and miss an opportunity.

[Guy_Fawkes]

Canadian_Mind wrote:

Depends on your trade. However, I highly doubt you'll have time for "2 quick puffs" before getting into a firefight.

But honestly, you wont really know until you try. Better to apply and get shot down than take advice from a bunch of strangers and miss an opportunity.

I agree with CM, but the way recruiting is now unless you plan on joining one of the 'in demand' trades your file will sit on a desk.

Also I dont know of one person in the CF who has Asthma, so it could be very likely you will not be accepted. Sorry.

[Canadian_Mind]

Guy_Fawkes wrote:

Canadian_Mind wrote:

Depends on your trade. However, I highly doubt you'll have time for "2 quick puffs" before getting into a firefight.

But honestly, you wont really know until you try. Better to apply and get shot down than take advice from a bunch of strangers and miss an opportunity.

I agree with CM, but the way recruiting is now unless you plan on joining one of the 'in demand' trades your file will sit on a desk.

Also I dont know of one person in the CF who has Asthma, so it could be very likely you will not be accepted. Sorry.

Ditto. But I'd be willing to hedge a bet that's because we're combat arms and not some desk-jockeys in NDHQ or Kingston.

[Crixus]

Alright thanks fellas. I understand the issue of not accepting me, and it sucks hearing it.

But now it is time to start training without the inhaler. I will be accepted.

Thanks again.

[Guy_Fawkes]

Not to be a dick or anything, but why the military, surely there are other trades out there you can pick? Joining the CF will not make your asthma any, if anything it will make it worse. CM and I have both been exposed to air contaminants that make healthy lungs cough, I have no idea what would happen to you if you got CS gassed. The military will always cover its ass when ever safety is involved and if it thinks that the military will adversely affect your heath, they will not allow you to join.

[Crixus]

I want to be apart of something that I can be proud of. My grandparents and their siblings were apart of the military back in their home countries. I want to be challenged, and I want to feel accomplishment. I don't want to waste life here and sit in front of a computer all day, or play video games until I'm 40. I want to experience as much of life as I can.

My asthma is truly not that bad, but I doubt the Forces are understanding of that. Asthma is asthma, and I get it. But it is not like the second I start running without my inhaler I just fall over and die. During exercise without it I am still able to perform, but my lungs just tighten up a bit.

This is what I want.

[Guy_Fawkes]

What trade are you hoping for?

[Crixus]

I'm not too sure right now, but a trade in the Navy is what I'm leaning towards.

[Gunnair]

Crixus wrote:

I'm not too sure right now, but a trade in the Navy is what I'm leaning towards.

Supply Tech is really short in the RCN.

[Canadian_Mind]

Gunnair wrote:

Crixus wrote:

I'm not too sure right now, but a trade in the Navy is what I'm leaning towards.

Supply Tech is really short in the RCN.

About the most he could hope for is desk jobs. But even then, he'd still have to survive basic.

[Crixus]

I can handle anything they throw at me. But will they give me the chance is the issue

[Canadian_Mind]

Crixus wrote:

I can handle anything they throw at me. But will they give me the chance is the issue

Reference my first post, apply and find out. Dicking around in here isn't going to do you anymore good. All it's going to do is make you anxious and worry even more, and frankly that's pointless considering that, at the end of the day, whether you are accepted or denied is ultimately out of your control.

[Crixus]

Thanks for all of your help.

[Gunnair]

Crixus wrote:

Thanks for all of your help.

Yep. Get in there and try. Can't hurt.