Attention to OHARNG recruiters

[imreallyawesomeuknowit]

I have a question: Does having a reaction of anaphylaxis to peanuts, peanut butter, nuts, etc. PDQ me from joining the Ohio Guard? My teacher (I'm only 13 now) spoke to a recruiter here in Akron and he said that it is a DQ because things like that are used in the vaccinations they give. However, a TX Guard recruiter told me no, many Guards have allergic reactions to peanuts... but that is TX, and I'm not sure of the severity.

So can an OHARNG recruiter please tell me something?? thanks!

[VTguard]

I'm not from OHIO, but I am a recruiter from Vermont, and the medical standards used for enlistment are the same for all states. According to the Standards of Medical fitness (AR 40-501) severe allergic reactions to common foods such as peanuts or shellfish is a permanent disqualifier (PDQ). You may be able to get a medical waiver for this condition, but you would need to speak to a recruiter when you turn 17. Good Luck.

[TankerT]

I have a question: Does having a reaction of anaphylaxis to peanuts, peanut butter, nuts, etc. PDQ me from joining the Ohio Guard? My teacher (I'm only 13 now) spoke to a recruiter here in Akron and he said that it is a DQ because things like that are used in the vaccinations they give. However, a TX Guard recruiter told me no, many Guards have allergic reactions to peanuts... but that is TX, and I'm not sure of the severity.

So can an OHARNG recruiter please tell me something?? thanks!

It is a disqualifier some times. However, depending on what you qualify for, etc, they could get you a waiver. I have a friend who joined as a Nurse (as an Officer) that is allergic to peanuts. She got a waiver from the Army. (Active duty.) The Air Force wouldn't waiver that though. (I guess there was a big shortage of nurses when she got it, so that could be a factor.)

So, take VTguard's advice, and check with a recuiter when you turn 17. That's when you're at the age they can enlist you, so they're most likely to work with you then. And, of course, things can change over the next four years too. If they say "sorry, no waiver" today, they might be saying "sure, we can get a waiver" then.

[VTguard]

Tanker T makes a good point. Four years from now, there could be a change in the regulation that allows for some food allergies, or waivers may be easier to obtain. A lot can change in four years. Four years ago, applicants that had LASIC eye surgery were disqualified from enlisting, but now it is allowed with a waiver. Tatoos on the hands were not allowed, but now some tatoos are allowed. Talk to a recruiter when you're getting closer to turning 17.