Can I get into any part of the british armed forces with asthma?

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I’ve had asthma my whole life for as long as I can remember, It cleared up for the most part 3 yrs ago when I went from 22stone to 15 stone. I’ve always wanted to join the army but is there any way I can get into any part of the armed forces with asthma? It’s not bad asthma, I’ve never had an attack and it’s only noticeable if I exert myself without taking any Salbutamol or when I wake up in the morning.

Can’t I join the logistics corps or army intelligence?
Ok thanks so far, but is it 3 years without asthma or 3 years without an attack? (I’ve never had an attack and I’m 20) A few months ago I got pretty fit (for me anyway) and I was running 9 minute miles (not sure if thats any good). Shouldn’t they take me if my level of fitness is still very good?

Mike_T says:


I know exactly how you feel, I was in a very similar situation. I remember that I was so nervous at that time and I took it out on everyone around me. I didnt know what could I do until, thanks god, I found Smoke Deter. Now I can look back and laugh on myself and in the same time I remember how helpless I was. I hope that I'll never be in the same situation again



Author: Dr. Louis on July 16, 2009
Category: asthma
Tags: , , , , , , ,
6 responses to “Can I get into any part of the british armed forces with asthma?”
  1. VixMix says:

    Ok, first clear up one thing, Army recruiting is a whole army thing, there is no different standards for different corps and arms. As far as you Asthma is concerned then if you take a preventer inhaler (steriod) every day, you will not be recruited. If you only use your Salamol occassionally then you can apply but you will have to pass the fitness test and pass it well. You own Doctors report will pay a big part in your application too. I would suggest that you will need to be fit enough to do exercise without needing to rely on your ventolin.

    Your weight loss has been fantastic, congratulations on that. Please continue with the fitness, you should be able to run a mile and a half under 13 minutes to be considered for recruitment. I strongly suggest that you do this.

    You could consider applying for the TA, the joining requirement are exactly the same as the regulars but it will give you an opportunity to guage your fitness and health, and if you get into the TA then you can transfer over to the regulars with some ease.

    Find your nearest unit on http://www.army.mod.uk/unitsandorgs/ta/index.htm
    then pop along and have a chat with the recruitment team there.

  2. cap-de-monty says:

    Not a chance youve got a cat in hells chance.stick to what you know and dont exurt yourself to much.

  3. superman says:

    you should be able to join most parts of the army as long as u are truthful about your condition as most problems with asthma can be helped jus call your local army careers office im sure they can tell u more than we can! good luck wi it pal!

  4. shajahan s says:

    as far as i can remember there are certain parts of the army youl be able to join…the army wont turn you down

  5. lynno says:

    you must go a full 2yrs without an attack’and the army will check this out with your doctor’but the best of luck to you.

  6. cha says:

    i myself have asthma and was in the same boat as you wanting to join but unfortunately you have to be 3 years clear of asthma before you can join.

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