Posted on Sep 17, 2014
TSgt Western Colorado Regional Director
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Since military service looks so different in this day and age of technology, why do we still bar people with minor disabilities or manageable health conditions from military service? For example-asthma, diabetes, knee problems, a back surgery from which they are fully recovered? Especially when we are allowing folks with major "disabilities" (lost limbs) to stay now, as long as they can still meet standards.

There are so many otherwise able people out there who would have loved to have been allowed to serve, but were denied entry due to a relatively minor condition. I get that the rest of us need to be world-wide qualified, and that means meeting certain physical standards. But there are diabetics and asthmatics out there that can run circles around me. It just seems we could use some of these talented people. And if they happen to not be physically able to make it through basic, why can't we still use their talents at desk jobs stateside?

Civil service isn't the answer. It is too hard to get in to civil service jobs on military bases. Those slots are usually reserved for people with prior military experience. And these folks want to BE military. They want to serve. They want to earn veteran status.

Would you be in favor of creating a new branch of the military that allowed the disabled a chance to serve their country and wear the uniform, earning veteran status, while filling non-physically demanding stateside jobs like clerks, finance, admin, services, etc.? They could augment all the other branches of service, performing tasks we all do now, that meet their physical restrictions. I've thought this made sense since I was first enlisted 20 years ago. I was public affairs then, and there was no reason someone with a disability couldn't do 90-100% of my job.
Posted in these groups: Imagescaylm8cd Disability
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Responses: 4
PO1 Sam Deel
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Master Diver Brashear was Disabled and continued to Serve in the Navy. Numerous others like him throughout the annals of Military History.
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MGySgt James Forward
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Well, PFT, lifting heavy stuff, walking long distances...you have to physically fit to be in the Service from day one. Don't see this requirement get lowered or changed at all. Semper Fi.
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Lt Col Aerospace Planner
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I think it depends on the situation. I have known some people that get illnesses or conditions while in the service that are allowed to stay in on waivers. Some times it maybe more likely that someone who has been in a while and are near retirement anyway. It is subjective and based on the MEB determination. Usually it depends on the severity of the issue.

The military is less inclined to allow serious existing conditions in because it may cause more problems in the future. But once they have put the investment and time in training a person they are more inclined to find work- arrounds.
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