Medical requirements for USNA?

[Andrew McCarthy]

I'm a 16 y/o sophomore and I hope to apply to the USNA in just a few short months but I have several small questions. In my original application to the academy, is asthma a major problem? I have had mild asthma since birth and I can't see it going away aanytime soon. Will this affect my chances of acceptance? Also, if I made it to my Junior year at the USNA, what eyesight standards are needed to join Naval Aviation or the Submarine Corps? (The actual name escapes me for now). Any input would be useful.

 

[ea6bflyr]

Asthma is not a problem if you are not currently prescribed nor are using an inhaler. I believe the timeframe is >2 years. But USNA will require that a DOC determine that you are no longer affected by asthema.

See this document:

Respiratory System
A history of asthma, recurrent asthmatic bronchitis, exercise-induced bronchospasm, or reactive airway disease
by any other name is disqualifying. Symptomatic nasal polyps, severe hay fever, and tuberculosis (if active
within two years) will also result in disqualification. Nasal septal deviation, hypertrophic rhinitis, and other
conditions that cause significant reduction of flow through either airway or which interfere with drainage of
a sinus are disqualifying. Allergy immunotherapy is disqualifying if received within the 12 months preceding
the examination.

 

[wink]

If you are on meds now then consult a doc about trying to get off them. I only say that because some guys get something prescribed as a kid and just never bother to be reevaluated as they grow older. I have had guys go through all sorts of gyrations to get medically qualed because they said they were told by their parents they had juvenile asthma. Yet they were not juveniles and hadn't had an attack in years. Problem?

 

[Andrew McCarthy]

Unfortunately I can't simply get rid of my asthma (especially in just 2 years). If ingot it down to "no inhaler required" would that suffice?

 

[wink]

Unfortunately I can't simply get rid of my asthma (especially in just 2 years). If ingot it down to "no inhaler required" would that suffice?

Likely, but a doc will have the final say after reviewing your medical history. What they want to be sure of is that you can get through the physical requirements of USNA without requiring an inhaler and subsequently perform the duties of a naval officer without reliance on meds for respiratory ills.

 

[exNavyOffRec]

Unfortunately I can't simply get rid of my asthma (especially in just 2 years). If ingot it down to "no inhaler required" would that suffice?

So you are currently on an inhaler? are you on any other daily meds relating to asthma?