Would asthma stop me in the military?

[Anonymous]

I'm fifteen and I'm thinking about joining the military when I'm older, but I'm not sure. You see, I have asthma. I've overcome much of it, but I still can have some endurance problems. Other than that, I think I'd be great in the military. What are some of the excercises that they have for women in the military? Would they be too harsh for someone with asthma? Also, everyone in my family tells me I shouldn't join. My mom keeps trying to intimidate me into not joining by telling me that they treat women very badly there. I know that is true, but is it really that bad for all women? She also tells me that it's for people who don't know what to do with their lives. I feel that in order for the military to treat women better, women have to make a stand for what they believe in. If no one does that, then the sexism will not come to an end.

What do you think I should do?

gaja.zoo@sympatico.ca

[Anonymous]

:Hi Olivia. I'm a reg force medic who's been in twelve years now. Mild asthma in the military is fairly common. Whether it will affect your job depends on how well controlled it is and what triggers it. Regardless of your occupation, you may be required to work in allergenic environments - ie. Suffield, AB often does people in because of the dust (and overseas environments also often have undesirable conditions). Other times, you will be working/exercising outside when it's minus twenty or colder, so if the cold brings on an attack, maybe the military's not for you. I'm curious - what trades/occupations are you considering? Your choice of career will greatly affect how much and to what degree you will be exposed to sexism and also how much physical endurance you will require in order to excel at your job. You are right in saying that the military environment for women will only improve as more women join. Perhaps you could join the reserves part-time to see if you will like the military... although I have to warn you that there is a big difference between res and reg force life. Best of luck in your career decision-making; please feel free to email me.


I'm fifteen and I'm thinking about joining the military when I'm older, but
: I'm not sure. You see, I have asthma. I've overcome much of it, but I
: still can have some endurance problems. Other than that, I think I'd be
: great in the military. What are some of the excercises that they have for
: women in the military? Would they be too harsh for someone with asthma?
: Also, everyone in my family tells me I shouldn't join. My mom keeps trying
: to intimidate me into not joining by telling me that they treat women very
: badly there. I know that is true, but is it really that bad for all women?
: She also tells me that it's for people who don't know what to do with
: their lives. I feel that in order for the military to treat women better,
: women have to make a stand for what they believe in. If no one does that,
: then the sexism will not come to an end.
:
: What do you think I should do?

mdt2005@telusplanet.net

[Anonymous]

Sometimes the military is for people who know exactly what they want to do. There are more women than ever before and it will be a great time to join so much will change in the next 20 years, a whole new generation will join. In reality it will be a military you will have a chances to affect, just by being there. Some branchs are not as "nice" to women. But you will get the respect you expect. SO you decide what you want to do. The medic who reponded to you was right that you will have pick your trade carefully. Some are more physically demanding than others. You might consider the Navy, less dust on a boat. and men and women are considered equally(Navy guy I talked to even said women are better canidates because they an more mature at 18, and have thought out their plan before applying).I hear you can even spend a week on a boat job shadowing to decide if you like it. Sounds fun! But its not for me. When you do go to apply be prepared for recruiting to want all you medical info. Lung exams - lung functioning, The challenge test. If you walk into you stage 2 part of the medical with those reports, it would make a good impression. You will still have to get forms filled out by your doctor. Don't forget to send thank you notes to your doctor after (when you go in for the 5th time in tears needing another letter, the notes will be well received)(yes I was in tears) Go for it, it's in you.


:
: She also tells me that it's for people who don't know what to do with
: their lives. I feel that in order for the military to treat women better,
: women have to make a stand for what they believe in. If no one does that,
: then the sexism will not come to an end.
:
: What do you think I should do?


cassia@canada.com

[Anonymous]

Don't let anybody say your not good enough for the military!!! I'm 16 and I am applying for RMC and if I don't get in, NCO would be great... Girl, the military has changed and sure you'll get some idoits sometimes, but mostly people will respect you if you do your job well :)

YOU GO GIRL!


:
: Sometimes the military is for people who know exactly what they want to do.
: There are more women than ever before and it will be a great time to join
: so much will change in the next 20 years, a whole new generation will
: join. In reality it will be a military you will have a chances to affect,
: just by being there. Some branchs are not as "nice" to women.
: But you will get the respect you expect. SO you decide what you want to
: do. The medic who reponded to you was right that you will have pick your
: trade carefully. Some are more physically demanding than others. You might
: consider the Navy, less dust on a boat. and men and women are considered
: equally(Navy guy I talked to even said women are better canidates because
: they an more mature at 18, and have thought out their plan before
: applying).I hear you can even spend a week on a boat job shadowing to
: decide if you like it. Sounds fun! But its not for me. When you do go to
: apply be prepared for recruiting to want all you medical info. Lung exams
: - lung functioning, The challenge test. If you walk into you stage 2 part
: of the medical with those reports, it would make a good impression. You
: will still have to get forms filled out by your doctor. Don't forget to
: send thank you notes to your doctor after (when you go in for the 5th time
: in tears needing another letter, the notes will be well received)(yes I
: was in tears) Go for it, it's in you.


marieevelabonte@hotmail.com