Military Discrimination

[TShelton]

I am 22 years old and currently attending the University of
Georgia.  My entire life I have wanted to serve in the
military and protect my country.  Unfortunately, I am an
insulin dependent diabetic.  I am in perfect health and
physically fit.  I have no complications after having this
disease for over 17 years.  No branch of the military will
allow me to enlist due to the fact that I am a diabetic.  
Considering I am perfectly able to do anything that the
military requires, I think this is extremely unfair and
unjust.  I certainly understand why they would not want a
diabetic to fill a combat position, but there are numerous
non-combat positions that a diabetic could fill.  I feel that
this is a very blatent example of discrimination.  I would
very much appreciate anyone who could give me some advice on
some options I might have to fight this.  I could certainly
use a helping hand in this situation.

[fightWITHit]

Im in on the fighting for our chance to fight. I am 19 and have been a type 1 diabetic since I was 7. Its tough but I have tremendous control and I play Division 1 football. My father is a retired Colonel and my brother is serving over seas today. I would give the world to serve for our United States Marine Corps. I am in on this fight.

let me know if you find anything out.

[am1104]

My husband a diabetic since 9 months old would love to be in the military not only to serve his country but to better support his family, him being the soul provider for our family, but since he is a diabetic from 9 months old he cant,was that his choice to be a diabetic NO an since he has had diabetes basically since birth he knows how to controll his levels also can tell u exactly what his reading will be, he is now a tow truck driver but can not get his CDL because he is a diabetic even though he can operate all the machinery an trucks that NON diabetics can, I have had high blood pressure since the age of 11 an can get a CDL , so whats the difference a person with hypertension can just as easily have a stroke while driving or for military being in combat, now days there is more an more diseases that will be a factor of disqualifications for the military an soon there will be no perfect person an they will have to resort to the ones with these diseases!

[Bostonian1988]

My life long dream was and still is to serve my country.  I participated in ROTC for three years in college, took my DODMERB and there was nothing more soul-crushing than the day I received the letter that I had been rejected.  Why?  I was rejected for two things, one of which can be easily waived, however, I was rejected mostly because of my ADD medication which they put down as "academic skills defects" or some crap like that.  Calling me retarded would've been nicer.  Why don't they want kids who are medicated for ADD/ADHD?  Do they think we'll distribute the meds?  No offense, but diabetes is a lot worse on the grounds of disqualification/discharge than that.  I can understand the front line stuff, but there are a lot more opportunities behind the front lines for these issues.  I don't even want combat arms, I'd be perfectly comfortable in supply or something like that.

However, I do know a diabetic in the military and in combat arms.  I will not disclose name, rank, branch, or MOS.  If he is still in, how in the neck hasn't he been discharged.  I have seen him on his bad days with this tragic condition and it shocks me that he was allowed in/not discharged.

A young man I know just completed basic training and there was a recovering heroin addict in his company.  Granted, he had been through the worst part of detox, but he would still experience some withdrawals while at basic training.

I don't get it, I just don't get it.  Do you have to be genetically engineered to be considered for service to your country?  Its a joke and it breaks my heart to see so many people denied service for the most inane reasons.  

[J2tex39]

No doubt!
It is funny how these stupid rules in the military prevent many worthy diabetics from joining!
Before I was diagnose at the age of 22 (now I am 28). I was training with a recruiter in the Army. I did all of their P.T. tests and passed with flying colors. I was going to be enlisted as a Special Forces soldier or Green Beret; pending I completed training.
Not 2 months later, I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. So unfortunately, there went my future career in the military. I was devastated, but I was determined to not let the disease control me, I was going to control it. So I exercised almost everyday and had a strict diet. I actually was off insulin for 2 years! But then had a lot of stress and family issues arise, which caused me to get back on insulin. I only take 1 shot of lantus at night! I mountain climb, surf, hike, camp and hunt. I even went elk hunting for about a week and accidentally left my insulin at home. My blood sugars averaged about 140, but for the most part I was fine. I have played college hockey and almost played pro! So if a diabetic can play college hockey, then why can't a diabetic join the military!!!
Look at Michael Phelps. He is a type 1 diabetic and has won the most gold medals than any other American athlete. I am sure somebody like Michael Phelps could make it through basic training and beyond.
It really sickens me that people automatically assume that diabetics cannot take care of themselves. Everybody is different and or created different. I never wish this burden upon any able-pancreas person.
I have met and talked to more type 1 diabetics that are healthier than most of my non-diabetic friends and family. I am sure that the military wont "kick" somebody out if they have a headaches and have to take Tylenol!
The military should investigate a persons regulations of blood sugars and then make a desicsion on whether they can join the military or not.
This is bull &*@@#. Give us a chance!!!

[November87]

Im a 22 year old that has had Type 1 diabetes since i was 19. I was graduating highscool. I got a 89 on the ASVAB with a hangover. All my friends went off to the military after school. i was stuck at home. I wanted to join the Marines, like my dad. I wanted to join up for 2 years and then come home to be an Ohio State Highway Patrolman. Like my dad. He is retired now but was a Captain at the time(perfect refference) But then i found out i was a diabetic. Military wont even look at me. Law enforcement is out too. It *****. Something i really wanted to do in life. It really does suck that we cant join. An yeah one vial of Humolog is like 1000 units. like 6 incontrol diabetics could run off that or a month i think. I dont even use that much in a month. As for our own unit i would like to see it happen. Or us just getting desk jobs. But that isnt what we want either is it? We would like to be "created equall". We for the most part are just as healthy if not more so than the average guy. The only true way to be healthy is to develop a chronic illness and then take really good care of it.

Oh and when world war 3 breaks out and they reinstate the draft keep in mind we will be taking care of your gf's and making our own little race of diabetics while your gone :) lol jk Support our troops! Change the law. Give us a chance.

[jjustin25]

I am type 1 diabetes turning 16 in September getting interested in military. when i grow up i would like to be a pilot for the military mainly flying a big plain such as a transport plane. they could simply hook up an insulin machine onto the plain or something that i could use, i mean 300ml of insulin lasts like 3-4 days eating more than 4 times a day for me. so imagine how long 1 gallon of insulin could last if i paced eating meals especially.

Even so it doesn't look like america would accept me and that plane i would want to fly is European and maybe i can fly for them. But i don't think nonmilitary planes that carry passengers are diabetic discrimination even thought that would be boring as hell. Just flying the military transport plane domestically in america would be good enough i just wanna fly something big. But this really doesn't look like its going to get anywhere so im going to have to look into other things in reality unfortunately.

Maybe if the government pushed more for a cure or something for longer lasting technology there would be more capabilities for us.

23.6 million children and adults in the United States—7.8% of the population—have diabetes. Now im going to guess that about a quarter or less has found interest in the military but decided to turn away to the losing fight and considering theres only about 1.25million military personnel in the US out of a 350 million+ population they could easily more than double the number or military service by accepting diabetics. And the way i see it China has almost 2.5billion population and allies with north Korea who might declare war therefore making us extremely outnumbered and the government is choosing the right time to be discriminating huh?

is any of this irrational thinking let me know to this account but im currently only 15 and i know better.