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.

[Justsaiyan]

My grandfather was a United States Navy Corpsman, and was a type 1 diabetic. Back when the military actually allowed anyone who wanted to join, no matter what health problems they had. he served just fine, controlled his diabetes and died of old age.

I myself, was just diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (16 years old) (the only one in this side of the family, due to it skipping a generation) on March the 20th of this year. All of my life ( and I mean ALL of my life) I have always wanted to join the military. I had finally made my mind up to join the USMC to be an 0331 machine gunner. But, of course now that this has happened it seems to be delayed.

I still believe that either within these 2 years, a new artificial pancreas will be developed, or the military will change their regulations. I am a Christian, and as soon as the nurse ( I was in the ER at Mercy, walked in with a blood sugar of 992) walked into the room and told me I was diabetic (which I figured since I had all the symptoms/urinating constantly, etc.) God had immediately told me not to worry, that I would one day still be able to be in the military. He never told me if I would be a marine or what, he just said not to worry, but to focus on the present.

Yes, I do believe this. The nurses and doctors, said that I was supposed to be dead, or I should have been passed out when walking/waiting in the ER. The doctor told me I must have been diabetic for at least a year or so, and it just wasn't being picked up during regular doctor appointments.

So, yes I do believe that we diabetics, whether you are type 1 or 2, we will be able to join the military once again. Remember, whether you like history or not, it does repeat itself.

P.S. Sorry for all of the parentheses.

[diabetesstrong]

Clearly you are unaware of the tremendous strides in technology and care that has developed for those with Diabetes. Furthermore your statements are not only completely off base but they show the depth of your ignorance. Beyond that I must further comment on the discriminatory approach you take to service while at the same time concerning yourself with "fair" military practices. Diabetics can serve as well as any other soldier. For example look at Sgt Mark Thompson who as a Type 1 diabetic served on the front lines in Iraq earning a bronze star for his actions. I myself have worked in Emergency Medical Services and currently serve as a police officer in a major metropolitan area. Diabetics are your doctors, police officers, firefighter, EMTs, lawyers, judges, just about every walk of life. What is as troubling to me as your discriminatory beliefs, that to me sound similar to the claims made by the army war college against blacks joining fighting units in the 1920s, is the fact that the military believes that they are not required to follow the same ADA laws that the federal government requires all work places to follow. If you feel inadequate because you are diabetic I feel sorry for you. If you feel that your diabetes make you weak please speak with your physician or perhaps a counselor but do not attempt to weaken the resolve of other diabetics with your self loathing and pity.

[joshroby1]

I am a type one diabetic and currently serve he great state of Ohio with the Ohio Military reserve! It is the reserfve unit for the Ohio National Guard that cannot get deployed federal. It is the State militia, but do not let that full you. THIS IS THE MILITARY! We are the 6th brig. of the Ohio National guard, go by ALL ARMY CODES AND REG, we drill one weekend a month, have AT and do everything the guard does along with training side by side with them. You cannot legally be deployed over seas. You do not get paid for drills, only if your state deploys you. And if you are deployed it is at the state level. Are main purpose is to protect our state, in case of a natural or man made disaster. THis is the military, I have great pride in serving. I am not looking for a pay check but jsut hte opritunity to serve our county. I am 23 years old and use to be in law enforcement also for those who have said you cannot become a police officer with type 1. Almsot every state has a State Defense force. Please contact me at josh roby att at gmail *******. my # is 4408583892 if any one has any questions. Ohio currently excepts any one from the age of 17-65 also.

[Friendofmil]

What ver happened after u were tested?  Friend do mine in military for 6 yrs.  now diagnosed with type 1.  Is it possible to stay in and just not be deployed?

[kyla9]

Reading these comments help in a way, as I know I am not alone. The militray is being unfair and discriminating towards diabetics, I live in the UK and since I was 16 I wanted to join the army as a chef but I felt I wasnt quite ready then half through college I was exciting couldnt wait to  it had finished to start a new chapter in my life. I studied three years to become a chef at a catering college.. trainning and working for experience. I finished my three year course on the 20th of June this year and by 23rd I was in hospital type 1 diabeitc.. There was two things running through my head that made me angry. 1 I would have to inject Insulin for the rest of my life. 2 I knew all hope to do what I wanted to do was gone. And nobody understands.. my family didn't want me to join.. but they didnt understand the dreams that I had are now shattered..  Now I hate everything about cooking I feel like Its a waste of time now. I just think Imm classed as a 2nd class citizen and dont have the same oppertunities that people with out diabetes do.

[MsCoylie]

I am an Army veteran, and as such I hoped one of my children would be interested in the military too. Of my three children, I have a 13 yr old daughter with the drive, personality and intelligence to do any job the military has. She was diagnosed at 12 with type 1 diabetes. In the ICU the endocrinologist was helping us come to grips with this life long change. When she said there is nothing my daughter can't do with diabetes but join the military, I was crushed.
    The high school had a college fair yesterday and my daughter went to check out the military booth. She is upset about her exclusion. I have seen both sides of the coin, and understand both. As a soldier with the Engineers of the 82nd Airborne Battalion during the hostage crisis in 1979, one of my supervisors had epilepsy. So why epilepsy and not diabetes? Perhaps he was diagnosed after enlisting, I don't know. It is what it is. Although I am sad for my daughter, she has a world of opportunities ahead of her. I have told her about the civilian opportunities but that is a job, not a life vision. All I can tell her is the better the education, the more options she will have open up for her in her life. If it leads her to some government/military connection, great. Life is about adjusting on the fly, those who can, will always find their way. Grieve for the loss, and do your best to find your way. Good luck.

[ggp2707]

I just shared this on my facebook, the petition for letting diabetics in the military in non-combat positions. I hope it helps, the count went from 141 to 142 or something :-) share it on your facebook!!

http://www.change.org/petitions/u-s-department-of-defense-allow-diabetics-to-serve-in-non-combat-positions-in-the-military#

[AmcConnico]

i am 13 and i have type 1 diabetes, i was diagnosed when i was 7. My dream is to join the Navy and fight for my country. And i agree, they should split us like they did with the black and whites. That way we can join!

[Wright_33]

everybody needs to sign this

[megan2282]

I started this petition, and hope everyone will spread the word!! :)

http://www.change.org/petitions/u-s-department-of-defense-allow-diabetics-to-serve-in-non-combat-positions-in-the-military

[Hunt21]

try the us militia

[coolest852]

Has anyone ever thought about starting a petition about letting diabetics join the army or air force in a support role. It's happened before with other medical problems we just need to get the army's attention and show them that even with diabetes we could still be a valuable resource in support roles.

http://www.****.org

P.S, diabetics can join the Civil air patrol i myself am a staff sergeant also we can join the coast guard auxiliary and the state defense forces

[megan2282]

Totally agree!!

[megan2282]

http://www.****.org/petitions/u-s-department-of-defense-allow-diabetics-to-serve-in-non-combat-positions-in-the-military

Lets change things then!!!!

[Sadd96]

My dream has always been to be a marine ever since I was a young girl. I'm a sophomore in high school I got ym gym membership and have been working out I planned to enlist at 17 as a senior in high school nearly 2 years away when just 2 weeks ago I was diagnosied with type 1 diabets. I also would love to fight this I understand why they won't allow us to enlist but I really think they need to work on this! I'm in the best condition of my life I can mske it through the trainig but because I'm a diabetic I can't serve my country? So I can absolutely relate to you and how you feel and it's not fair what so ever hopefully the military can work on this or hopefully they find a cure for diabetes.

[type1cadet]

See, that is were you are wrong. As a type I diabetic in a military academy for high school. I am more then capable of keeping up with the "regular" people. In fact, I am in better shape then most the school. I was one of 3 cadets to run a half-marathon in with no complications from my diabetes what so ever.

so you can respectfully shove that **** up your own ***

[firefightersolider44]

Stupid question how did u bring insulin when u were in the military

[navydiabetic]

After 4 years at Duke on a Navy ROTC scholarship, my child now owes $140,000 in reimbursement to govt because on final medical exam she had elevated blood sugar (not diabetic range) She was medically disqualified and not allowed to be commissioned- 4 years of school and navy classes. Once called an act of god as it was no fault of hers now navy wants reimbursement.

[Corow]

Guys go to the department of defense site (DOD) an put in your request, i'll bet you, if we get enough guys say something things will change

[Shylina]

I am reading your comment about siding with the military that you think diabetics should not be allowed in the military and i think you are totally ridiculous. My son is a Type 1 diabetic and i am doing research because he wants to go into the military. I cannot believe that they won't allow diabetics in the military. As long as they have the pump they would be fine. Our government and people like you are really messed up!

[Arutimishia]

Hello,

I'm not an American citizen but still a person who wants to serve his country. I'm from The Netherlands and i got diagnosed with type 1 in 2009. It came out while i was having my medical check for the military. I passed every test till they tested my urine, which  showed high levels of sugar. After being send to my local docter to do a full blood test it was sure i had developed type 1 diabetes. After he send the results of my test to the medic staff that handled my application i was send a letter, explaining that i was not allowed to join active duty because i could be a risk if they could not supply the insulin needed.

Now i'm a fit person and i have my diabetes under control. I inject insuline 3 times a-day (1 is a 24 hour insulin that has to be done every day, the other 2 are a short working type and can be used if you eat too many carbs -> Snacks and so on) I can easily live with the 24 hour shot once a day if i move around.

I really agree with FellowT1 his post. Some of us do not need to inject much insuline to have a normal blood sugar. exercising can help keep our blood sugar regular and stay in shape for our positions should they give us a chance.

Reading some of the posts places here brought my hope up and i'll keep fighting to make them give us diabetics a chance to serve.

[metal530]

I am in the army and have been for almost 8 years.  my dad recently got diagnosed with diabetes and i recently showed some possible symptoms of diabetes. my dad decided to test my BG and i came up extremly high so when i get back from my 2 weeks leave from iraq i am going to ask the military to test me.  I will let you all know what they do to a 3 time iraq vet while he is deployed with diabetes.

[Ericulous]

The fact that citizens with diabetes cannot participate in war does seem to be discriminative. However, when looked at logically, the chances of type I diabetic even surviving basic PT would not seem likely. How are you going to be able to sustain your blood sugar without the proper sustenance at hand?? Diabetes is a complex disease that requires the constant monitoring and adjustment of blood sugar. Marines are purposefully starved and deprived of nutrition to condition their bodies for the lack of when the time comes. Food is always limited. Supplies are always limited.
If a "type I diabetic" marine, were behind enemy lines and, unexpectedly, a situation occurred the rendered you without medication, you'd better pray to God some support comes in within the next five hours or so....the support which had to be called in due on your own personal problem separate from mission. And by God you haven't even caught a bullet yet. lol
In layman's terms you'd be considered more of a hindrance to the mission, not an asset.
I have been type I diabetic for over 13 years. To my knowledge, it is medically impossible for a diabetic to physically and mentally push his/her limits without the proper medicinal assistance.
The American Police Force, however, does allow Type I diabetics to act as officers because they do not guarantee that an officer will ever see such hostile action that would separate the individual from his/her medication..............

[hillman216]

i am a type 1 diabetic i have had it since i was 9 and am now turnng 20 i have always wanted to serve my country i have always been in shape my whole life and have been turend down by over 15 recruters. what i dont understand most people are woried about our blood going low all they have to do is give us a couple eppe pens that bring your blood up in a matter or minutes and most people can tell when they are getting low before it is dangerous ley low i thnk that they are just afaride we will out work all of the i guess yyou could call them normal people lol but i am never going to quite trying to get in if any of you have any information on how to get in email me ***@**** fell free to write whatever.
always consinder yourself unstopable.