Marine Corps Asthma Policy: Eligibility Requirements Explained

The U.S. Marine Corps generally disqualifies applicants with a history of asthma after age 13, per DoD Instruction 6130.03. Waivers are rarely granted and only for mild, remote childhood asthma with no symptoms/medication for years.

Rationale

• Combat environments: extreme exertion, environmental triggers (sand, smoke, cold), limited medical evacuation.
• Risk of exacerbation endangering the individual and unit.
• Inability to carry/deploy with inhalers reliably.

Other Branches

Similar standards across services; Army/Navy/Air Force may grant waivers more frequently for well-controlled, asymptomatic cases with normal pulmonary function tests.

Applicants should consult a recruiter and MEPS for current, individualized determination.