Joining the military can be an excellent career choice for those who seek overall benefits, advanced specialty training, and good remuneration. However, if you have psoriasis, it may pose a challenge to join the military, depending on the severity of your condition.
Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that affects about 2% of the population serving under current U.S Military regulations. While the military offers medical exemptions for various medical conditions, the severity and location of psoriasis can be a factor in determining eligibility.
If you have psoriasis and are considering joining the military, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider who can assess your condition and provide guidance on your eligibility. While psoriasis may present a hurdle to joining the military, it is not an automatic disqualification, and many people with psoriasis are able to serve successfully.
Why Is It Difficult to Join the Military With Psoriasis
Having psoriasis can make it challenging to join the military as it can affect a soldier’s appointment and recruitment process.
If a soldier on duty is diagnosed with psoriasis, they are referred for a thorough examination under military regulations 40-501. Depending on the severity and location of the psoriasis, it could lead to the soldier’s exit from the military or reassignment to another position.
Between 2008 and 2015, attempts were made to treat soldiers with psoriasis in several ways, but they were only deployed to combat medical camps. This highlights the significance of psoriasis as a physical illness in the US military.
However, it is important to note that psoriasis and its impact on soldiers are not unique to the US military. In past conflicts such as the Vietnam War, the first Gulf War, the establishment of peace in Bosnia, and Operation Iraqi Freedom, it was found that 2.1% of on-duty soldiers were suffering from psoriasis.
If you are not fit for the military due to psoriasis, don’t be discouraged as there are other great career alternatives available. It’s crucial to seek guidance from a healthcare provider and explore other career paths that align with your interests and abilities.
Work Opportunities for Psoriasis Patients Who Want to Join the Military
When it comes to joining the military, it’s important to note that there are many career paths available that don’t necessarily require running straight into a battlefield. In fact, there are many ways in which you can serve your country and where psoriasis will not be an obstacle for you.
While some applicants with psoriasis may be accepted into the military, the severity and condition of the disease will be evaluated. Additionally, some applicants who have previously been rejected due to psoriasis may be reconsidered if their qualifications meet the job requirements.
For those who may not meet the eligibility requirements, there are still many opportunities to serve in the military as a civilian. These are called Military Civilian Careers (or jobs) and include a wide range of areas such as engineering, retail, marketing, financial services, information technology, healthcare, business administration, construction, and education.
These civilian careers offer the opportunity to serve your country, work alongside soldiers, and gain valuable experience while pursuing a rewarding career. So if you have psoriasis and are interested in a career with the military, consider exploring the many opportunities available in Military Civilian Careers.
How Can a Civilian With Psoriasis Get a Job in the Military
If you’re a civilian with psoriasis and interested in working for the military, there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of landing a job:
- Meet the basic requirements: Just like any other job, you’ll need to meet the basic qualifications for the job you’re applying for. Make sure to carefully review the job description and requirements before submitting your application.
- Choose a branch of the military: There are several branches of the military, each with different job opportunities. Choose the one that aligns with your interests and skills.
- Choose a location: Military bases are located all over the world, so consider where you’d like to work and what positions are available in that area.
- Create a well-written resume: Your resume is your chance to showcase your skills and experience, so make sure it’s well-written, organized, and highlights your strengths.
- Prepare your application documents: In addition to your resume, you’ll likely need to submit other application documents such as a cover letter, references, and transcripts. Make sure to review the application requirements carefully and submit all required documents on time.
It’s important to note that over 330,000 civilians are currently working on military bases across the world, in over 500 career fields. So even if you have psoriasis, there are still plenty of job opportunities available in the military for civilians.
Is It Possible to Obtain a Military Waiver if You Have Psoriasis
A psoriasis waiver is a document that may be submitted to the military in order to request an exception to the standard requirements for joining or continuing service in the armed forces. This waiver can be a way for individuals with psoriasis to gain acceptance into the military, even though the condition is generally considered disqualifying.
The waiver process can be complex and requires a thorough medical evaluation by a qualified physician. The applicant must provide documentation of their medical history and any treatments they have received for psoriasis, including medications, topical treatments, and phototherapy. The evaluation may also include a physical examination to assess the severity and impact of the condition on the individual’s ability to perform military duties.
In order to be granted a psoriasis waiver, the individual must demonstrate that they can perform their duties without jeopardizing their own health or the safety of others. The waiver may be granted with certain restrictions or accommodations, such as limitations on duty assignments or required medical monitoring.
It’s important to note that not all cases of psoriasis will qualify for a waiver, and the decision ultimately lies with the military’s medical authorities. The waiver process can also take time and may require additional documentation or follow-up evaluations.
Can You Join the Military With Mild Psoriasis
Psoriasis can disqualify a person from joining or continuing their service in the U.S military due to the physical demands of military training and service, which can exacerbate the symptoms of psoriasis. Heavy uniforms, extreme weather conditions, exposure to dirt and sweat, and other factors can all make psoriasis symptoms worse.
In fact, psoriasis is a major concern in the U.S military, and can make it difficult for soldiers to complete their mission without any issues. When a physical examination is performed at the time of enlistment, its primary purpose is to ensure that soldiers are completely fit and healthy enough to meet the rigorous demands of military service.
According to a lieutenant colonel of the U.S military, soldiers with psoriasis may require medical treatment that could interfere with their ability to perform their duties. For these reasons, psoriasis can be enough to disqualify a person from joining or continuing their service in the military.
However, it’s important to note that there are still plenty of job opportunities available in the military for civilians with psoriasis who are interested in serving their country. By carefully reviewing job requirements and choosing positions that align with their interests and skills, individuals with psoriasis can still find meaningful careers within the military.
Why Is Psoriasis a Medical Exclusion Factor for the Military
The safety of soldiers is a top priority in the military, and there are various reasons why psoriasis can disqualify a person from joining or continuing their service. One of the main reasons is related to the cost of training and the potential risk to safety.
The military invests millions of dollars in training soldiers, and if a soldier is unable to perform their duty due to psoriasis, all of that investment is wasted. Moreover, the safety of every soldier is critical, and even a minor risk factor like psoriasis can potentially compromise the safety of the entire team.
While psoriasis can be a manageable condition for many people, in some cases, it can be severe and may interfere with a soldier’s ability to carry out their mission. This can disrupt team performance and potentially put others’ lives at risk. In addition, the physical and emotional stress of deployment, such as wearing heavy uniforms and equipment, can exacerbate the symptoms of psoriasis and make it more difficult to manage.
It is important to understand that the military is a demanding and challenging environment, and psoriasis may not be compatible with the physical and mental demands of the job. While it may be disappointing for those with psoriasis who want to serve, there are other ways to contribute to their country and build a rewarding career outside of the military.
What if You Are Diagnosed With Psoriasis While on Military Duty
If a soldier is diagnosed with psoriasis during their service, they will likely be referred for a medical evaluation. The severity and location of the psoriasis will be taken into consideration, along with the individual’s specific job duties and whether or not their condition would interfere with their ability to perform those duties.
In some cases, soldiers with psoriasis may be able to continue their service with accommodations, such as being assigned to a different role that is less physically demanding. In other cases, they may be medically discharged from the military.
It’s important for soldiers with psoriasis to disclose their condition to their medical providers so that they can receive appropriate care and treatment. Additionally, soldiers with psoriasis may be able to access resources and support through the military’s medical system, such as dermatologists and specialty medications.
What Happens if Psoriasis Is Diagnosed During the Physical Examination
If psoriasis is detected during a physical examination, soldiers may not be dismissed from service immediately. Instead, they will be provided with treatment facilities to control early symptoms with medication.
However, there is still a possibility that the condition could worsen and potentially interfere with their ability to perform their duties. For this reason, soldiers with psoriasis may not be sent to combat camps, but rather assigned to roles where their symptoms have a better chance of staying under control.
If the condition worsens despite treatment, soldiers may be referred for further evaluation and potential reassignment to a non-combat role or even medical discharge from the military. It is important for soldiers with psoriasis to inform their superiors and seek appropriate medical attention to ensure the best outcome for their health and their ability to serve in the military.
How Does Psoriasis Affect the Military Duties
Psoriasis can have a significant impact on a soldier’s ability to perform their duties in the military. Soldiers are often deployed to environments that are hot, humid, and physically demanding. Wearing heavy uniforms and helmets can exacerbate the itching and discomfort associated with psoriasis.
If a soldier’s psoriasis symptoms worsen during a mission, they may not be able to perform their duties properly, which could compromise the safety of the team and the success of the mission.
While there are effective treatments for psoriasis, some of them, such as biological treatments, require refrigeration and regular injections, which may not be available in deployment settings. This can make it challenging for soldiers with psoriasis to manage their symptoms and maintain their health while on duty.
In conclusion, the military places the safety and well-being of its soldiers above all else, which is why psoriasis can be a major obstacle for those who wish to serve. While this may be discouraging, it is important to focus on career opportunities that are available and where psoriasis is not a disqualifying factor. It is essential to channel your efforts towards careers that align with your strengths and interests and offer opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Despite the challenges of psoriasis, advancements in medical research may offer new treatment options that can potentially benefit those who want to join the military in the future. Until then, it is crucial to focus on the present and make the most of your opportunities. Remember that your contribution to society and your impact on others are not limited by a single diagnosis. With determination and perseverance, you can achieve great things in life, no matter what obstacles you face.