New policies address asthma, food allergies, and hearing loss to widen eligibility for service.
The U.S. Air Force is broadening medical waiver policies to include mild asthma, food allergies, and moderate hearing loss to increase recruitment after missing its goals for the first time since 1999. Approved by Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Manpower and Reserve Affairs Alex Wagner, the new tolerances took effect on November 1.
Colonel Ian Gregory, head of the Accessions Medical Waiver Division, stated the changes are expected to bring in 600–1,000 additional recruits annually. Applicants with mild asthma, for instance, are now eligible if their condition is rarely triggered and if they avoid career fields, such as firefighting, that could exacerbate symptoms.
Food allergies that were previously disqualifying are now eligible under the waivers, provided the allergies are not severe. Similarly, moderate hearing loss is now permitted under the expanded tolerances, though recruits must avoid career paths that could worsen the condition. These adjustments reflect the Air Force’s efforts to address changing medical and operational realities while maintaining readiness and safety.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Secretary Frank Kendall to be prudent as he heads the U.S. Air Force.
- For Colonel Gregory as he oversees the USAF’s Accessions Medical Waiver Division.
Sources: Navy Times, Stars and Stripes
