Military Service

Hi my name is Scott and I am 27. I have had my pacemaker since I was 18 and have had one Pulse Generator replacement. I was born with a complete heart block.

I have been disappointed that I have seemingly been blocked from military service due to my device, and here and there I read all of these stories about military folks with pacemakers. What gives? Also, recently I found out I may not even be allowed to become a police officer with my pacer :(

Does anyone have advice as to how I can circumvent these rules?

2 Comments

military question

by Gonzi - 2008-04-28 02:04:15

Hey Scott
I don't really have any good news for you. Until there is a change in recruitment policy, there is little chance of any getting around the rules.
i know there seems to be a few posts re military members, but please do not think pacemakers in the military are the norm, this is definately not the case. As a test case for pacemakers in the military, I know from first hand experience that even tho I have partialy won my fight, the defence forces are still very much erring on the side of caution when it comes to such devices. I had already been in the military for quite some time before i was diagnosed with a block. and still the knee jerk reaction was to discharge me immediately, and that was even with my recognised service. So to allow a new recruit in, with any long term pre existing medical conditions (not just pacers), to them seems a large commitment into the unknown. Maybe, if more of us prove ourselves in-service , they will look at each recruits case on it's own merits.

LITTLE CHANCE

by peter - 2008-04-28 03:04:16

I dont think you will persuade them. In the military rules are rules and you wont be able to bend them. Still I wish you luck if thats what you want to do. Pacemakers can have their advantages as when you are being interviewed for a job and realise you dont want it you can save time by playing the pacemaker card. Just tell them you think they ought to know that you have a heart pacemaker and the change in their complexion at the interview is very entertaining. Ive had great fun doing it. I laugh all the way home. You could train to be a nurse and work in the hospital in germany that specialises in reparing the casualties from Iraq. Its virtually 100% American. Thats as close as you will get to active combat. Cheers Peter

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I have an ICD which is both a pacer/defib. I have no problems with mine and it has saved my life.