{"id":2381228,"date":"2024-12-18T03:54:01","date_gmt":"2024-12-18T08:54:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/to-bolster-recruiting-numbers-air-force-expands-waivers-for-people-with-asthma-hearing-loss-washington-examiner\/"},"modified":"2024-12-18T03:56:58","modified_gmt":"2024-12-18T08:56:58","slug":"to-bolster-recruiting-numbers-air-force-expands-waivers-for-people-with-asthma-hearing-loss-washington-examiner","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/to-bolster-recruiting-numbers-air-force-expands-waivers-for-people-with-asthma-hearing-loss-washington-examiner\/","title":{"rendered":"To bolster recruiting numbers, Air Force expands waivers for people with asthma, hearing loss &#8211; Washington Examiner"},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"mashsb-container mashsb-main mashsb-stretched\"><div class=\"mashsb-box\"><div class=\"mashsb-count mash-medium\" style=\"float:left\"><div class=\"counts mashsbcount\">34<\/div><span class=\"mashsb-sharetext\">SHARES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mashsb-buttons\"><a class=\"mashicon-facebook mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservativenewsdaily.net%2Fbreaking-news%2Fto-bolster-recruiting-numbers-air-force-expands-waivers-for-people-with-asthma-hearing-loss-washington-examiner%2F\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-twitter mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=&amp;url=https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=2381228&amp;via=ConservNewsDly\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-subscribe mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"#\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Subscribe<\/span><\/a><div class=\"onoffswitch2 mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" style=\"display:none\"><\/div><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                <div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div><\/aside>\n            <!-- Share buttons by mashshare.net - Version: 4.0.47--><p>The U.S. Air Force is revising its waiver policies to enhance recruitment\u200b efforts. These changes will \u2064primarily target individuals with asthma and hearing loss, allowing more candidates who previously might have been disqualified to \u200djoin. The initiative is part of a\u2064 broader strategy \u2063to <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3YuVZYV\">boost enlistment numbers\u200c amid ongoing challenges<\/a> in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/this-school-year-must-be-a-return-to-normalcy\/\" title=\"This School Year Must Be A Return To Normalcy\">meeting recruitment goals<\/a>. The U.S.\u200d Air Force&#8217;s decision to revise its waiver policies reflects a\u200b important shift in \u200dapproach \u2064to recruitment, especially \u200din light of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/netflix-co-ceo-steps-down-as-q4-financial-report-misses-on-earnings\/\" title=\"Netflix Co-CEO Steps Down As Q4 Financial Report Misses On Earnings\">recent challenges<\/a> in meeting enlistment\u200b targets. \u2063By focusing on conditions such as asthma\u2062 and\u200c hearing loss, the Air Force aims to \u2063expand the pool \u2063of potential candidates who can serve, recognizing that certain\u200b medical conditions may not \u2063necessarily impede a\u2064 person&#8217;s ability to \u2062fulfill military duties effectively.<\/p>\n<p>This initiative not only highlights a growing need to adapt to \u200dchanging demographics and societal norms but also underscores the importance of inclusivity within military recruitment. It suggests a willingness to evaluate candidates on a more individual\u2063 basis\u2064 rather than adhering strictly to previous disqualifications, which might\u200d have excluded capable individuals.<\/p>\n<p>As recruitment efforts \u2062become more competitive, these policy changes could play a\u200c crucial role in attracting a diverse range \u2064of talent that reflects the broader society. The Air Force&#8217;s proactive stance\u2064 is\u200d part of a larger\u200c strategy to address staffing shortages and ensure operational readiness,acknowledging that diverse \u2063backgrounds and experiences contribute positively\u2064 to the military&#8217;s effectiveness.<\/p>\n<p>these updates to the waiver policies may serve as a model for othre branches of the military facing similar\u2063 recruitment challenges, fostering a culture that encourages a wider array of candidates to\u200d consider military\u200d service.  <\/p>\n<p class=\"readmore\">\n    <button onclick=\"showReadMore()\" id=\"readmorebtn\">Read more&#8230;<\/button>\n<\/p>\n<hr id=\"line\">\n<span id=\"more\"><\/p>\n<p><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><\/p>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-button\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-icon td-icon-mobile\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-header-search-button-mob dropdown-toggle\" data-toggle=\"dropdown\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-search-icon td-icon-search\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-button\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-icon td-icon-mobile\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<div class=\"tdb-drop-down-search\" aria-labelledby=\"td-header-search-button\">\n<div class=\"tdb-drop-down-search-inner\">\n<form method=\"get\" class=\"tdb-search-form\" action=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/\"><\/form>\n<div class=\"tdb-aj-search\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/#\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Search\" class=\"tdb-head-search-btn dropdown-toggle\" data-toggle=\"dropdown\"><i class=\"tdb-search-icon td-icon-search\"><\/i><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<h1 class=\"tdb-title-text\">To bolster recruiting numbers, Air Force expands waivers for people with asthma, hearing loss&nbsp;<\/h1>\n<div><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-title-line\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<div id=\"Brid_1914948\" class=\"tpd-featured-video bridtv\"><\/div>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/air-force\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">U.S. Air Force<\/a> is making changes to waiver policies to increase recruitment. The waiver adjustments will focus on several health issues, which should result in a greater number of applicants being accepted into the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/military\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">military<\/a> branch.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"article-paywall\">\n<p>Applicants with asthma, food allergies, and various degrees of hearing loss will now be granted waivers to join the U.S. Air Force. These waivers have some limitations, most notably that such recruits will not be permitted for job <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.airandspaceforces.com\/air-force-waiver-asthma-allergies-hearing-loss\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">opportunities<\/a> with stricter medical restrictions, such as those in special warfare and aviation. The new waiver policy is reportedly expected to bring in up to 1,000 more annual recruits.<\/p>\n<p>Recruits who have asthma will receive what is called an assignment limitation code at the beginning of their Air Force career, according to <em>Air &amp; Space Forces Magazine. <\/em>This will ensure they are not placed in jobs or locations that could endanger a recruit&rsquo;s health. Similar preventive processes will be applied to Air Force applicants who receive waivers for food allergies and hearing loss. This is especially true for recruits who require an EpiPen to treat any food allergy exposure.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;These people are still at risk, but it&rsquo;s felt that the risk is acceptable,&rdquo; said Col. Ian Gregory. &ldquo;Thus far, we haven&rsquo;t had too many problems with people who <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/eczema-may-be-linked-to-potential-for-other-health-problems\/\" title=\"Eczema May Be Linked to Potential for Other Health Problems\">develop food allergies<\/a> while on active duty, and they do deploy and carry an EpiPen.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<p>The move comes as the U.S. Air Force has struggled to hit recruiting numbers in recent years. After falling short by about 10% of its recruitment objectives in 2023 for the first time since 1999, the Air Force hit its goal in 2024. Next year, the Air Force announced aggressive plans to <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.airandspaceforces.com\/air-force-recruiting-goals-2025\/#:~:text=NATIONAL%20HARBOR%2C%20Md.,800%20for%20the%20Space%20Force\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">increase<\/a> recruitment by 16%.<\/p>\n<p>&#8203;&#8203;&ldquo;It&rsquo;s ambitious, but I believe it is executable,&rdquo; <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.airandspaceforces.com\/air-force-recruiting-goals-2025\/#:~:text=NATIONAL%20HARBOR%2C%20Md.,800%20for%20the%20Space%20Force\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">said<\/a> Brig. Gen. Christopher Amrhein.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The medical waivers were a strategic choice that presented an opportunity to maximize value on a return on investment in recruits, Air Force officials said. Asthma, food allergies, and hearing loss comprise a fair number of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.airandspaceforces.com\/air-force-waiver-asthma-allergies-hearing-loss\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">waiver requests<\/a> with &ldquo;low operational risk and additional medical support.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><\/a><\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;We chose these three diagnoses because we wanted to get the most bang for our buck,&rdquo; Gregory said.<\/p>\n<p>The policy changes went into effect on Nov. 1, <em>Air &amp; Space Forces Magazine <\/em>reported.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p> <script data-cfasync=\"false\" src=\"http:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/cdn-cgi\/scripts\/5c5dd728\/cloudflare-static\/email-decode.min.js\"><\/script><script>!function(){var g=window;g.googletag=g.googletag||{},g.googletag.cmd=g.googletag.cmd||[],g.googletag.cmd.push(function(){g.googletag.pubads().setTargeting(\"has-featured-video\",\"true\")})}();<\/script><script>var _bp=_bp||[];_bp.push({\"div\":\"Brid_1914948\",\"obj\":{\"id\":\"27789\",\"width\":\"1280\",\"height\":\"720\",\"stickyDirection\":\"below\",\"video\":\"1914948\"}});<\/script><script defer src=\"https:\/\/services.brid.tv\/player\/build\/brid.min.js\"><\/script><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Air Force expands waivers for asthma, hearing loss to boost recruitment<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2677,"featured_media":2381229,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/US_Russia_Syria_4-1024x682.jpg","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[45104,24891,3698,16956],"class_list":["post-2381228","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","tag-air-force","tag-asthma","tag-recruiting","tag-waivers"],"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/US_Russia_Syria_4-1024x682.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2381228","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2677"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2381228"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2381228\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2381232,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2381228\/revisions\/2381232"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2381229"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2381228"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2381228"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2381228"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}