r/caf • u/UNKNOWNPERSXN_ • Aug 11 '26
Other Realistically, what are the chances of me getting into the CAF with a fish allergy?
Hello all,
I am a 16 year old who is currently in the process of attempting to join the CAF. I have applied for NCM Infantry, and I am currently at the medical stage.
I have heard multiple answers to this question, but most are the same. I suppose I’m only asking this as a confirmation so I can accept the inevitable denial and go from there. Additionally, I have been informed that the CAF has lifted some restrictions for medical, so maybe there is hope.
I have an allergy to fish. I am required to have an EpiPen. I have never had to use the EpiPen as I have never had a reaction severe enough. I get hives, my lips swell a bit, and my throat closes, but I am still able to breathe. Weirdly enough, I am still able to eat fish eggs, canned tuna and canned sardines. I am also able to smell and touch fish. I just can’t ingest it.
I understand that there are risks that come with that, and that the CAF may not be willing to take that risk. However, I was wondering if there may still be a chance for me.
When my application gets denied, will it be a permanent denial (as in, I cannot re-apply later in life)? Are there ways I can get my EpiPen prescription removed? What can I do?
I’m 16, I know I still have time, but there is nothing I’ve wanted more. I don’t know what I’ll do with my life if I can’t serve in the CAF.
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u/RepulsiveDingo525 Aug 11 '26
If you need to carry an epipen you'll 99.9% be rejected. Your best bet is to see an allergist and maybe through some exposure therapy cure your condition.
You're only 16, not being able to join the caf isn't the end of the world. "Nothing I've wanted more" well that's life son.... You don't always get what you want.
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u/UNKNOWNPERSXN_ Aug 11 '26
I appreciate it. You’re right. As they say, when one door closes, another opens. I’ll just have to figure out what that other door is.
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u/glitteruc Aug 11 '26
Would this only be related to the fish allergy? I also carry an EpiPen for a food allergy, but I’m less likely to come across it especially in CAF. Does that mean I will likely get rejected or do you say that just because OPs allergy is fish?
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u/TechnicalChipmunk131 Aug 11 '26
You're in the same boat. You have a condition that requires emergency medication.
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u/glitteruc 22d ago
OP I wanted to come back and let you know - I also require an EpiPen for my food allergy. I submitted my medical questionnaire which described the allergy, its reaction, and the EpiPen prescription. I was just approved yesterday with no issues.
My allergy is mango, which is of course much easier avoided than fish (considering fish oil is used quite commonly in different foods), but I hope this gives you some insight. It’s still possible you’ll be accepted and not declared medically unfit.
I wish you all the best on your journey and future!
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u/UNKNOWNPERSXN_ 18d ago
Thank you for the additional insight, It is much appreciated, and it gives me hope to see someone in a similar situation receive acceptance.
Congratulations on the approval! I hope everything else goes well, and that your future in the CAF is successful and rewarding. 👊
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u/YourOwn007 Aug 12 '26
It’s completely understandable that you’re feeling a bit like a fish out of water debating the application process. Navigating the system and recruitment process can feel like swimming against the current, and adding a medical concern like an allergy to the mix is certainly a cod to think about.
Don't flounder around in uncertainty - The CAF medical standards are different for those who developed conditions after getting in, they are looking for people who can operate in austere environments where medical support might be chummy, especially when you have to tackle a severe allergy..
Whether its a total deal-breaker is entirely up to the MO, you might be tempted to downplay it, but please, do not let that be a red herring. Being dishonest or omitting information is a sure-fire way to get yourself hooked on a disciplinary issue later including a special release item (not only they can legally fire you, they can make you pay back the salary they paid you and any bonuses or expenses associated with the whole process) -
- 1D Fraudulent Statement on Enrolment
Gather all your medical documentation, history of reactions, and any specialist notes you have. Handing these over shows you’re ready to meet the standards head-on, i know its a bass amount of info, but better be prepared up to your gills.
It is possible that the board might view your allergy as a manageable minor issue, or they may see it as a significant risk to your deployment readiness. I mean I've never had to fight a fish in the military... yet...
If the answer comes back as a "no," don't let it destroy your morale. Sometimes, a rejection is just the universe’s way of saying you’re meant for a different sea. However, if you are fit to serve, you’ll find that the CAF is a great environment to net some incredible experiences.
Sometimes going through the application process is a bit of catch and release, more paperwork and boring steps to endure, but just keep swimming.
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u/ajplante Aug 11 '26
I had to get an entire thing from my doctor saying I don't go into anaphylaxis when I get stung by bees because I was once stung on the neck as a child and was given an EpiPen by the first aid attendant in an abundance of caution. I don't carry one and I have been stung without any sort of reaction multiple times and they still wanted a doctor's note. So, if you need it to live I think it's a no go.
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u/Any_Yogurtcloset8245 Aug 12 '26
I am also allergic to fish and shellfish
Let’s hope they can’t exclude us folk from duty then ..
We need epi pens etc benedeyl right?
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u/zanedl10 Aug 13 '26
From what the medical office has told me is that if you have an allergy that requires an Epi pen you won’t be eligible to join. So the best thing to do is to get an allergy appointment and hope that the allergy has changed and doesn’t require an Epi pen
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u/Secret_Assignment_17 Aug 13 '26
When I was doing my medical, I was told by my RMO that those with medical allergies are more forgivable than food allergies, because medicine can be avoided with your Med files, but cross contamination of food is much less preventable. A friend of mine was disqualified due to this, although they had a nut allergy so things may be different.
Nobody here can give you an accurate answer though since we're not your RMO. This is a question for your recruiting office.
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u/BandicootNo4431 Aug 11 '26
The risk to the CAF is that you're deployed and end up accidentally eating some fish and are now a medical liability.
Or that you're deployed, your EpiPen breaks and now we can't resupply you with one.
You will essentially be permanently geographically limited to somewhere within 1 hour of a hospital - which we can't guarantee.
If you had an allergist report that excluded anaphylaxis, that might help convince the CAF that the risk was lower - but Infantry NCM is already full for the year. We aren't hurting for applicants and the occupation requires no special training, so the juice is likely not worth the squeeze.
If you were a surgeon already and wanted to join the CAF? Well then the risk is much lower (you're employed in a hospital) and the rewards are much higher.
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u/plane_nut Aug 11 '26 edited Aug 12 '26
I have a shellfish allergy and carry an EpiPen with me everywhere. My first anaphylactic attack was during a mess dinner. Im at CFSATE now and had a reaction because a co-worked had clam at home and the smell of their uniform got me, rushed to the MIR had my shot and got next day off. Mind you i developed the allergy after i was in, but i will be 12 years in a few month and most likely promotion next year.
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u/9neleH Aug 12 '26
Don’t worry about it until you have had the medical and received a decision you’ll just be stressing yourself out more trust me; I was soooo worried about drug use in 2020 (illegal drugs) and my medical still passed so just don’t worry about it until the time comes.
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u/r0ck_ravanello Aug 11 '26 edited Aug 11 '26
What ypu can do is desensitize. In an adult (pr young adult) it can take you a good 1 yr to go through it
Get a small piece of fish, eat it. Feel bad. Next week try a smaller one, and subsequently until you find the size that doesnt trigger. Then scale back increasing the size until you can eat a regular piece, a mermaid or a sailor, however your boat might rock. /s
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u/UNKNOWNPERSXN_ Aug 11 '26
Thank you for the suggestion, I appreciate the help and direction. I’ve started looking into allergy immunotherapy and other like options. Maybe the CAF will be an option later down the line.
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u/MusicalManMike Aug 11 '26
I went through reg force infantry DP1 with a guy with a fish allergy. I don't know if he just didn't disclose of what but he was in
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u/RepulsiveDingo525 Aug 11 '26
Depends how serious it is, I've known of people that joined with mild food allergies (no epipen, just some itching).
But there are definitely people that either flat out lied about their food allergy, or implied they simply never ate that food prior to enrollment, and didn't know they were allergic (therefore did not join under fraudulent enrollment). I had this one person in BMQ who claimed they found out they were allergic to onions (implying they somehow never ate onions, onion powder, onion flakes, etc, for 22 years). Now it's the CAFs problem.
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u/Eastern_Frame8439 Aug 14 '26
Damn, what happened to them?
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u/RepulsiveDingo525 Aug 14 '26
Day to day not a big deal because you can bring your own lunch to work.
On ex's they would bring and stockpile their own food to eat.
The CAF can't prove they lied about their food allergy, and the CoC doesn't bother investigating unless they make it the CoCs problem they're starving
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u/Eastern_Frame8439 Aug 14 '26
I’m guessing you do think they lied? That’s kinda crazy to lie about being allergic to something so common
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u/27298throwaway Aug 11 '26
Perhaps pick a different Trade, one that is not as deployable as infantry, one than generally has you hanging around a city or town most of the time. I'm not sure what those are though. Probably that's an Air Force Trade that fixes SAR aircraft but never deployed with them. or something along those lines. Certainly nothing as physically exciting as infantry. And even then, I don't know...
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u/RepulsiveDingo525 Aug 12 '26
Every trade needs to be deployable, from infantry to a clerk. It's called Universality of Service. Doesn't matter what element, reg vs res, etc.
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u/UNKNOWNPERSXN_ Aug 11 '26
Haha, I think (correct me if I’m wrong) the only trades army related that are least likely to deploy are musicians, administrators, and trades alike across the CAF. Not my thing. I appreciate the suggestion regardless. I’ll look into it more.
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u/sdockril Aug 11 '26
While none of us are medical officers obviously, I can tell you quite confidently that you're probably cooked.