According to the U.S. Air Force Medical Standards Directory, Autism Spectrum Disorder is not disqualifying for continued military service unless it is currently--or has a history of--compromising military duty or training.
In the United States[47] and United Kingdom[48], autism is considered a disqualifier for military service unless a waiver is granted.
If you tell the military that you've ever had an autism diagnosis, almost certainly not. You can request a waiver, and submit your rediagnosis paperwork, and it will almost certainly get turned down.
People with autism could be recruited to the military to aid the UK's response to cyber threats, according to a defence minister.
Individuals with ADHD need a medical waiver to be able to enlist if they meet these points, with the branches — Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard, and Air Force — typically requiring that applicants be off medication for several months and prove that they can function without it to be considered for a waiver.
There are age, citizenship, physical, education, height/weight, criminal record, medical, and drug history standards that can exclude you from joining the military.
For anxiety disorders (for example, panic disorder), a person cannot enter the armed services if they needed any inpatient care, or outpatient care for more than 12 months cumulatively. They must not have needed any treatment for their anxiety disorder in the past 36 months.
While a mental health diagnosis generally disqualifies a recruit from the military, therapy and medication are available to service members diagnosed while in uniform.
Army applicants with autism spectrum disorders are automatically disqualified, per Defense Department accession policy, though sometimes medical enlistment waivers are granted after a visit to a DoD behavioral health consultant, according to Ferguson.
A diagnosis of depression does not automatically preclude a member from deploying provided they have been effectively treated and have been free of symptoms for a specified period of time.
Personality and Behavioral Disorders
Disturbances of conduct, impulse control disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, or other personality or behavior disorders characterized by frequent encounters with law enforcement agencies, and antisocial attitudes or behavior also warrant disqualification from service.
In the military's scheme of things, serious disorders such as major depression, anxiety or schizophrenia may be grounds for medical discharge or retirement, usually depending on their severity and amenability to treatment.
While a mental health diagnosis generally disqualifies a recruit from the military, therapy and medication are available to service members diagnosed while in uniform.
Apart from age and educational qualifications, the military outlines medical standards for enlistment and appointment, including an extensive list of physical, mental, and behavioral conditions that could disqualify an otherwise exceptional candidate. ADHD is classified as one of those restricted conditions.
To be found unfit for duty, you: must have a medical condition that disqualifies you from fitness for service, and. cannot reasonably be expected to perform the duties of your rank and military career due to this medical condition.
Antidepressants are disqualifying for one year after you stop taking them. You must stop with your doctor's advice; do not stop on your own. These medications often have to be reduced slowly to lower side effects and reduce risk of relapse.
Some of the reason that the military rejects potential recruits—obesity, illegal drug use—reflect concerns about combat readiness. But the military also rejects recruits who have used Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) medication within the past year.
The Army already allows tattoos on soldiers' arms and legs as long as they do not become visible above the collar. Face tattoos are prohibited, and soldiers are not allowed to cover up tattoos with bandages or wrappings to comply with the policy, officials said.
This includes Ativan, Xanax, Valium, Klonopin, etc. CII stimulants taken for ADHD/ADD, like Ritalin, Concerta, Adderall, Dexedrine, Focalin XR, Vyvanse, etc. Sedative hypnotics/amestics, when taken for more than three months for the treatment of chronic insomnia.
ENLISTED. You must be 17–39 years of age, a U.S. citizen and have a high school diploma, GED with 15 college credits or GED.
The ideal height requirement for men in the military is between 60-80 inches / 152-203 cm. Anyone above or below this requirement is likely to get rejected.
If you have three or more convictions related to driving while intoxicated, drugged, or impaired in the past five years before joining. If you are convicted for five or more misdemeanors. If you are unable to pass a drug or alcohol test, or if you have current charges pending against you.
With inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity being predominant symptoms, an ADHD diagnosis raises justifiable “red flags” concerning military service as it is a frequent reason applicants are disqualified (National Institute of Mental Health [NIMH], n.d.; Department of Defense, 2018).
Generally, people who are enlisted are not permitted to take ADHD medication, particularly stimulant medication. In addition, the recruiter will want to verify that the individual is able to function adequately while unmedicated.
Are Glasses Allowed in the Military? Yes, it is acceptable to wear glasses when you are in the military.