These disqualifications can include illegal drug use, alcohol dependence, not meeting height/weight requirements, having certain contagious diseases, among others. Additionally, law violations can prevent you from enlisting, such as being convicted of any crime that prohibits you from carrying a firearm.
Reasons the Military Won't Accept You
The reasons the Army won't accept you are numerous; they include age and weight restrictions, medical and criminal histories, and even certain tattoos, according to the team at We Are the Mighty. Similar reasons exist for the other branches, as well.
There are age, citizenship, physical, education, height/weight, criminal record, medical, and drug history standards that can exclude you from joining the military.
Recruiters generally tell applicants that they must be off medication for a considerable length of time — by far the most important measure to take — and show that they are able to function properly while off medication prior to starting the enlistment process and to be considered for a waiver.
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.
Although services can accept applicant waivers with less stringent restrictions (e.g., the Air Force will consider waivers for recruits stable off medications for 15 months), ADHD diagnosis is consistently a common disqualifier for military service.
Can You Enlist If You Have Depression? A person with a depressive disorder must be stable, without treatment or symptoms for a continuous 36 months, to be eligible to enlist.
To become an Army soldier you have to complete Year 10 or equivalent with passes in English and mathematics. As a part of the application process, you will need to attend a YOU Session, Assessment Day and pass your pre-entry fitness assessment.
Mental Health and Enlisting
Psychotic disorders are one disqualifier. Neurotic, anxiety, mood, somatoform, dissociative, or factitious disorders that required inpatient treatment, six-plus months of outpatient care, or symptoms that mar your ability to do the job – these can also disqualify one from service.
Age limits
Air Force: 17 - 39. Army: 17 - 35. Coast Guard: 17 - 31.
Yes, it is possible to fail basic training.
More than half a million army applicants have withdrawn or been rejected over the past eight years despite a worsening manpower crisis, figures have revealed.
You can't have hand tattoos except for a single ring tattoo 3/8 of an inch or smaller. Any tattoo has to be smaller than your hand. Meanwhile, arm tats must be two inches above or one inch below your elbow, and half- and full-sleeves aren't allowed.
Soldiers are tested for HIV before deployment, but there's no routine testing for other STDs. At present, the military tests for HIV, but unlike other routine screenings for things such as blood pressure and cholesterol, there is no regular, periodic testing for STDs.
Soldiers who have failed an APFT are often put into a "remedial program" first, which includes additional physical training. An APFT failure also results in the soldier being "flagged" which make them ineligible for promotion and attendance to military training and/or schools.
Joining the Australian Air Force, Army, or Navy, Can Be Difficult Without Preparation. Because of the high level of competition and standards needed to join the Australian Defence Force (ADF), the initial examination is intentionally difficult.
Australian Army Salary FAQs
How much does Australian Army pay per year? The average Australian Army salary ranges from approximately $72,000 per year for a Driver Specialist to $118,500 per year for an Engineer. Australian Army employees rate the overall compensation and benefits package 3.7/5 stars.
Most people will join the ADF via General Entry. No prior experience or qualifications are needed to pursue an exciting career in the Navy, Army or Air Force. The nationally recognised industry training we provide will place you among the best in your field and you'll be paid while you train.
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.
Past behavioral issues, to include cutting, bipolar disorder and depression, as well as drug and alcohol abuse generally prevent someone from enlisting or earning a commission. However, the Army will grant waivers in some cases.
They are allowed to date other members of the military as well. These are known as “mil-to-mil” relationships. There are some restrictions when it comes to these mil-to-mil relationships: Enlisted members are not allowed to date a subordinate or anyone above them in their chain of command.
However, because ADHD is not disqualifying per se, individuals who want to serve in the military are encouraged to pursue this option, along with other career possibilities.
According to the information presented by the US Air Force and other branches, people with Autism Spectrum Disorder aren't forbidden to go into the military. However, it is restricted to people that have a condition that would personally hinder their ability to carry out their duties.
Current or history of academic skills or perceptual defects (315) secondary to organic or functional mental disorders, including, but not limited to dyslexia, that interfere with school or employment, are disqualifying.