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.
If you are found trafficking, selling, or distributing narcotics, including marijuana. 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.
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.
People with ADHD can join the military, but they might be asked to undergo a psychological evaluation before enlisting. The evaluation will give current information about symptoms, functioning, and possible support needs.
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.
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.
It generally disqualifies anyone that is or has taken medication for mental illness in the last year. If it's been more than a year you may receive a waiver but the military will need to examine your medical records and speak to your physician.
Conversation. Quickly check if you're eligible to join the Army before you start applying, including what age, nationality, education and other basic requirements. Here Autism is banned but they also have a waiver that allows for Aspergers. I couldn't but that doesn't mean someone else couldn't!
ADHD The Armed Forces stated that candidates with hyperactivity, uncomplicated by violence or criminality, absent for more than two years without treatment, may be fit for enlistment.
Essentially, any visible body tattoos are prohibited. The only exception is one ring tattoo per hand where a regular ring would lie. Leg tattoos must be two inches below or above the knee, and cosmetic Army tattoos must be conservative and are only allowed on women.
Recruits have a discharge as of right (DAOR) at certain points in their early days in the forces. This allows them to leave by giving fourteen days' notice.
Each branch of the military has age limits to enlist in active duty: Air Force: 17 - 39. Army: 17 - 35. Coast Guard: 17 - 31.
“Soldiers who fail to qualify on their individual weapon but have demonstrated the motivation to achieving the task standards are considered for reassignment to another basic combat training company or battalion.” Luckily, very few fail multiple attempts after retraining, which can result in separation.
The hardest military branch to get into in terms of education requirements is the Air Force. The military branch with the toughest basic training is the Marine Corps. The hardest military branch for non-males because of exclusivity and male dominance is the Marine Corps. What is the smallest military branch?
Who can join the UK armed forces? Nationality and residence requirements. People applying to join the UK's armed forces must be either a British or Commonwealth citizen or from the Republic of Ireland (either as a sole or dual national). Gurkhas serve under special and unique arrangements.
Having a previously diagnosed mental health condition such as depression can actually be a disqualifying factor for service in the United States military, though individuals may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
A candidate with a history of two of more episodes of depression or a recurring or persistent depressive disorder (F33), severe depression with psychosis, manic disorder (F30) or bipolar affective disorder (F31) will be UNFIT.
Without proper planning, symptoms can flare-up and affect everyday living. Military training will be strenuous both psychologically and physically — both of which are known triggers for IBS. Symptom flare-ups will interfere with training and could be grounds for dismissal.
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.
No military branch will accept recruits that have active asthma that may affect their ability to perform their duties.
In the Army, Navy, and Marines in particular, recruiters largely advise applicants with ADHD to be off any and all stimulant or nonstimulant medications for at least one year.
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.
Trained healthcare personnel may determine if the Service member requires further evaluation or health education and contact the Service member. The MHAs consist of a two-stage self-report assessment using validated tools to assess alcohol use, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and depressive symptoms.
The following relationships are permitted in the military and not considered fraternization: Dating between enlisted members of the same rank. Dating between enlisted members and civilian employees or government contractors.