Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
My 15yo has ADHD and wants to enlist in the Army once he is done with high school. I heard something on tv the other day about ADHD being a disqualifier for enlisting. Does anyone know if this is true? I looked it up online and didn't see anything specific to this.
My 15yo has ADHD and wants to enlist in the Army once he is done with high school. I heard something on tv the other day about ADHD being a disqualifier for enlisting. Does anyone know if this is true? I looked it up online and didn't see anything specific to this.
Doesn't matter how it is today as rules can change all the time. Unfortunately going to have to wait until then. BTW, they have a pilot GED program; since it's a pilot I don't know if it will be around but if it is, he can enlist on his 17th birthday with parents consent. He would then attend the armys GED course then ship off to basic. Deal isn't for everyone but if you know you want to go into the military for whatever reason it works.
I believe it has something to do with medication. He cannot be taking it at time of enlistment, and I believe he has to be off of it for at least one or two years prior.
That is just hearsay, though. Sorry I could not be of more help.
ADHD AND the medication is a problem. I had an applicant that had taken ritalin on a trial basis...and was initially disqualified. I had to get a letter from the doctor that stated he only took the meds on 2 occasions, and then requested a waiver. Even though the Army allowed him to join, they had very few jobs to offer him. Regs do change, you can call your local recruiters and have them check the regs.
Your local recruiter will definitely be able to give you the best information. BTW, don't let them convince your son to be less than honest about any conditions he may have. Some recruiters will say "oh, don't worry about putting that in the application". Most of them wouldn't but just want to make you aware that there are some snakes in the grass.
Quote:
Originally Posted by TheJagMan
BTW, they have a pilot GED program; since it's a pilot I don't know if it will be around but if it is, he can enlist on his 17th birthday with parents consent. He would then attend the armys GED course then ship off to basic. Deal isn't for everyone but if you know you want to go into the military for whatever reason it works.
I guess the Army is tired of waiting for that extra year. I suppose it doesn't really make a difference if the person is really intent on joining but this is an interesting program.
Both my sons have ADD, but were not taking any medication at the time of enlistment, or after. They have both thrived in the Army's structured environment. Is your son learning coping skills in order to go without medication? My son chose to give his up in high school because it was stunting his growth and he didn't like the way it made him feel.
I do believe that you can get your son in the military they will soon cure him of his "adhd". In fact, I'd be willing to bet on it!
I don't know too much about add/adhd but if it is a real condition, I don't think they can cure anyone of it. On the surface it does seem to be over diagnosed.
I have a friend's whose son had ADD and he has been in the military for a couple of years already including overseas assignment.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
