You are here:

Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/Childhood medical issues & Joining the military

Advertisement

Expert: - 9/14/2008


Question
My husband was active army for 8 years. He's been in the National Guard ever since.  My son (his step son whom he raised) looks up to him a lot & like most kids, wants to be like Dad.  One thing he wants is to join the military.

He has been diagnosed as ADHD.  He is now 12 years old.  He's had some behavior problems, which we've had him in counseling for (counselor diagnosed PTSD from multiple trauma's).  I just learned that his bio-dad has been diagnosed as bi-polar.  We are beginning to consider that the trauma's in my sons life may have triggered bi-polar in him also.

Before I take him for testing, I want to understand the ramifications on his future.

If he were diagnosed bi-polar or even given meds to treat "possible bi-polar" how would this affect him getting into any branch of service.  Would it be possible to enter ANY branch?  Coast Guard???

Any advice would be appreciated.

Answer
Unless these issues are cleared quickly with no medications after age 14, the chnaces of him enlisting into any branch are virtually zero.  The military has no room to tak eon people with emotional/psycological issues.  First  priority should be taking care of him now, and worry about possible future later.

Good luck.

Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

John L

Expertise

I am a National Guard recruiter , been doing it for seven years and am a subject matter expert on qualifications for National Guard and I keep up to date on Regular Army regs and programs. I was in the Navy for 4 years and have 13 years in the Guard. I will not sugar coat my answers to you. They are usually short and to the point. If you need more in depth, ask me. Because each situation is different, alot of times you need to actually talk to a recruiter and let them evaluate your situation in person, by looking at your documents, issues etc. If I suggest this, it would be in your best interest to do so. Finally...thank you for your interest in serving this great nation of ours. Very few people can actually make the cut to serve let alone choose to do so. So thank you for wanting to and hopefully you will get a chance. Whatever branch you choose, thank you and good luck.

Experience

13 years Guard experince, combat missions and homeland missions. 7 years recruiting. I have been a platoon sergeant and squad leader. Mentor to new recruiters and recruits.

Education/Credentials
Recruiters course and advanced courses in recruiting

Awards and Honors
Top recruiter in district for FY 2008. Nominated for recruiter of the year for 2010.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.