Expert: Rod Powers - 11/12/2009

Question
QUESTION: I have always wanted to and planto enlist in the marines.
I have a medical history of anxiety/add but have not taken meds for over 1 yr. I was told by my recruiter that is ok as far as the add goes but the anxiety diagnosis will be a problem

The diagnosis of anxiety and at one time depression (when 13yrs. old) was iniated by my mother and fed into due to adolescent anger at my parents for thinking this was my problem.

I was prescribed medication at different times through high school but never took it (again a power struggle with parents).

Recently the person who I had been seeing cleared me of any mental health probelms and wrote that clearance in my chart.

Based on this info I am getting mixed advice. Some people tell me to not admit to this history on enlistment and it will never come up. But I am planning on a career in intel where security clearance is required.
I do not want to be dishonest in any way but I am afraid to jeopardize my chance at being a marine, which is something I've wanted to do most of my life.
Not sure what to do.
Jacob

ANSWER: Hi Jacob,

The anxiety history is disqualifying (see: http://usmilitary.about.com/od/joiningthemilitary/a/neurotic.htm), so it would require a waiver (see: http://usmilitary.about.com/od/joiningthemilitary/a/medicalwaiver.htm).

It's never a good idea to lie on any recruiting paperwork. See: http://usmilitary.about.com/cs/joiningup/a/falsestatements.htm. You may or may not get caught, but many people do.

For more information about the United States Military, feel free to visit my US Military information site at: http://usmilitary.about.com.

Hope this helps!

Rod Powers
About.com US Military Guide
http://usmilitary.about.com

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: How likely is it that if I enlist and answer yes to the question of add/anxiety history that a waiver will be approved. Statistically speaking, how often do waivers work?
Jacob

Answer
Hi Jacob,

You may wish to read my article about medical waivers at: http://usmilitary.about.com/od/joiningthemilitary/a/medicalwaiver.htm.

As I say in the second paragraph, nobody can tell you what the chances that a particular medical waiver will be approved. Not me, not your recruiter, not the MEPS doctor, not anyone.

For more information about the United States Military, feel free to visit my US Military information site at: http://usmilitary.about.com.

Hope this helps!

Rod Powers
About.com US Military Guide
http://usmilitary.about.com