Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 5/4/2009

Question
QUESTION: Will the military not allow you to enlist if you have ADD?

ANSWER: Laquita,

Sorry, but no.  
ADD is usually treated by Ritalin or Concerta, both of which are controlled drugs with considerable "abuse potential."

Current use of ADD drugs is a permanent disqualifier for joining the military, because the drugs are a central nervous system stimulant and it is considered behavior modifying.  The implications are these are nasty drugs with lasting psychological side affects which could make you a hazard to themselves and others.   While you probably could function normally in the military during peace time, the psycholgical aspects of combat could bring about all sorts of unknowns.  The psychological stress of miltiary service is quite unlike the day to day life of a civlian.

Because you will have to sign paperwork asking if you have EVER had ADD/ADHD they'll disqualify you because you might cost the government a lot of money in health care treatment down the road.

If you have ADD or ADHD and do NOT treat it with drugs then you are also disqualified.  Like the old saying goes, "You're damned if you do and damned if you don't."  

Thanks for wanting to join the military.  Good luck in whatever other career you choose.
Colonel H



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

QUESTION: I have read on Military.com that the person would have to be taken off the medication by his doctor and stay off for 12 months and during that time attend college to show that the person can function without the medication. This was by a recruiter online. What is true? Please no ego I need to know the truth. I apologize for the statement but getting two different answers from what I would consider good sources a pissing contest will stop me from getting the correct answer.

Answer
Laquita,
Wow!  I wonder where he came up with that tale?  I thought I'd heard them all.  I wonder what college they send you to, ADD University?

Take a look at this website:
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Can_someone_with_ADD_join_the_military

You'll see a bunch of different opinions, so no wonder the average person gets confused.

To ensure you get a straight answer, I spoke with both the Army and Navy local recruiters here and they both agreed with my original answer.  I consider them reliable sources.

Colonel H