Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 1/25/2010

Question
QUESTION: Does the Military or Army offer jobs for those with a anxiety disorder such as myself? People who are otherwise unreliable on the battlefield. If i was to live in california would i be able to get a job there with the military but not have to go to war? Since i am mentally disabled?

ANSWER: Dear Raul --

No, extreme mental and physical disabilities are inconsistent with military duty requirements.  You cannot be a Soldier or an officer with anxiety disorder, or any number of other personality disorders.

It is possible to get a job with the Department of Defense as a civilian employee, depending on the severity of your disability.  Civilian employees of the military are protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).  

The state you reside in makes no difference to your protections under the ADA if you wish to be a federal employee.

Good luck to you.



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

QUESTION: severity is that i get sick with stomach problems very frequently and very easily including vomiting and other problems i dont wanna mention. I get pain in the chest but that is NOT a heart attack. What kind of jobs do they have for the disabled exactly? I heard you had chaplins im a minister but i cant really be going all around the country i just wanna stay in LA and thats it

ANSWER: Dear Raul --

If you have a college degree, there are a number of jobs for which you might qualify.  The place to search is on USA Jobs (http://www.usajobs.gov/).  This site will list all of the federal civilian jobs in the LA area.  The jobs and the announcements change weekly, so check back often.  

There are very few divinity jobs outside the military Chaplains Corps.  However, there are civilian pastor's assistant jobs as well as counseling jobs available within the federal government.

Good luck to you.





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

QUESTION: I have training as a minister in a non denominational Church maybe they could use me in LA for that purpose. Id get benefits cause im disabled and id be enlisted and id hopefully get housing and be able to travel LA

Sir can one quit the armed services as a civilian whenever they choose?

THANKS FOR YORU HELP COLONAL

Answer
Dear Raul --

Unfortunately, you cannot be enlisted with your anxiety disorder.  There is no military specialty you could do with your condition.

It is possible you could have a civilian position assisting a military chaplain, if you are otherwise qualified for that type of job.  It is also possible that you could get an administrative position in another area, if you are qualified.

Good luck you you.