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Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/Waiver for Enlistment
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Question
Dear Mr. Howell,
I am a 19 year old male who has been considering joining the Army as a possible career path. I am in relatively good shape, and am hoping to take the ASVAB soon if there is any reason for me to. I have a very mild case of Tourettes Syndrome, and have never been on medication for it. My question was whether or not I would be able to join even with this neurological disorder hanging over me.
Thank you for your time sir, it is an honor to be asking you this question.
Jonathan,
Thank you for the kind words. You did right by asking an Expert.
Since you have never been on medication, how can anybody prove you have TS? Do you have any visible tics or speech problems that may give it away? If not you may get away with it by saying nothing about it. The symptoms of TS generally decline in severity after puberty, and in 20-30% of cases, the symptoms disappear entirely as the person with TS ages into their 20s. Most people with TS are able to hold jobs and lead full lives. Mozart had TS and it never stopped him.
Mind you, I'm not encouraging you to lie, I'm just saying some people with TS are able to bluff their way into the military. I've heard of it before.
Whatever you choose, I hope you succeed.
Colonel H
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Answers by Expert:
MARK A. HOWELL
Expertise
All military questions, any Service. 30 years experience & two Ph.D.'s. 4 times Base Commander. Worked with Army, Navy, USMC, USCG and several foreign military units. Veteran of Kosovo, Bosnia, Macedonia, Kuwait, Iraq, Afghanistan, and 10 civil wars in Africa.
Experience
Air Force Colonel with 30 years experience. Air Force Base Commander 4 times. Highly decorated.
Organizations
Org of Am Historians, Wild West History Assoc.,
Disabled American Veterans - Life Member, Am Motorcyclist Assoc. - Life Member,
North Am Hunt Club - Life Member, NWTF - Life Member
Publications
Numerous book reviews published in the Journal of American History.
Two books submitted for publication.
Education/Credentials
Ph.D. in military history, Columbus University (Summa Cum Laude)
Ph.D. in history, Northfield University, London, England (Summa Cum Laude)
Master of Arts degree in history, Marshall University, WV
Bachelors degree, double-major in history and mathematics, Salem College, WV
Air War College, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL
Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL
Squadron Officer School, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL
Awards and Honors
Legion of Merit
Defense MSM
MSM x 5
Joint Commendation Mdl
AF Commendation Medal
Army Commendation Mdl
Joint Achievement Mdl
AF Achievement Medal
Outstanding Volunteer Mdl
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