Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/Marine entrance and use of ADHD meds

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Expert: - 8/21/2010


Question
My son is a junior in high school and is planning on joining the Marines
after graduation in 2012. He has been on various meds for ADHD over the
years. We heard that he had to be off all ADHD meds 2 years prior to
enlisting. Is that time frame accurate? Is it just stimulants(adderall) or all
meds?

Answer
Julie:

  Realistically, he is going to have a difficult time enlisting.   At this point, the Marine Corps is meeting and exceeding all recruiting goals, and has been for the past year.   What that means is that waivers (which your son would need) are difficult to come by for minor things, and well nigh impossible for major issues such as this.  2 years is an accurate time frame, and that is for ALL meds.   His doctor will have to also attest that he no longer needs them, won't need them, and the condition is cured.   Even with all of those things, the chance that the Marine Corps will grant the waiver, in my opinion, are very, very, slim.

 Certainly things may change in the next several years, so I'd say not to lose hope and to get off the medications regardless.   (Remember though, I'm not a doctor, just an old Marine :) ).

 Best of luck!

Jason

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

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Jason Grabill

Expertise

Questions relating to US Marine Corps; rank, awards, uniforms, career choices. I can also help people spot and expose fakes (people pretending to be Marines or have awards they didn`t earn). Considering the Marines as a career? Or another branch, like the Air National Guard? Drop me a line. HOWever..know that I am NOT a recruiter. I can offer my expert opinion and advice, but can't (and won't) over rule what a recruiter says, they are the 'on duty' expert.

Experience

Infantry Rifleman, MOS 0311: 3 years. Marine Barracks Security (Marine Barracks, Annapolis, Maryland(not Embassy Duty): 3 years. Parachutist: MOS 9962: Got my wings in August of 1984. Intelligence Specialist: MOS 0231 10 years working as an Intelligence Analyst with a Fixed Wing Fighter Squadron, Force Service Support Group, and at Headquarters, Marine Corps. Field Radio Operator: MOS 2531. Served as a Platoon Sergeant in a Communications Platoon assigned to MEU Service Support Group 24 (Special Operations Capable). Did a hitch in the Army reserves as an 11B (Infantryman), 3 years. Finished out my career in the Air National Guard as a BioEnvironmental Engineer MOS 4B3X1, did that for a few years. I"ve been collecting and selling Marine Corps and other military uniforms, medals, and field gear since I was 8 years old.

Organizations
United States Marine Corps Logistical Company.

Publications
I was an Editorial writer for Marine Corps Times from 1998-2000.

Education/Credentials
Extensive library of research materials relating to uniforms, medals, and equipment of the military and the Marine Corps. 22 College credits, Community College of the Air Force. Certified Historical Interpreter.

Awards and Honors
Kosovo Campaign Medal w/1 star Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with 4 stars. Numerous other unit awards. I was on duty on 9/11 at HQMC, near the Pentagon, and responded to that location to try and lend a hand if needed...

Past/Present Clients
United States Marine Corps Historical Company, Guardian Security and Investigations, lead Investigator for 'Stolen Valor' cases.

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