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

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Expert: - 3/17/2011


Question
QUESTION: I am 17. I have joined the guard, but was told by my recruiter that I had to be off my zoloft before going to meps. I stopped it cold turkey- not a good idea. Now, my doctor has put me back on. I function much better with it, although I do believe that with a routine and exercise, I will be able not to take it.I was told by a friend that I should be able to get a waiver and be able to stay on the medication if needed and remain in the gurad. However, I have also been told that I will be medically discharged. I have written a letter to the medical director of the guard. They have requested a letter from my doctor stating the reason that I sought treatment, diagnosis, medication, and ability to participate in military service before they will give the information to the medical director. I am certain that there must be people on medication in the guard- can you help me with how to obtain a waiver? Thank you.

ANSWER: To put it simple, you are going to be discharged.  I am willing to bet that you did not divuge this information when you went to meps because your recruiter told you that you could not join if you told them you took it.

If you had already been to boot camp, that is different.

You are taking zoloft for a reason, it is not a bad thing that you seek help, bt there is no place for it in the military.  

There will be no waiver unless you are off it for at least a year and have documented proof of you being ok without it.

Sorry, I know this is not what you wanted to hear.

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

QUESTION: Was my recruiter honest with me? A friend of mine told me that she was going to join the marines and that they got her a waiver prior to joining.
Thanks so much for your help. I am still holding out hope, although I am very dissapointed.

Answer
They dont give waivers for drugs that are currently needed, you would not be allowed to take them in bootcamp.

With that being said, stranger things have happened, but I have never seen a a waiver for drugs you described being currently taken in 7 years in theis job.

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

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John L

Expertise

I am a National Guard recruiter , been doing it for seven years and am a subject matter expert on qualifications for National Guard and I keep up to date on Regular Army regs and programs. I was in the Navy for 4 years and have 13 years in the Guard. I will not sugar coat my answers to you. They are usually short and to the point. If you need more in depth, ask me. Because each situation is different, alot of times you need to actually talk to a recruiter and let them evaluate your situation in person, by looking at your documents, issues etc. If I suggest this, it would be in your best interest to do so. Finally...thank you for your interest in serving this great nation of ours. Very few people can actually make the cut to serve let alone choose to do so. So thank you for wanting to and hopefully you will get a chance. Whatever branch you choose, thank you and good luck.

Experience

13 years Guard experince, combat missions and homeland missions. 7 years recruiting. I have been a platoon sergeant and squad leader. Mentor to new recruiters and recruits.

Education/Credentials
Recruiters course and advanced courses in recruiting

Awards and Honors
Top recruiter in district for FY 2008. Nominated for recruiter of the year for 2010.

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