Expert: John L - 4/5/2011

Question
Thanks for taking the time to read my question. I'm a 25 year old college graduate. I have a steady job but really want to serve our nation in the Army Reserve. I took the ASVAB last year and scored in the 96th percentile. Unfortunately on one occasion during my last couple of years of high school and one additional time during my first couple of years of college I was prescribed antidepressants. This depression was acute and not chronic: my father had developed a substance abuse problem and over the course of the next few years our family had some serious upheavals; ultimately the drama peaked with my father abandoning the family.

I realize that despite this occurring several years ago, I will need a waiver. I'm wondering what type of additional information (above and beyond my medical records) would be helpful in increasing the waiver request's success.

I am currently in the process of securing:
- Related Medical Records
- Letter from Pediatrician who prescribed the drugs establishing a clean bill of health

Would the following be helpful?:
- Setting up an appointment with a Psychologist and having them write me a letter establishing a clean bill of mental health (ie after my evaluation, I believe Nate is emotionally healthy. IMHO his depression was acute and caused by the loss of his father to drugs and alcohol and related trauma. Now that he is older and more mature, depression is unlikely to occur again because it is apparent to me that he has developed very strong stress and crisis management skills)?
- A letter from my Congressman regarding this issue? (ie My staff and I have had the pleasure of working with and knowing candidate for several years. He recently informed me about his current predicament. There is no doubt in my mind, whatsoever, that candidate is mentally and emotionally ready, willing, and able to fulfill any duties that the Army requires.)
- A letter from a currently serving or retired Army officer on my behalf (ie I've known candidate for several years. I believe that he has exactly what it takes to be an Army soldier. I have never had any doubt of his capabilities. I was surprised to learn about his situation and let me assure you that candidate is mentally sound and emotionally capable of being a soldier).

Thanks for your thoughts.

Answer
Your congressperson would not be helpful, they have nothing to do with the rules, they can only help make sure you did not get skipped over for trying.

A letter from anyone else is not helpful.

A visit to a shrink is helpful and can help establish no need for further treatment.

It all boils down to what meds you were on.  If is has been a few years, you might be ok, but they are really picky nowadays as recruiting is doing well and there is no need to let just anyone in anymore.

good luck