Expert: Rod Powers - 5/4/2007

Question
I was in an institution for about a month when I was 14 for depression and anxiety.  Was also treated for the same thing as an outpatient when I was 20 for about 2 months time.  I am almost 22 now and not taking any medications or receiving any treatment for any mental disorders.  Is there any chance of being accepted into any military branch or should I forget about it?

Answer
Hi Devin,

Any history of treatment and/or medication for any mental health disorder is disqualifying (see: http://usmilitary.about.com/od/joiningthemilitary/a/neurotic.htm and http://usmilitary.about.com/od/joiningthemilitary/l/blpersonality.htm

Unfortunately, such waivers are the hardest to get approved (for the obvious reasons that Military service, especially in combat situations, is one of the highest stress occupations in the World).

Honestly? I think your chances of receiving an enlistment waiver, in any of the branches are slim. Very slim. You have a history of being treated for a mental health disorder, not once, but twice. Military service involves stresses which are much, much, much greater than that experienced in civilian life. From the Military's point of view, if you can't handle the stresses of civilian life, without mental health intervention, the chances of you handling the much greater (on average) stresses of the military, without problems are not worth the risk. I'm sorry -- I wish I had better news for you.

For more information about the United States Military, feel free to visit my U.S. Military information site at: http://usmilitary.about.com

Hope this helps!

Rod Powers
http://usmilitary.about.com