You're not supposed to tell. :-(
I've posted the warning about military service all over the internet. It should still be possible to try again and not tell anyone. I can't imagine they put it on any file. If that doesn't work try the Air Force and be more discreet.
I never put it on a form, I just emailed a recruiter. Wouldn't they ask about my medication use on their form.http://www.adhdnews.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1858&K W=armed+services
Also read this thread, may help
You have 2 options, stop taking ritalin now and when they ask you what medications you take say none. Or just lie.
From the page http://www.nfgcc.org/64.htm
"Gore said he later met a group of Marine recruiters who encouraged him to enlist. They advised him not to disclose his past Ritalin use, he said. But the recruiters subsequently found that Gore's medical disqualification had already been extended to all branches of the military."
So make sure you don't tell in an official manner or put it on a form.
Yup, keep peoples on a need to know basis. Your doctors need to know, but forget about anyone else, unless you feel comfortable about it.Hi Colin,
Did you say that you were just diagnosed and had Ritalin prescribed? If so, does that mean you have not started taking it yet? If so, go to another branch of the service and when they ask "are you taking any prescription medicines" you can honestly say "no".
Are trying to join the service now to get them to pay for school? If not, by the time you go to all the trouble and expense of getting through law school and passing the bar, military pay may noy look all that attractive to you anyway.
And as for experience, 5-10 years of dealing with the UCMJ will be viewed as less than valuable by any Manhattan law firm or most corporate legal departments. I think it may have been different when there were large numbers of people going through the military systems (like WWII or Vietnam). But I don't see it as being that desireable any more.
Please take my comments with a grain of salt. I am not an attorney, but I work with a lot of them.
Now, if law is not really your burning passion and you just really want to get into action and make the military your career, go see your army recruiter. They are really looking to fill the ranks right now.
I haven't taken a pill yet, I have the option to not take the pills and get into a class to help me get over the ADHD, but I was told the dignosis alone will prevent me from having a career in the Navy, does anyone know if their is any thruth to that?Who knows you were diagnosed if you do not tell? By the way, maybe the doctor was wrong. Get a 2nd opinion from another doctor who will say you don't have ADD.
Good that you are getting another Dr.s opinion! Good Luck!
On another note, have you tried caffiene for concentration? Coffee is what got my hubby through his Masters Degree and Law School.
you can not lie if you are on medication it will come up on a drug screen, and when you are in training you will be off meds. If you havent taken it and can function without then dont take it at all.
No, the second doctor would trump the first doctor. In fact, that's a brillant idea.I have two different insurance plans, I got my first diagnosis from Kaiser. I will set up an appointment with a doctor on my second plan and see what he says. I'd hate it if he says the same thing. I was thinking, what if I did get a second opinion and the new doctor says I am fine. Would I have to tell the Navy of what the first doctor said? I just spoke with a recruiter for the Navy, he told me that a Navy doctor will evaluate me if my second opinion is negative for ADHD. I am so happy because at least I have a better chance. Thank you people for supporting me and giving me feedback.Yes but if you tell the truth about a past that you are not to proud of and overcame, you still cant get a security clearance!
And it is not lieing, it is just leaving stuff out.
I still am sticking to what I said about lying on a medical diagnosis. No matter what it is, chemical imbalace, or otherwise lying about it will get you no where especially if you want to be an officer. Past drug use isn't a medical diagnosis and yes, I am sure there are many, many active duty military that have lied about that one.
Try getting a top security clearance if you have lied about your past. It is very difficult!
Colin-
My husband is a JAG in the US Air Force. He has been active duty for 12 years. I haven't spoken to him about your post here, but from my experience as an AF spouse and what I have heard from others is that you DON"T want to lie on your AF application regarding ANY medical diagnosis. It WILL catch up to you later and you can get into BIG trouble. I remember years ago a guy with diabetes lied about that to get into the AF. He went into a diabetic coma on duty and was found out that he had lied on his application. I think he had been in for about 3 years without anyone knowing. I don't remember exactly what happened to him for punishment, but of course he was kicked out of the Air Force.
I don't think they will admit you into the military with an ADHD diagnosis, however there are people in the military that have been diagnosed since coming on active duty. They are also allowed to take medications to treat their ADHD.
I am sorry I don't have any better news for you. Good luck and I hope you will still go to law school. I helped put my hubby through law school and the 3 years flew by quickly! If you have any other questions let me know at nodakinoz@hotmail.com. Or if you have any other questions for my husband he could answer for you, let me know.
mom2three38284.6806597222diabetes is a medical condition, ADD or depression are chemical imbalances. It's not the same thing. Lying about a heart condition or a missing kidney is a whole other deal.
It's more of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell thing." I'm pretty sure the military doesn't really care if you have a normal ADD problem, but once you make it a matter of record, bureaucracy takes over. I was in the Air Force, I lied about my past drug use - pretty much everyone I knew in basic training did as well.
Hi Colin,
This is probably of no help whatsoever. The military probably doesn't want to take on the potential costs associated with a permanant RX. Pretty sad, as most ADHD people are extremely bright and creative. Here's the kicker, there is a newer drug that was originally used for treating jetlag, shift worker sleep disorder, and other sleep disorders- generally sleep apnea. It is now being studied for it's effectiveness treating ADHD. It's called Provigil. I got to try it, and frankly, it worked much better than adderol with fewer side effects. So, to get to a point, the US Military has been studying it to see if they give it to soldiers working in the field will they stay awake longer and think more clearly. Look it up.
I did 6 years in the Navy, and it was a worthwhile experience (it was in the 80's)
I'm personally glad that you aren't going to Iraq at this time. Stick with your studies and your family and wait until things settle down.
BB
Per the milatarys point of view any medical condition (weather it be mental or physical) is considered a liabilty to them and that is why they will not allow you in the navy (flat feet, asthma, depression, ADHD ect) are conditions that will prohibit you from joining any armed service