Does Mental Health Impact Your Ability to Join the Army?
For many young people, joining the Armed Forces is a dream come true. However, if you have a mental health condition, you may be wondering if your condition will prevent you from joining the Army. While mental health can have an impact on your ability to join the Army, it isn’t necessarily a disqualifying factor.
What Are the Requirements for Joining the Army?
The U.S. Army requires all potential recruits to meet a certain set of standards. These standards are designed to ensure that soldiers are physically and mentally prepared for the rigors of military life. To join the Army, you must:
- Be between the ages of 17 and 35
- Be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Pass a physical exam and background check
In addition to these standards, potential recruits must pass the Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT). The AFQT is a battery of tests that measure your aptitude in subjects such as math, English, and science.
Does Mental Health Disqualify You From Joining the Army?
Mental health is taken into account when evaluating potential recruits. All potential soldiers must pass a mental health screening. This screening is designed to identify any mental health conditions that could affect a recruit’s ability to serve in the Army.
If a mental health condition is identified, it does not necessarily mean that a recruit will be disqualified from joining the Army. The Army will evaluate the condition and determine whether it would affect a recruit’s ability to serve. If the condition is deemed to be manageable, the recruit may still be allowed to join.
What Mental Health Conditions Are Considered Manageable?
The Army takes a wide range of mental health conditions into account when evaluating potential recruits. Some of the most common conditions considered to be manageable include:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
If a recruit has any of these conditions, they will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. The Army may require a recruit to undergo additional testing or provide additional medical documentation before allowing them to enlist.
What Mental Health Conditions Are Disqualifying?
There are certain mental health conditions that will disqualify a potential recruit from joining the Army. These conditions include:
- Bipolar Disorder
- Schizophrenia
- Paranoid Personality Disorder
- Personality Disorders
If a potential recruit has any of these conditions, they will not be allowed to join the Army.
What If I Don’t Disclose My Mental Health Condition?
It is important to be honest about any mental health conditions you may have when applying to join the Army. If you do not disclose a mental health condition, you may be found to have lied on your application, which is grounds for immediate disqualification.
What Resources Are Available for Soldiers With Mental Health Issues?
The Army recognizes that mental health is an important part of overall health and well-being. As such, they have a variety of resources available to help soldiers cope with mental health issues. These resources include:
- Mental health screenings
- Individual and group counseling
- Crisis intervention
- Support groups
- Educational resources
The Army also has a 24-hour mental health hotline that soldiers can call for help in times of crisis.
Conclusion
If you have a mental health condition, it does not necessarily mean that you will be disqualified from joining the Army. Mental health conditions are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. However, it is important to be honest about any mental health conditions you may have when applying to join the Army. The Army has a variety of resources available to help soldiers cope with mental health issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the requirements for joining the Army?
A: To join the Army, you must be between the ages of 17 and 35, be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and pass a physical exam and background check. You must also pass the Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT).
Q: Does mental health disqualify you from joining the Army?
A: Mental health is taken into account when evaluating potential recruits. If a mental health condition is identified, it does not necessarily mean that a recruit will be disqualified from joining the Army. The Army will evaluate the condition and determine whether it would affect a recruit’s ability to serve.
Q: What mental health conditions are considered manageable?
A: The Army takes a wide range of mental health conditions into account when evaluating potential recruits. Some of the most common conditions considered to be manageable include depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, and ADHD.
Q: What mental health conditions are disqualifying?
A: Conditions that will disqualify a potential recruit from joining the Army include bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, paranoid personality disorder, and personality disorders.
Q: What if I don’t disclose my mental health condition?
A: It is important to be honest about any mental health conditions you may have when applying to join the Army. If you do not disclose a mental health condition, you may be found to have lied on your application, which is grounds for immediate disqualification.
Q: What resources are available for soldiers with mental health issues?
A: The Army recognizes that mental health is an important part of overall health and well-being. As such, they have a variety of resources available to help soldiers cope with mental health issues. These resources include mental health screenings, individual and group counseling, crisis intervention, support groups, and educational resources. The Army also has a 24-hour mental health hotline that soldiers can call for help in times of crisis.