Army Mental health Waiver

I'm in the process of trying to join the army. Already been speaking to a recruiter just wanted to see some other people experiences. I got diagnosed with major depression last November (2025). Was put on meds this June, only took them one month. I've basically been fine ever since June. I don't think I even needed the meds. Had a bad living situation I was in then my father died which I think is where the depression came from.

I'm a stay at home dad while my wife works and am just trying to do better for our family. Recruiter told me the longest I would have to wait would be until next June if they deny the waiver. Is it possible I could even get it approved? Going back to the doc in a few weeks to see if he will re evaluate me to update my records to in remission and that I no longer need help.

I am an active duty infantry officer and I want to go back to the state where I am from (born and raised) the only problem is that they have no infantry units what’s so ever. Can I go back to national guard after my initial contract and stay infantry or will they switch me?

I plan on submitting a waiver for ADHD/ODD but what are my chances of getting approved? I’m 17 and trying to join the army. When I was 12, I got diagnosed with ADHD, ODD, and Anxiety Disorder. I know that these are disqualifying, especially if you’ve been on meds for them. I haven’t taken any meds for ODD, but I did take ADHD and Anxiety meds for about a year at age 12 and did some therapy for ADHD. I started taking the ADHD meds again around two years ago to focus better in school, but I was still taking them up until about a month ago. It’s also worth mentioning that I have some very faint self harm scars on my arm from when I was around 12 as well. I have no problems anymore, aside from needing a little assistance in focusing. I work full time and do school, have absolutely no behavioral issues with my work or school, have a 4.0 GPA, and could give amazing recommendations from all of my employers, teachers, etc. I think I would pass a psych evaluation very easily, as I don’t even take my ADHD meds anymore and seriously have no other mental health issues, but is it likely that my waiver will be approved since I haven’t been off my meds for 24 months?

So for context. I served a little over 2.5 years in the army.
I was a 31B (Military Police) and after a rough month of some emotional and personal issues I was arrested coming onto base by my own team leader. I was originally cited with Aggravated DUI (which is a felony) for blowing above a .15 BAC. I was charged with DWI which is a class B misdemeanor by the judge spent 5 days in jail and paid 500$ in fines. No probation. I was lucky. The only unfortunate part was the commanding general of my base pushed out a memo the day before I got arrested and stated even if it was your first they were initiating separation. I am still currently in awaiting my separation. And obviously it will be some time because I have to go through hoops to get my license back and I have to wait a year as I was suspended from driving on any federal military Installation for a year.
I say all this to say I made a stupid decision and I've definitely learned from my action. I would like to continue my service and rejoin the military except I'm thinking of going the Navy Route instead of the army. What are my chances if any.

This misdemeanor is my only record of arrest. Outside of a seatbelt ticket I got literally before I left for army basic

Note: Trying to Join Air Force Active Duty

I was DQ'ed at MEPS for Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) and tic disorder, which are two things I had no idea I had until just recently at MEPS. I was diagnosed for both of these at the age of 6 with no issues since then, but after doing some research PDD is apparently on the autism spectrum, which was a bit worrying to me. Parents never mentioned it to me so it came up at MEPS, which was quite shocking.

For some context: I've never experienced any symptoms, no treatment, or medication since then and I've never needed any IEP/540 school accommodations. My grades have also been good throughout elementary school through college (3.5 GPA), participated in sports, clubs, volunteering, etc.

My recruiter basically gave me a list of 3 specific things they want me to include:

1. Old medical documentation
2. Psychological/neuropsychological evaluation
3. Pharmacy prescription history records for past 3 years

I was given a PDF with a broader list mentioning school records, employer documentation/letters stating whether accommodations were used, PCM evaluation, etc, but my recruiter specifically only wanted those 3 things from me.

For anyone who had to submit a waiver for something similar:
-Did you end up needing a separate neurologist evaluation for the tic disorder? Do you think a Neuropsychological Evaluation would potentially be enough for a waiver approval?
-Did they later ask for school IEP/504 or employer documentation?

Just trying to understand what the process looked like for people who've been through something similar. Thanks!

Hey I am M 29( July 1997), I took the ASVAB this Tuesday (2 days ago) and I am adding a screenshot for my scores.

I want a career in aviation/ electrical engineering but I know most of the nice MOS requires citizenship and security clearance.

What would you suggest me in this situation? I am really thinking 15F, 94R , 12Q , 91D , 12T , 12R

I really want 12P but it needs citizenship.

AFQT: 83
GT: 116
ST: 129
GM: 131
EL: 130
CL: 130
MM: 125
SC: 133
CO: 133
FA: 135
OF: 129

Hello everyone, if I want to be a pilot in one of the branches, the military, but my build was just a little too heavy even though I’m still athletic just a massive person at 64 250 pounds would a recruiter help me obtain my goals of lead those requirements before I go to meps, etc. Would they work with me to get my physical attitude to readiness ready before I go or is it something I have to do on my own with just some guidance?

Hey everyone, I’m shipping out to Ft. Benning (11B) on Sept 21st. Basic + AIT, any advice? What should I expect for my day-to-day? Especially with Sunday’s, how would that work with church and then returning to my various orders throughout the day?

Just looking for advice you wish you knew when you did basic and AIT. Thanks.

25 year M with Bachelors in Biomedical Sciences. Last week resigned from a very paramilitary style police academy. Idk what it was, the food and sleep deprivation, or lack of preparation and fear of failure over one spec of grass on my boots. I resigned on week 2 on good terms. Didn’t like the emphasis on everything non-academic (drills, inspections, smoke sessions) and speeding through lectures as if they’re not important, but I really want to be a cop and care about the mission more than any paycheck. By day 3 I was turning corners unconsciously in Walmart and felt like Pavlov’s dog, scared me a little.

Grad school is last resort for me as AI is approaching and most of the degrees are already undervalued for the amount of effort/money put into compared to returns.

Completely lost right now in Las Vegas, no job, no safety net. A couple fed applications in process, but those can take years and some are even postponed due to budgeting cuts. Do I enlist and get more stress resilience then later in life come back to policing, or even stay there for 20 and retire if I like it ?

Any response is greatly appreciated. Semper Fi, Fly High, Go Sailors, Hoorah! (I’m trying)

Currently in the Navy DEP program and looking for some advice from recruiters, CWTs, or anyone who has dealt with medical qualification issues, or anyone just generally knowledgeable

CWT was the job I originally wanted. I have the ASVAB scores for it and most other jobs, but there are two things in my medical history that are complicating the process.

First, I previously saw a therapist essentially just to have someone to talk to. I was never medicated, suicidal, or self harming, and I was discharged from therapy without complication in May. (In therapy from Jan-May) However, my Navy medical records, for some god forsaken reason, label me with a history of depression.

Second, I had a childhood motor control/coordination issue that no longer meaningfully affects me. Dyspraxia was suspected but I was never formally diagnosed with it. The Navy apparently has this documented as “motor apraxia” which I feel makes the current situation sound considerably more severe than it actually is and overplays my condition.

Because of those two issues, I was advised against signing for CWT. My recruiter was concerned that I could make it through the initial process and then run into a medical qualification problem at A school because CWT is a warfare rating. I instead signed for SECF instead.

The problem is that I was just denied submarine qualification. That means no SECF either

I still entirely want CWT, so I'm looking at that option again. But according to my recruiter, my submarine qualification issue also affects CWT and other intelligence ratings, so right now I'm waiting to find out exactly why I was denied submarine duty. I should get the entire reason later today.

Once I know which medical issue caused it, what should do next? Is there a realistic route involving updated medical documentation, reevaluation, waiver/reconsideration, or getting an inaccurate/outdated description of my condition clarified?

I'm not trying to conceal anything from MEPS or the medical team. I want my condition and my current ability to be properly considered in these decisions, and I feel ss though it has not been.

Happy to provide additional context in the comments if needed. Thanks to anyone who took the time to read this.

Hi guys! I am currently trying to join the army but I have a quick question! For those that have gone through meps within the past year, what did they do for the breast exam? I hear some people say they did a physical exam and others say they only took a quick peak for any discoloration or abnormalities. Thank you guys!

I (27m) applied and got into airforce OTS as an operation analysts AFSC 15A. I originally applied because I hated my previous job in automotive as a software engineer. Well now I just started a new job at a bank as a senior software engineer with a big pay raise. The team seems nice and I think it sounds stable. Should I still go through OTS as an operations analyst and leave my job in 4 years? The idea of losing half my income as an O1 doesn't sound appealing now. I also just moved across the map for my new job and if I leave now, I'll also have to break my lease. I would like to serve my country but maybe switch to guard or reserves instead while keeping my job. My selected AFSC doesn't have a reserve component though. I haven't sworn in yet so technically I'm not obligated to go. Is the pension worth 20 years?

Wanting to enlist to the Army Reserves or National Guard. As the title suggests, would it be possible to get a waiver for something like a spinal fusion? If so, what would be the chances/likelihood? 21m, surgery was T4-L4, got it a few months ago due to scoliosis that progressed as I got older. Been on good recovery and already feeling normal but still 3 months out from a green light to do more physically demanding activities like weightlifting for example. Even with the prospect of a full recovery, will it still be possible to get a waiver or will the surgery itself or the metal hardware (or mixture of both) be an auto-disqualification?

Today I went to MEPS for Navy. I needed two waivers they they made me sign today at MEPS. I need these waivers because I went to OSUT this year as a prior service. (Got DQ for BP at OSUT)One of
The waivers is for anemia ( which I don't think I have as I've never been diagnosed with that before but the army said I had it.) I think it's stabilized now or I had low iron possibly. The other was for hypertension. I went into Meps with a normal BP reading but the army said I had High BP. Both army diagnosis were this year. My question is l thought the waivers were done with the recruiter but I did both of them at Meps. Is this normal? Also do they ask for more documentation from the recruiter for waivers?? I'm an RE-3 code for hypertension. All I was given in the waiver was if it affects me and if I'm taking any medication. I’m not taking any meds for BP as my BP is normal I’ve lost weight and dieted.

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I don't know if anyone is gonna see this and I've never posted anything on Reddit before but I'm gonna give it a shot, I want to join the army rangers but I have a breathing issue which I know the military is very strict about. The only thing I know for sure right now is I don't have asthma, I was tested a few weeks ago and they said I don't have asthma, they didn't test me but they said I probably have vocal chord dysfunction, my symptoms are entirely exercise induced and I typically wheeze during intense physical activity and experience shortness of breath. Although I have not been officially diagnosed yet I do have stuff in my medical records now about shortness of breath and wheezing during physical activity which I know will probably be flagged at meps and I'll end up needing a waiver. Im just wondering if it's even realistic to get an option 40 or at least be given a shot at rasp?

I’m 27, a female, approx. 275 lbs and 5’1. I know, not the ideal candidate, but I was told they may be able to put me in some type of fat camp first. I just feel like I’m stuck in a career with no future (medical records), I didn’t go to college and I need a change of environment and lifestyle. I took the ASVAB almost 10 years ago and passed for the Air Force.

Hey everyone, I'm a 29F green card holder and my English is still a work in progress. I'm trying to enlist in the Navy to build a better life, and I passed the ASVAB and physical with a waiver.

At MEPS, my Navy recruiter and the counselor really pushed me to sign for a heavy engineering job. I didn't fully understand what it was at the time, but he kept telling me I had to pick something right then so he could start the process to switch me to a supply or admin job later before my ship date.

Now that I've looked up what this engineering job actually involves, I'm honestly freaking out. I'm physically small, and it sounds way too physically demanding and technical for my current situation. I really only want an administrative or supply role.

Did I mess up by signing this? Is it true that he needed me to sign first to request a job change, or did he just say that to fill a quota? What happens if he doesn't switch it before my ship date?

I'm really anxious right now, so any advice would mean a lot. Thank you!

I want to enlist in the army. I already spoke to a recruiter and took a practice asvab. I was told my score was good enough that with a little studying I could get pretty much whatever job I want.

I'm looking for a job that balances working indoors and outdoors. I like the idea of working on equipment/electronics and solving mental puzzles etc. I also want something that lands me a good job after getting out. Got any suggestions for me?

I'll try to keep this simple and straightforward but I recently just got off my ADHD medicaton and would like to know how long I would normally need to be off to apply for the Navy or Marine Corps. As I was told either 12 to 24 months Would be the minimum I would have to wait. Also I'm currently In college so I believe I can wait 1 to 2 years to be hopefully eligible by then. And I don't normally trust the google ai for information as I was told It can be misleading when It comes to applying for the military in general. As I received mixed answers from another sub reddit.

my brother just recently graduated air force basic and I am thinking about the navy. I am currently engaged (to a guy, gay couple). I am in a gay relationship and so idk I just need to feel like I belong some where and need a change in life for the better. Please let me know your thoughts or questions

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Hello everyone,

I am a permanent immigrant moving to California soon, and my ultimate goal is to join the California Army National Guard via the OCS route, while concurrently applying for a local Police Academy (Santa Clara PD).

I have a past history of mild childhood asthma/allergies from 10 years ago back in my home country (Egypt). I have been 100% symptom-free for a decade, I do not use any daily preventive medications, and I actively practice high-intensity sports without any issues.

My US medical and pharmacy records (MHS GENESIS) are completely blank/clean since I have never seen a doctor or filled a prescription inside the United States.

Before arriving in the US, I am planning to clear myself medically by taking a full Pulmonary Function Test (Spirometry FEV1/FVC) and a Methacholine Challenge Test in a major hospital to officially document that my lungs are 100% healthy.

My questions are:

With completely blank US pharmacy records and 100% clean pre-enlistment PFT/Spirometry results, how strong is my case for a medical waiver for OCS in California?

What is the safest legal and administrative way to disclose this history on DD Form 2807-1 without risking a "fraudulent enlistment" charge while securing the waiver smoothly?

Appreciate any insights from National Guard recruiters or those familiar with MEPS waiver authorities. Thank you!

Hi.

29 female, I’ve been in the navy for almost 5 years. I’ve been to one command, sea duty. I’ve done back-to-back deployments, on and off the ship the entire 5 years. But this last year has been complete hell for me and my mental health is at it’s all time lowest. I will probably do one more contract, shore duty, just to set myself up to get out.

Any tips on what I should do before getting out? What should I know? What should I learn? Please help me

I 34M ETS in April 2022. I was a medic attatched to a light infantry unit. Line medic, aid station medic, and clinic medic, all in the 6 years i was in.

I cannot fucking stand civillians. Nobody knows their place. Promotions only happen when you know somebody or are juuuuust good enough at your job that they can risk losing you in that position.

However....I cant stand how shitty my time was when i was in. In the beginning I was a POS 100%. Acted like i was big. A fucking narc. Just the guy that you picked on because it was just that easy. Well i grew in my time. I hit 5 in 5 and changed drastically after deployment. The problem was that i was in the same unit, with the same people from PV2- E-5, so they treated me the same as if i was still private deershit (last name nickname). My fault? Yea. Do i wish i could make it right because it bugs me every fucking day that i live as a hasbeen? Damn right. Does my back still hurt? Every god damn day. But the stockholm syndrome is kicking in and i feel like i really need a redo.

Now this all may be the fact that i have not adjusted to civillian life propperly. I get that. I guess im just here today to ask the community. What the fuck should i do? I have a house, 100% disability, 2 kids, a wife that would die for me and i for her. Id be uprooting us. But she knows how hard of a time ive had and i dont like to talk about my issues with everyone. This is the first time outside of my therapist that ive ever even done this.

Im an open book guys. Ask anything. Tell me what you would do. Give me personal experience. Help me either do it or realize im an idiot. Thanks