Hey everyone, I’m looking into joining the military but I have some concerns. I currently have braces, I’m on antidepressants, and I also had a civil protection order that’s expired. Are these things that could stop me from being able to join? Anyone know how strict they are about stuff like this?
Yeah, braces could be a temporary issue. I’ve read that they prefer recruits without them, so you might have to wait until you’re done with braces before they’d consider you.
Uma said:
Yeah, braces could be a temporary issue. I’ve read that they prefer recruits without them, so you might have to wait until you’re done with braces before they’d consider you.
Thanks! So braces are just a temporary disqualifier then?
@Hadley
Yep, it’s usually temporary. Once you’re done, you should be good to go on that front!
For the antidepressants, I think it depends on your specific situation. Mental health stuff can be tricky, but they’ve been more flexible lately. You might need a waiver, though.
Jesse said:
For the antidepressants, I think it depends on your specific situation. Mental health stuff can be tricky, but they’ve been more flexible lately. You might need a waiver, though.
Good to know, thanks! When you say ‘waiver,’ does that mean I’d have to get approval from someone higher up?
@Hadley
Exactly! A waiver just means you’ll have to go through extra steps to show you’re able to serve. They look at it case-by-case.
About the expired protection order, it might still be a red flag, even though it’s expired. They look at it as a potential risk, even if it’s a civil case.
NomadNerd said:
About the expired protection order, it might still be a red flag, even though it’s expired. They look at it as a potential risk, even if it’s a civil case.
Oh wow, I didn’t realize they’d still consider it if it’s expired. Thanks!
NomadNerd said:
About the expired protection order, it might still be a red flag, even though it’s expired. They look at it as a potential risk, even if it’s a civil case.
Yeah, the military sometimes views these orders like a criminal case even if it’s technically not one.
@Jesse
Exactly! They tend to look at underlying conduct, not just the legal label on it.
I think braces and meds are the main issues. The military’s more strict about mental health history if meds are involved, so a waiver might be your best bet there.
Eli said:
I think braces and meds are the main issues. The military’s more strict about mental health history if meds are involved, so a waiver might be your best bet there.
Got it, thanks for explaining!
In general, braces are an easy fix once they’re off. With antidepressants, if you’re no longer on them by the time you apply, it might be simpler too.
Marlow said:
In general, braces are an easy fix once they’re off. With antidepressants, if you’re no longer on them by the time you apply, it might be simpler too.
Makes sense! Thanks for the tips!