Can someone with ADD join the Marines?

Answer 1

Yes, with conditions. The United States Military generally avoids recruiting people that require a daily medication for an illness (such as Diabetes, thyroid conditions, and ADHD).

It is best if you take a daily medication to discontinue use for a year before you apply to join the army. If you do not require medication and can pass all the requirements elsewhere you can join the US Army. However, those who currently take medication are not accepted.

Answer 2

In order to join with ADD, you most likely have to be OFF the medication for at least a year, with a statement from the family doctor stating so. The Military will not take someone (such as myself who has ADD) in. Now once you are IN the military, having ADD is no big deal. There is an extensive set of requirements for a civilian to go into military service, and many of them are not waiverable.

Go talk to a recruiter, and be HONEST with them. they work hard, and would much rather have a candidate who is honest, than to go through the incredible amount of work processing a recruit and then realize they were deceived.

Good Luck.

He's right. A year off the medication makes things much simpler for them and yourself. You may have to grow out of ADD, most people do. Add, unlike Asthma, is a small problem, as long as you dont have asthma or something else that would make you a 'liability' to them, dont lie about anything you dont have to in order to make it easy

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06.16.10 Verbatim email from son, a Marine officer serving in Afghanistan:

June 16, 2010 at 11:48am

"Re: coming home Im back on ADD medicine. How ironic is this... they allow it now"

History

Son was recruited by USMC in high school. Underage, my permission was required, Recruiter requested I provide medical history; I disclosed my son's Attention Deficit Disorder. My son (in high school) requested ADD assessment, received diagnosis, had taken prescribed medication monitored monthly for three years. His goal of enhanced executive function, maximized cognition; and elimination of impulsiveness were achieved.

USMC sent him to boot camp, within days was released - told ineligible due to Attention Deficit Disorder.

Passionate to be a Marine, he followed USMC instructions: went off meds for two years; submitted his and new MD's declaration he did not have ADD.

He reenlisted in Marines; simultaneously expressed conviction ADD presciptions were mind-bending; insisted ADD was nothing more than weakness of character.

Sent to boot camp a second time, son graduated at top of class. Graduated from College, then attended Quantico OCS; graduated first in batallion (800+) accepted commission of 2nd Lieutenant.

Son volunteered to deploy to Afghanistan a year early; left in March 2010.

Was stunned by email received 06.17.10 - USMC now allowed ADD meds. Have no idea of circumstance why they are being prescribed.

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Aside - don't know if relevant. Prior to deployment I contacted commanding officer, reiterated history and concern lack of medication would compromise the very executive function/cognitive skills ensuring maximum effectiveness with the

intensity of war. Protested USMC insistence requiring MD and son to declare he no longer had ADD. Commanding officer replied, didn't respond to concerns, did agree to place in son's file.

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Answer 3

No. You must get your ADD or ADHD under control enough to pass an exam with a doctor/psychologist, and you must be off ADD/ADHD medication for at least 6 months before you can join the navy. BTW, you cannot have the interview with the doctor/psychologist until you have been off your medication for 6 months or longer.

Answer 4

Unfortunately, no. The Military will not allow someone with a mental disorder, such as ADD, ADHD, or epilepsy (these mainly) join under any circumstances. I think it has something to do with the fact that you will be a liability (a risk to yourself and fellow squadmates.) I, myself, have the unfortunate curse to have all 3 disorders, so I am speaking from experience. Other versions of this question have been answered with things like "You must be off the meds for a year or so." My mother is an RN and she told me that they will not let you join at all, so has my neurologist and a recruitment officer. It does suck though, I wanted to join and be a sniper. But, you could always look at it optimistically; if there were ever to be a draft, you have a loophole to get out of being drafted into service.

Answer 5

Yes, they'll take anybody.