Can you still join the Navy if you have ADD?

Answer 1

It depends on the extent of the condition - if you've been definitively diagnosed, receiving treatment, and are taking medication for it prior to recruitment, then no, it's a medical disqualification.

On the other hand - if you're not being actively treated, and it's not an ongoing issue, then it likely won't be an issue. If you think you're eligible, speak to it with your recruiter. They know the system better than anyone, what they'll accept and what they won't, and what you should put in your Med questionnaire and what not to.

It's important to understand the military is geared toward training people of all learning levels, but what they're interested in as far as medical qualification is any problem that they'd be stuck with treating if they brought you aboard, and if that condition will hinder you in any way from performing within a military unit.

I was asked a similar question a few months ago by a person who was diagnosed once many years ago, but who was a college graduate and was applying for entry into the Navy. She was afraid it would hurt her chances, but the fact that she hadn't taken any meds or wasn't being treated allowed her to be successfully signed up.

In the end, the recruiting process allows for waivers of anything if you're a recruit that has the type of skills they're looking for. If you score high enough on the ASVAB and haven't had any issues with treatment, it shouldn't be an issue. But don't lie about it to your recruiter - if there's any medical background, it'll come up during your background investigation.