Posted by Scott in Vermont on May 5, 2004, at 7:39:10
In reply to Re: US Military Service Meds - Need advice guys! » chemist, posted by mattdds on May 5, 2004, at 2:15:32
Matt,
I was active duty from 88-94, and this is my opinion: don't tell them anything. Keep your act together, if possible "stock up" on your meds before you go and take care of yourself without it being an issue for them. Bascially, what they don't know won't hurt you.
So long as you remain a highly motivated hard-charging troop, they probably won't care about anything else.
When I was in, I knew SSG who was an outstanding NCO. He was a natural leader, knew how to motivate his troops, and was incredibly efficient in all of his duties. Then one day his wife ditches him. He started to slide, and he sought help by seeking counseling. No meds, no "suicidal statements or intent", just SAW a doc to talk about his feelings.
The unit found out about it before he even left the office. As soon as he got back, he was ROD, lost his team, and was sent to a Company-issued psych eval. Suffering that indignity compounded his situation to the point where he finally DID make "suicial statements or intent" because he couldn't deal with all the crap. He was given a psych discharge after mowing lawns for 6 months because he was never cleared for duty after he was ROD. He was a good man who got screwed over by policy and procedure.
(No, I'm not that guy, but I was on his team)
Not trying to scare you at all! Please understand that. I'm only telling you one man's story. Others may have had more positive experiences, but it taught a young soldier (me) a valuable lesson- don't trust them with anything more important than name, rank, and SSN.
I hope you do well. My best wishes to you.
poster:Scott in Vermont
thread:343508
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040505/msgs/343551.html