Posted by Cressida on May 5, 2004, at 23:59:06
In reply to US Military Service Meds - Need advice guys!, posted by mattdds on May 5, 2004, at 1:47:32
Hi Matt, you are indeed caught in a tough bind. I entered the U.S. Army as an E-3 this past Jan 22 and was discharged the following Mar 8 for having a psychiatric history. I did conceal my condition upon enlisting and up until entering service. Upon revealing my history during what's called "The Moment of Truth" during basic training I was EPS'ed (existing prior to service).
I stopped all of my meds many many months before leaving for training and I'm still not taking anything except Strattera for ADD.
I remember being in your situation. I mentioned my history out of principle and morals - I wanted to be honest and hoped for the best. I don't think I would risk mentioning ANYTHING, and chemist is probably safe in suggesting the "don't ask, don't tell" policy. Matt, this is a decision that can alter your career path. Carefully consider the consequences of a "no-go" reaction. If the medication is essential to your mental health and you're discharged, then what will you decide to do in that case? My brother is attending dental school at UNC this coming year. You can work as a dentist in the civilian community.
In consideration to what someone else posted about being forthcoming about your situation, the procedures that applied to me may be different for officers; especially one for whom the government already funded his expensive "training".
Let me conclude that I am positive that a person cannot ENTER military service and take psychiatric medication - if they were to discover you'd be hosed. Taking it after being active-duty is quite different and probably accepted, but only if the proper channels are taken. The best of luck!
poster:Cressida
thread:343508
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040505/msgs/343894.html