Pros and Cons of Enlisting in the Military with ADHD: A Guide on Preparing

Contemplating a military career? Uncertain about whether an ADHD diagnosis will impact your enlistment or your ability to succeed in the military?

Having ADHD will not automatically disqualify you from serving. However, it does warrant a serious self-assessment to determine whether the military environment is an optimal fit for you. This includes evaluating your abilities, potential hurdles, and your grasp of managing ADHD, particularly without drugs. Conducting thorough research is essential. This would incorporate acquiring extensive knowledge on military regulations, enlistment processes, appealing departments and roles within them, and the advantages and disadvantages of military life. Laying the groundwork for success before application, even if you are determined to join, is a wise move.

According to the Department of Defense’s (DoD) current regulations, an ADHD diagnosis disqualifies a potential enlistee if they meet any of these conditions:

Prospective members with ADHD who meet any of the stipulated conditions, would require a medical waiver to serve. It's important to note that these Department of Defense rules are simply guidelines. Each military branch (and at times, subdivisions within them) have their unique policies, procedures, and methods (both formal and informal) for handling medical waivers and enlistment. Consequently, obtaining a waiver isn't always straightforward.

Regardless, these rules shouldn't dishearten anyone striving to join. It appears that ongoing shifts in perception and recruitment challenges are pressuring the military to reconsider stipulations regarding mental health conditions like ADHD, and possibly ease enlistment restrictions. This may account for why in 2022, approximately one in six recruits received a waiver to join, according to a Military Times report. This is the highest recorded percentage in at least a decade.

ADHD is potentially more widespread in the military than assumed. A 2018 study disclosed that over 41,000 active service personnel had an ADHD diagnosis, based on a five-year medical data review among service members.

Ensure you comprehend the benefits and drawbacks of a military career, especially in relation to your individual preferences and ADHD diagnosis.

The crucial question to ponder is, "Could I thrive in a military environment?" If you see more negatives than positives, then the military may not suit you. However, other essential questions should be considered:

1. Can I function without medication? Enrolling in any military division while receiving ADHD medication is unfeasible. Therefore, many candidates refrain from medication use for at least 24 months before enlistment. Bear in mind that regulations vary among divisions. For instance, the Air Force has been known to consider waivers for applicants off medication for at least 15 months. Be realistic about your symptoms and how you manage your ADHD. Understanding military dropout rates may be informative since members with ADHD tend to have higher attrition rates than those without ADHD.

A point on ADHD treatment during active duty: As an Army clinical psychologist, I can only attest to our procedures. In the Army, it is feasible to get an ADHD diagnosis and treatment while on active duty. Initiating treatment, especially using stimulants, could necessitate other role-, training-, and/or division-specific considerations. A serviceman treating ADHD with stimulants may require a waiver to continue certain tasks.

2. If I meet any disqualifying conditions, am I prepared to demonstrate readiness and increase my chances of obtaining a waiver? If you are resolved to cease medication use prior to enlistment, only do so under your doctor's guidance. Simultaneously, explore non-pharmaceutical ADHD management methods (and other conditions, if present). Beneficial options could include therapy, coaching, and support groups. While awaiting the recommended period off medication, you could attend classes, hone technical skills, or undertake or maintain employment. Take the time, potentially years (verify enlistment age restrictions with your preferred branch), to demonstrate stability and make a compelling case for yourself.

3. How can I ensure success in the military?

With the right planning and preparation, thriving in the military with ADHD is absolutely possible. But if you determine that joining the military isn’t the right path for you, there are other careers that may still allow you to be involved in the military. The DoD employs 950,000 civilians across its many agencies in multiple disciplines and around the world. Click here to learn more about DOD careers for civilians.