Can a bipolar person that is taking medication go to the military?

Question

The person functions normally while they are taking medication. They want to know if they will be allowed to go into the military.

Answer 1

No. They must be off the meds for 12 months and demonstarte an ability to function normally for that 12 months..without Meds.

as for the person who reported working w/ people on Meds.. once you are in, and are diagnosed, many times you are able to continue serving, even while on meds. But you cannot initially enlist while on meds..

and for the record: getting off them, lying about it and than 'suddenly' needing them again after being in.. will net you an investigation, and a probably Fraudulent enlistment discharge for failing to disclose a prior existing condition.

Answer 2

Unfortunately, no. It was already mentioned, but we operate in some amazingly stressful conditions that few civilian professions will ever even approach. Stress helps to trigger mood swings in bipolar people. I wouldn't want to have to entrust my life to someone who wasn't mentally functioning 100% when things get nasty.

I have a good friend whose wife had a breakdown during a deployment and was subsequently diagnosed bipolar or manic depressive or whatever the term was. Apparently, up until then, she controlled it so well that she and everyone around her never realized she had a problem. Once on medication, she was her normal old self again. However, she was medically retired almost immediately, despite being an outstanding officer in all other regards.

Answer 3

I know that everyone else has said no, however while in the Navy, I worked with 3 people that were bipolar and taking medication. It can be done, this person needs to talk to a recuiter to get real answers. People can type what ever they want to say and say that they have been in whatever service for any number of years. However, I have found that most of them are full of B.S.. Contact a recruiter and find out what they say, it is you most reliable source.

Answer 4

You know, this is just my opinion, but you know the term Section 8, will if they already have psychological problems they might get worse, even suicidal with the strictness of the millitary that's of course if they are concealing that they have Manic Depression (Bipolar)

Answer 5

No they cannot. And concealing this information from the recruiter or MEPs is considered an act of "Fraudulent Enlistment" and is punishable by the UCMJ, as well as warrants immediate separation.

I was a company commander of a Reception Company (where basic training starts). I severely punished and removed from the Army Soldiers who entered fraudulently under these conditions.

It is unfortunate that they have this condition, however, their condition is incompatible with military service. Would you want them holding a weapon? Too risky.

Answer 6

no

Answer 7

No.