Want to become a soldier when I grow up, but military won't take me...help?

Question

I'm 17 years old now, still in high school (junior). I can't get an ROTC scholarship in college because I was depressed last year, and I cut myself. I'm not on medication anymore, but the military says that it is an automatic DQ for self-injury/attempted suicide. I'm mentally and emotionally stable now, but they won't care. What's done is done, thus there seems to be no legal way for me to get into the military from now on. I still want to become a soldier, so is there any legitimate mercenary agency that will hire me, despite my dark past? (And NO, I'm not some kid who thinks that war is cool from playing Counter Strike every day)

Actually they can't waiver that. They only waiver minor stuff...depression is very serious and can't be risked. I did NOT luck out, I think I just made some stupid mistake as a kid, and now it's ruined my life forever. I'm not Emo anymore.

Answer 1

I'm surprised at the amount of ill-informed and just plain stupid answers on this thread. Obviously, anyone who says that you're not disqualified or that you can get a waiver doesn't know much about what qualifies or disqualifies a person from enlistment.

I'm really sorry to hear that you're in a situation where you truly want to do something, but unfortunately cannot because of your situation. It's not much help, but there are many people in this situation due to past medical or even past legal issues. Unfortunately, there's nothing that can be done in regards to getting you into the military at this point.

If you're serious about wanting to get into a military or similar career, your options are very limited. Even government contractors generally require a security clearance, and your past psych history may prove to be a problem in obtaining a clearance. You may want to see whether there are any jobs in supporting the military that you might be interested in. There are many jobs for civilians that support the military's mission or work with the military in some way or shape, that might still be interesting to you.

You may want to ask Blackwater what their current requirements are - they don't take everyone and they prefer people with military or law enforcement backgrounds, but they're a very big organization and are bound to have some non-combat / no-security clearance type jobs. At least that way you may still find yourself working with the military on occasion.

Answer 2

I'm sorry, but as of right now, you are disqualified from the armed services and most contracting jobs with the armed services. With time, and accomplishments and an increasing demonstration of maturity, you might be able to overcome what previously occurred and possibly pursue a waiver for the condition.

As of right now, you would be ineligible for even a confidential security clearance with this in your immediate background, therefore, most "mercenary" jobs require some form of security clearance, which would cause you not to be hired.

However, what I would suggest is that you pursue college, make good grade, get involved with your community, then attempt to apply for OCS. If you demonstrate the ability to overcome the prejudicial things that have occurred in your past, most services would be willing to grant a waiver.

I do commend you for being honest about this with the recruiter. Even though the military may not find out about it, if you had a job that required a security clearance, such as a job within communications (requires access to Top Secret information) and they performed a background investigation, they would have found it, and could have separated you from the service because of it. So, go to college, demonstrate maturity, then try for a waiver. In time, most things in our past are forgiven.

- To reiterate something, recruiters will tell you that depression is not a waiverable condition, however, as far as the Navy is concerned, it is waiverable, per the CRUITMAN, to summarize what it states,

1) Has to be an isolated incident, not within the past three years, or past the 18th birthday.
2) Waivers must be submitted to BUMED.

Now, BUMED is the Bureau of Medicine for the Navy. Usually, waivers with them take *time* and most recruiters would not be willing to work with that. Honestly, review instructions before you believe what anyone tells you. Most of them are able to be found with any search engine.

Answer 3

Have you looked into the foreign legion? They ask no questions!
It's tough, but many have done it! Alternatively, however, why not shoot to run for congress? They take anyone who can adeptly
prey upon the apathy and ignorance of their constituents! Spend a little time reviewing the biographies of some of the dimmer bulbs that we have elected. Some are so inept they can't even get a credit card and Banks give them to illegal aliens. Study hard kid. We need people to run the government. That is, if we still have a country
left by the time you come of age to contribute. Honesty is sorely lacking in politics. You should set your sights to make a difference.

Answer 4

sorry to say it but i dont think there is any hope in getting in the military. it REALLY sucks that they hold past experiences against you, everyone makes mistakes at some point in their lives, it doesnt mean that they will repeat it, but you have to look at it from the military perspective. you have shown them that you can be emotionally weak, and although you are strong right now, when put in a combat situation, or just the military lifestyle itself (which is very stressful might i add) you may break down again. and when soldiers are suicidal its a royal pain in the butt. i mean my heart goes out to them, but it totally sucks to have to make someone else sit and babysit them 24/7. i know it may sound like i am totally heartless about all of this, really i am not, ive just seen a lot of soldiers who are "suicidal" just to get attention or try to get out of the military. your best bet is to go another route. whatever route you choose i wish you the best of luck.

Answer 5

You've gotta think. Even though you're stable now, they don't know if you may snap and hurt yourself or somebody else. They aren't desperate enough for recruits to feel it's worth the risk.
As far as any mercenary agencies, you'd probably have to keep even them from finding out about cutting yourself and stuff.
You probably ought to look into other careers. You can still go shooting at the gun range and go hunting and stuff. You're just not what they're looking for.

Answer 6

There are always exceptions to every rule. Just work with your recruiter and find a reasonable solution. Also if push comes to shove you can try and write your congressman. You would be surprised how much impact that can have. If you truly want to join the military there are better ways to do it then to become a mercenary.

Answer 7

The best thing to do is just wait. Most of the time (in my experience) if you're otherwise qualified, you can get 2-3 written statements from doctors stating you're no longer a threat to yourself, and the military will consider you. That is NOT a guarantee. It's simply a chance.

Answer 8

Dear Peoplesuck666 -

It might be a better idea to pursue another career line.

Maybe Librarian would suit you better.

peace

Answer 9

Select more than one college and talk with every ROTC chairman or professor.

Answer 10

the interview only goes back seven years, so if you really want to join the army, as long as you haven't committed any felonies, you can wait until seven years have elapsed.