What are the Odds of the Air Force Accepting Me?

Question

I am 22 years old and on Social Security disability. I have never had competitive employment (I was only able to get disability because of a parent who is on it and I was ill before age 22) . I have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder after a suicide attempt at age 17. I'm a high school dropout currently attempting to get a diploma (not a GED) through an accredited distance learning program (Penn Foster). I am not on any medications and I think of suicide on a daily basis.

I know the outlook is grim and the Air Force is highly selective. There have been stories in the last 3 years of shady Army recruiters ignoring mental health history, but this seemingly never occurs with Air Force recruiters.

The only reason I have any hope (I am a realist) is due to the fact that I am obsessed with learning and always test well. I don't want to sound arrogant, but I am no idiot and believe I could score higher than a 90 on the ASVAB.

Is there an actual chance? Or I am doomed?

Answer 1

I hate to say this, but the bipolar/suicide attempt will disqualify you for all branches of service. The physical is the same for qualifications---each service looks at additional screenings for specific jobs once you pass the over-all medical physical.

Answer 2

I don't know if the whole social security thing would be a problem, but the bipolar disorder diagnosis is a permanent disqualifier. When you fill out the paperwork, it goes back 7 years or from when you were 16 on. They do a thorough background check, even asking for people who knew you at certain points in your life. Even if you did ask, they wouldn't even consider you without the diploma. Despite popular belief, the military will only take so many GED holders. Those with GED's have to get a GED waiver and every recruiting stationed is allotted only so many waivers a year. After those waivers are gone, the recruiters have to wait until the start of the new fiscal year before taking anymore. The Air Force is also downsizing in it's numbers. You might score a 90 on the ASVAB, but that means nothing to the military if you can't train or do your job on a day to day basis, especially if you need medication and they aren't sure if you'll take it. Not to be mean, but I'd look elsewhere because I don't think your dreams of the Air Force are going to happen.

Answer 3

Well, I can you tell based on Navy policy they would say no based on the suicide attempt for mental reasons but also no if you have ever been medicated for the bipolar disorder. The GED thing is no big deal and the disability thing they would never need to know unless you told them. They don't usually ask where your money to support yourself comes from, but the other stuff is pretty major in their eyes. Look into getting a job with the Department of the Navy or Army or Air Force if you enjoy the lifestyle of the military. Each branch has civilian GS employees that work for them doing everything from cleaning building to engineers. You can start with a job you can get and work your way up. Just type in Department of the Navy or Air Force jobs into your browser and you should find jobs all over the country you can apply for. This way you are still employed near the people you wanted to be like. Good luck.

Answer 4

I hate to put it so bluntly, but you haven't really got a chance.

Given your mental history and the fact that you currently think of suicide on a daily basis, you would be more of a liability than an asset to the Armed Forces, where life can be significantly more stressful than in the civilian world.

As for a recruiter ignoring your mental health history, I wouldn't count on it. It's something that could land both you and the recruiter in prison, followed by a bad conduct discharge.

I don't doubt that you're very bright and are obsessed with learning. However, you'd be best served by exploring options outside of the Armed Forces.
Regards,
TSgt Ken

Answer 5

Volunteer for the US Army, bud. Request any available MOS.
If the Recruiter gives you any grief, ask him or her to refer any
issues up the chain of command. Be clear. You want it. It is
going to be a hard call, true, but the odds are better than other
Armed Forces.

It is an actual chance. Getting in may doom you. Be worthy. Don't make the US Army and this writer regret the open door opportunity. Do the best you can. God preserve you.

Answer 6

Can't get in the AF without a HS diploma, let alone your past medical history. The AF is going through it's Force Shaping and is very selective in who they want. If you came into my Army recruiting station and told me all this, I would say good luck and have a nice life. AF recruiters don't need anyone to lie about coming in, they have enough qualified people to join their ranks, while we in the Army need more and more.

Answer 7

I think the real question is: do YOU actually think you should be accepted? could you handle the pressure of being in the Air Force especially because you think of suicide on a daily basis.
Joining (or ATTEMPTING to join) the Air Force would not only endanger your own life but the life of MANY others! Have you considered that?

Answer 8

final 3 hundred and sixty 5 days NO non rated boards have been held. NONE. this 3 hundred and sixty 5 days we don't be responsive to what number, if any would be held. this vogue is estimated to proceed. meaning.. in 2 years once you're able to graduate and seek for that fee it ought to be a moot element.. if the AF isn't picking non Aviation varieties, you have a nil p.c. hazard of being provided a fee. determination expenditures for Aviation ran interior the low 20% variety

Answer 9

You should call and ask your local recruiter.My husband wanted to join the US AIR FORCE and they disqualified him because he was allergic to bees.So since that didn't work out hes going 2 join the US NAVY!good luck and don't give up!

Answer 10

Have to be realstic guy, with your previous medical histrory, the Air Force would probably pass on you. But hey, all they can say is no.