In the event of a draft, will mentally impaired persons like myself be forced into combat duty?
I'm basically considered bipolar - that's what's listed on my medical records. I've been seeing psycho therapists and psychiatrists since primary school (in high school now) and have been taking medication for over 6 years.
I really don't want to be drafted in to the military unless I was awarded some high position (officer perhaps..)
My mom says they won't accept mentally phucked folks even in the most extreme circumstances of conscription, but I want to make sure.
Help?
2007-09-22 19:54:49 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Military
I'm confused.
Can I be drafted or what??
I'm pretty certain bipolar is considered a mental impairment. It's in the same spectrum as schizophrenia...
I get depressed really easy and can become highly erratic under even slight stress (meaning bullets aren't a good idea.)
Factor in OCD elements...
I know a draft is going to happen within my life time, and I want to be ready. I'm not going to have my parents to cover for me when I'm 20 or 30.
2007-09-22 20:08:09 · update #1
Also - hypothetically, say a draft was inevitable, would enlisting in the coast guard prevent me from being shipped overseas?
About the high position - isn't there a standardized test you take that estimates what job is most suitable for yourself?
I know my grandpa was an officer after he was drafted and he had zero experience in the military (he had a college degree.)
gaaahh
2007-09-22 20:10:34 · update #2
You and all your other personalities, voices in your head, etc... can all serve together in the military, if and when drafted, in the buddy system program !
2007-09-22 20:13:51 · answer #1 · answered by Johnny D' Venison 3 · 0⤊ 4⤋
I would not worry about being drafted. The United States has a 100% volunteer military, meaning that no once can be forced to serve without joining of their own free will.
What you do need to do is to make sure you've filled out your "draft card." IF, and I doubt that it will ever happen, but IF there was a draft, I do believe that you would be medically disqualified for the service.
2007-09-22 20:22:11 · answer #2 · answered by thechief66 5 · 3⤊ 1⤋
No.
Also people earn "high positions", they aren't just "awarded" upon joining.
You have no reason to worry about being drafted. (neither does anyone else) People with bipolar are not allowed in the military.
There are other ways to serve your country besides the military, so you do have other options.
****edit***
No you cannot be drafted.
No you cannot go into the coast guard.
Yes, before entering the military you take a test (AVSB). This is too see what jobs might best suit you. It is not for a "high position". Just an MOS.
2007-09-22 20:03:39 · answer #3 · answered by Laura in North Carolina 5 · 3⤊ 1⤋
It really depends. If you are pill dependant then you would be passed over. And yes Bi-polar is a mental illness, thats the main catagory which is seperated into other sub catagorys such as mood disorders. But there isnt a draft so I would worry. and if you were drafted you would be a grunt, they dont just promote you to officer. sorry
2007-09-22 22:43:23 · answer #4 · answered by Mrs.Burr 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Bipolar, as well as other mood disorders, is disqualifying for enlistment or appointment in the armed forces. That would also apply to conscription, should that ever occur in the future. You are now and will forever remain a civilian.
2007-09-23 04:45:42 · answer #5 · answered by desertviking_00 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Bipolar isn't considered mentally impaired, it's a mood disorder. I'm bipolar too, and thinking about becoming a psychotherapist. I don't know about being drafted though,but I wouldn't worry about it.
2007-09-22 20:01:25 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
well my husband is bipolar and he is in the military.As long as your able to do your job they pretty much over look it.
If u were drafted in the military u would start off at the lowest rank.Nobody just gets in the military as an officer.
the military over looks alot of medical problems.So u might be able to get drafted still
2007-09-22 22:53:32 · answer #7 · answered by oinksaysthepig 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You'll never have to worry about being drafted... US Military recruiting levels are higher than ever before, and more and more are re-enlisting.
And depending on what kind of medication you're on, that alone may disqualify you from service.
2007-09-22 20:05:02 · answer #8 · answered by -^Chris^- 3 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Don't sweat it kid. no draft. just keep working with the doctor and take your med's.
The Army works on bipolar. They'll get up and keep you down at the same time. So if you get teired of taking med's .Just see your recruter
2007-09-22 20:02:26 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
I think you are safe. You even sound, ah different, in that you want to skip the basics and be an officer. Your Mom is probably right, so don't sweat it. Just keep taking your meds!
2007-09-22 20:01:56 · answer #10 · answered by ArRo 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋