Aspergers

Selahfaell · Jul 22nd 2008

Ok, this might sound like a silly question, but I don't really feel like going to the online "chat advisors" on the website.

I know there are some ex-military types on here, so I want to know this. Is there any catch in the military that says that someone with a mild form of Aspergers Syndrome can't serve?

I'm getting fed up, I've lost my job, my car, all my money, I'm £200 in the red, and I need something to do, a purpose if you like. I'm thinking of joining the British Army.

Any help would be good

Ryzune

Corynthos · Jul 22nd 2008

Whatever you do - DON`T GO TO THE ARMY!
They`ll just turn you into a mindless killing machine.

Selahfaell · Jul 22nd 2008

Quote

Originally posted by RogueJet
Whatever you do - DON`T GO TO THE ARMY!
They`ll just turn you into a mindless killing machine.

Where do I join? [7]

Seriously though, I'm looking to join either the British Army in the Infantry, or the Royal Air Force in the Regimental Gunners. I need to *do* something, instead of being stuck here in my hometown scratching around for some job to live on. The military is sounding very attractive right now.

So, anyone know? Can mild Aspergers Syndrome prevent you from joining the Armed Forces?

Nuclear_Winter · Jul 22nd 2008

Why don't you ask them? Go to the recruitment office and ask...

And how mild is "mild"? Do you take meds, can you keep it under control? I've looked it up a bit, apparently there are people in the army with that illness... so you probably can try and join, I think they give medical checkups to everyone, so they'll determine whether you're fit to serve or not...

Selahfaell · Jul 22nd 2008

Because it's much easier to ask here than ask a British Army officer directly

Aspergers can't be treated with medication, it's treated by CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy). I don't have it severely, not enough to hinder my capabilities, but I didn't know if there was some strict rule about mental illness.

But if there are people in the army with it, I should be fine then. I'm considering the military as a career, so I just didn't want to be going down a dead end street.

Nuclear_Winter · Jul 22nd 2008

Well, as I said, there seem to be people with Aspergers in the army, so now you have no choice but to ask an officer directly

...unless someone here is British Army, ofc

Selahfaell · Jul 22nd 2008

I think Doppleganger was ex-military.... he's British.

It'd give me something to do anyway.

Ok, so spoke to an army guy via their website help room thing. If you have autism, you're barred from the armed forces. Aspergers is an extremely mild form of autism. I have an extremely mild form of Aspergers.

So, it doesn't affect my performance, which means I should be able to serve. You would never know from looking at me that there was anything wrong, only if you knew my childhood. I guess I'd be ok then.

Nuclear_Winter · Jul 22nd 2008

Good luck

Selahfaell · Jul 22nd 2008

Quote

Originally posted by Nuclear_Winter
Good luck

Think I'll need it.... Going to think things through and make a decision. My parents will be against it, but it's my decision.

Doppleganger · Jul 23rd 2008

the only thing i can think of is the capacity in which you would be alowed to serve. as in handling weapons. i cant see that being possible due to the unpredictable nature of any form of autism. with this comes medical downgrading which means no promotion prospects.

i now work in conjunction with social services with ppl of yours, and more extreme versions of your disability, and understand the nature and dangers of any form of autism.
like has already been said its best to visit your local carreers imformation office and discuss this with thier attending medical officer.

but dont hold out hope, no disrespect but i wouldnt allow anyone with questionable mental status to handle any form of weaponry. after all we all have ourt limits and 99% they are usually very well defined. ppl suffering from any form of mental disability and/or impairment cannot define for themselves where that limit lies, and how to retain control when that limit is reached.
handling a weapon of any form takes the greatest amount of responsibility, as 1 stray thought or unpredicted mood change can/will result in something that you could regret the rest of your life.

why not enquire about a non combative career within the forces? if its combative status that you are after, and that alone, that would throw question marks into the M.O's mind straight away.

Selahfaell · Jul 23rd 2008

Hmm.... It's hard to explain. I don't have like stray thoughts, or anything like that. I just don't always notice facial expressions and I'm not very good at holding a conversation. I haven't been officially diagnosed with anything, but the doctor said the best fit would be Aspergers, due to the fact that I don't always understand other people's feelings.

I thought about the Royal Navy too, I wonder what their rules are for just general crewmen.

Doppleganger · Jul 23rd 2008

the same rules apply to all the armed forces. i'm ex RAF, my brother is a sergeant in the Artillery, my lodger is ex navy.

Centaurian · Jul 23rd 2008

In any case, there are bound to be techical jobs within any armed services that could be translated to post-service employment, especially in communications, IT, heavy equipment, etc. If you get a medical clearance to get through basic training, you should have a relatively easy go at the specialties, judging from your own description of your condition. Good Luck!

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Aspergers

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