The Forums › Forums › For The Non-ADD › It Runs In Families › US Military Service with ADHD › Re: US Military Service with ADHD
Anonymous
I was in the US Navy for over 13 years. However I was never actually diagnosed until I’d been out for a year. So all of my enlisted time was literally on my own and without medication. Some of it was ok, some of it was really affected.
So… it can be good and bad.
For example…
Clothing. You have a specific uniform you have to wear and if you have to wear a different uniform you’ll know when and where. The downside is that you’ll have to be organized enough to keep it in good condition and not forget bits of medals or hats etc.
Where to be. This one is pretty basic. They’ll let you know exactly where you have to be and when. Often, even how long you’ll have to be there. The ADD issue – being on time. I ended up having to set my watch 5 minutes ahead. (Early is good, late is bad).
Jobs for the day. Again they’ll tell you what you have to do each day. Sometimes it may be a weekly plan of tasks, but you’ll pretty much know what you have to get done and when it has to be done by. ADD?… Yeah getting it done on time without being distracted. I almost got in serious trouble for some of the things I blew off.
There are often however things the military will gladly provide for you…
“Wheel books” – at least that’s what the Navy called them. It’s a little green notebook that fits in your back pocket. It’s great for jotting down tasks.
Desk calendars. If you have a desk, ask your supply department for one of those giant ones you can write all over.
Oh and pens too. You’re suppose to have one on you at all times. Yeah… I didn’t do that a lot. But you do get pens at least.
Medical and food. Not always the best, but… it is something you end up not having to worry about as much.
Now things to ask when you enlist…
If you’re taking medication… it may not be the best place for you to be. Medical is free, but keep in mind your deployment might out last your supply.
You also might be asked to go off of it. That’s something to seriously think about. Also if you deal with classified data that might be another issue.
I would recommend talking to a military doctor and the recruiter about your options.
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