Tourette & the military
Question:
Help! Need information or someone’s experience dealing with the military and TS. My son wants to join the military in a few years (he’s currently in ROTC and does not tic when standing at attention etc). His OCD fits very well with the military life style. I have heard that he is not allowed to be in the military; I’ve been told that he can be in the military – just not in combat (which is fine with me…); and, I’ve been told to LIE about TS, medication etc. in order to get in. Does anyone know the answers? Whats the truth? I know of some people that are in the military with TS but they did not get their diagnosis until AFTER they had enlisted. Thanks for any information that you can give me.
Response:
> Does anyone know the answers? Whats the truth? I know of some people that > are in the military with TS but they did not get their diagnosis until AFTER > they had enlisted. > Thanks for any information that you can give me.
I suggest that you might want to write a letter to Maj. Mike Higgins c/o TSA, Inc. 42-40 Bell Blvd., Bayside, NY 11361. Mike is going to be a new national board member, and has a 20 year history with the military. He has TS, and his superiors in the military not only knew about it, they recognized him for some of his strengths. Perhaps Mike can give you some advice. I know there are several schools of thought on this, having heard some stories on ‘both sides.’ Frankly, I think it depends upon the individual, but then, I”m not a recruiter. Good luck, and please keep us posted. KAT in CT
Response:
I am in the military now. I’ve been in the Navy 12 years and dealing my tourette.I think the only reason I’m in is because I havn’t been officially diagnosed with TS. The military tends to not support medical afflictions and usually kicks people out or just does’nt allow them in, it makes it simpler than trying to benefit the indiviual. If you find out any particulars about the subjct please letme know , and do the same. thank you.
Response:
On 06 Oct 1999 02:35:35 GMT, dngerbo…@aol.com (Dngerboy25) wrote: >I am in the military now. I’ve been in the Navy 12 years and dealing my >tourette.I think the only reason I’m in is because I havn’t been officially >diagnosed with TS.
I actually waited quite a long time before seeking an "official" diagnosis for just such a reason. I didn’t want to join the Navy or anything, but it did occur to me that in some respects "not having" tourettes might be better than having it. What we really need in this country are doctors who don’t keep records–maybe a black market in medicine. Jonathan _____________________________________________________ jonat…@gennick.com http://gennick.com Brighten the Corner Where You Are
Response:
> Kat, maybe you can ask that new board member to actually write a > letter for the national newsletter about TS and the military, > including any policies, if possible….? > Leslie > — > For info on Tourette Syndrome, OCD, "Rage Attacks," and ADHD, see
http://www.tourettesyndrome.net/ EXCELLENT suggestion, Leslie. Am forwarding this on ‘as we speak.’ KAT in CT
