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Can I join the army if i have a 504 plan for ADHD?

I'm a Junior in high school currently looking into a military career and I was wondering if I can join the army or any branch with a 504 would having a 72 on the AFQT(Armed Forces Qualification Test) help? I would like to clarify that according to DOD medical standards that I came across a 504 after your 14th birthday disqualified you from enlistment https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/dodi/613003_vol1.PDF?ver=7fhqacc0jGX_R9_1iexudA%3D%3D

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Kim’s Answer

Daniel,

I can't find an official source of information. Articles make it look discouraging, but, apparently, there are ways to get medical waivers. Perchance can you talk to your school/parents/ doctor about going off the 504, and, discontinuing any meds you might be on? Age 14 appears to be very significant, so, being a junior, I'm guessing you are older than that.

Talk to a military recruiter, and get the exact rule. Then try to take steps to meet it. As frequently as the rules change, I cannot speak from personal experience, as that was many years ago.

Hoping this works out for you, as the military is a good career path!

Kim
Thank you comment icon I am older than that but the recruiter I talked to said I may not be able to take the asvab because of a 504 and all of these websites say 14 years is like a set time for cut off Daniel
Thank you comment icon I also found this DOD pdf that said that a 504 or IEP after my 14th birthday disqualified me down the road https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/dodi/613003_vol1.PDF?ver=7fhqacc0jGX_R9_1iexudA%3D%3D Daniel
Thank you comment icon thanks. see t he definition of waiver, page 56. , hence, the need to try to mainstream, stop meds (under dr supervision only!), etc. It's possible, depending on the needs of the military and your particular case. It may be that you won't be able to go in right after HS, might need to wait 2 or 3 yrs, etc. Kim Igleheart
Thank you comment icon My doctor is having me stop my meds over the summer and into my senior year so hopefully that will help even if I am required to wait 2 to 3 years thanks for your help. Daniel
Thank you comment icon you're welcome! Thank you for your dedication to wanting to serve our country! Kim Igleheart
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Karen’s Answer

My son was in the Army National Guard in Tennessee and he was recruited for a period of no less than 9 years, he did this when he was 18 After High School and he recently stopped being a member of the National Guard but he left it very much and got a lot out of it but be sure and look up the times that are required even for National Guard. I don't know what the requirements are for 504 best of luck Karen
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Eric’s Answer

Daniel,

That is commendable that you are looking into joining the military. I believe that there is only issue joining the Army if you are medicated for ADHD. Otherwise, I understand that there is no issue. But, as others have mentioned, I suggest talking to a recruiter about your specific situation so that you can confirm what the requirements are. If you require medication, I suggest talking to your parents and psychiatrist about your plans so that they can provide counsel with you about whether you could manage the ADHD without it.
All the best,
Eric
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david’s Answer

H, Daniel,
Did you mean your 14th birthday? The military requires that you be at least 17, so I'll guess that was a typo. The military can be a rewarding career and there are many training opportunities there. I know, because I served six years in the military, and it helped mature and learn some key skills. My suggestion is to visit some local recruiters of all branches of the service, as each will have different training programs to offer you and different start dates for basic training. The military are all struggling to recruit new members, so that speaks well for your probable acceptance. I admire your direction and enthusiasm. All the best. Here is a link that may assist: https://www.goarmy.com/how-to-join/requirements.html
Thank you comment icon Hey David I've been looking at articles and the recruiter I talked to said that I may not be able to join because for some odd reason the cutoff is 14 years for a 504 Daniel
Thank you comment icon Here is more information as I was unable to edit my previous comment including a document mentioning 504's after 14 being a disqualification https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/dodi/613003_vol1.PDF?ver=7fhqacc0jGX_R9_1iexudA%3D%3D Daniel
Thank you comment icon My apologies, Daniel, for misunderstanding the question. I did find more information ath this site: https://numberdyslexia.com/military-and-504-plan/ I do wish the best for you. I admire your upbeat attitude and enthusiasm. david kirk
Thank you comment icon No need to apologize David I worded the question in an odd way, thank you for the link. Daniel
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Adrian’s Answer

Your best bet is to speak with a military recruiter and ask them. They are the ones who are going to know the most about requirements and disqualifications.
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