Entering ROTC planning on taking LTC

Hey Everyone,

I have been doing a lot of research about this but I want to know what everyone thinks with my situation. I want to start ROTC and spoke with the Major of my colleges ROTC program today. We went through a bunch of questions and then he asked if I take any medication. I am honest guy and told him I take Adderall, however I can function without it and don't need to take it anymore. Yes I do take it now, but there are days where I don't and I function JUST fine. He said it might be a disqualification and after I have done research it looks like it is. He said that I will need a waiver, do you guys think I will be able to?

Thanks

Nolimit796 said:

Hey Everyone,

I have been doing a lot of research about this but I want to know what everyone thinks with my situation. I want to start ROTC and spoke with the Major of my colleges ROTC program today. We went through a bunch of questions and then he asked if I take any medication. I am honest guy and told him I take Adderall, however I can function without it and don't need to take it anymore. Yes I do take it now, but there are days where I don't and I function JUST fine. He said it might be a disqualification and after I have done research it looks like it is. He said that I will need a waiver, do you guys think I will be able to?

Thanks

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I'm assuming you're going in as a college programmer. You might be allowed to start ROTC, but you will be unable to contract until you are off it for at least a year. At least this is the info I received from an AFROTC student who actually dropped because she was taking a drug for ADHD. She is hoping to return to an accession program later. I'm assuming AROTC would be similar. Your mileage may vary and you should discuss it in more detail with the Major or over on the DoDMERB threads. Also, if you decide to stop taking it, only do so in consultation with your doctor. Some drugs can do weird things to you if you suddenly stop taking them.

Thanks

Yeah, I have never had any of my schools document that I had any "disorder" actually I was never properly diagnosed with ADD/HD. I have gone days without the pill so I think me just getting off it won't be a problem. It's not that I can't function without it, i just have to try harder without it. Whereas on the meds I just pay attention with no effort. If I would have known what taking the pills would limit me from doing. I would have never done it.

Have a friend in ROTC who couldn't contract until he was off it for a year. I won't throw out guesses on how it will go for you because waivers and medical is always changing and few of us can realistically tell you a solid answer.

As far as AROTC goes, you could still participate as a MS1 and MS2 until everything gets straightened out and you contract. Downside is you miss out on getting paid.

Whether or not you were officially diagnosed with ADHD is only one part of the issue from a DoDMERB perspective. The big factor is you have a current prescription right now for Adderall.

The fact is the military cares for your safety from not only a physical standpoint, but a mental one too. They also know as much as the Army is one...it isn't and your condition may impact everyone else. For example in your words, you just have to concentrate harder without the meds. Not very reassuring to them when you are in a battle with lots of diversions to start with.

It is best to get medical advice, documenting that you are cleared off the meds and as it has been stated be prepared for a DQ, but do AROTC as a walk on.

Waivers do not come from DoDMERB, it comes from the branch. It is a case by case issue. In yrs ago when money was being thrown hand over fist to the military waivers were easier, now that is no longer the way.

Good luck