Advice, Army with self harm scars

L

Lilly2x2

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Oct 31, 2021
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Hey,
I am planning on joining the army, I have self harm scars that put me down, through the training I have judged myself to others as their arms when we're do practical work etc is not covered in scars like mine, has anyone got any tips to cover or treat self harm scars? I am worried, If i wear short sleeved that I will be put down to being 'mentally unstable' as I wouldn't want that, I am trying to treat them ready for impoliment.
Lils
 
Lilly,

I am unsure what your question is exactly. You asked it in a forum for the United States Military Academy at West Point, so I will assume that is where you hope to go rather than just “Joining the army”. If so, you will go though a medical exam process where you will need to list the scarring and any medical or psychological treatment that you have had regarding that. If you are disqualified for those reasons, you may get a waiver based on the medical record that you provide.

If I am off base in my assumptions, please elaborate on your question and we can try to answer more accruately..

Stealth_81
 
This is a forum for those thinking of applying to the USMA at West Point.
It is not a general US Army forum for those thinking of enlisting. There are places to get enlisting advice

It’s hard to tell which you are

If you are asking if the USMA will be interested in your previous health and mental health issues the question will be a big yes. The issue will not be about which shirt to wear

You need to explain better to get better advice
 
so is "self harm" a new code for "suicide attempt"? If you have a history of psychiatric problems and suicide attempts its unlikely you would even qualify for military service
 
conrack said:
so is "self harm" a new code for "suicide attempt"? If you have a history of psychiatric problems and suicide attempts its unlikely you would even qualify for military service
Click to expand...
You can self harm without attempting suicide. I have known a few who "cut", ie, cut scars into their arms for a myriad of reasons.
 
conrack said:
so is "self harm" a new code for "suicide attempt"? If you have a history of psychiatric problems and suicide attempts its unlikely you would even qualify for military service
Click to expand...
No, they are not the same/interchangeable at all.
 
That said, it is a serious issue that'll need to be investigated as part of the academy examination. Not sure how it's been handled in the past, but they leave no stone unturned and it will come up if it's in any medical record. Be prepared to discuss it in depth.
 
I think he is being asked how to hide the scars so that people don't think he is unstable. As for the answer, I think it's too late for that. Even if you were to somehow hide them with long sleeves, i think you need to self-report and i have to imagine it will come out during the physical. You will need some type of waiver.
 
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