Anxiety medication waiver?

[MKlap]

I have a niece who is interested in the military. She attempted to enlist but had taken anxiety meds and has a history of ADHD and was told to wait 2 years after taking meds and try again.

In the meantime, she started college, left, worked to save money and just started at a different college. She is now interested in the Army Reserve ROTC program at her school. She has an active prescription for, and is taking, Zoloft for anxiety. I think she has no chance of getting an ROTC scholarship and getting commissioned because DODMERB is sure to disqualify. However she met with a recruiter at school who advised her to come to PT, register for the ROTC course and see if she can get a waiver, supposedly a girl in the past got one. Even if she got a waiver, how realistic is it to get on scholarship as a 24 year old transfer student that is likely considered a sophomore with no ROTC experience?

Has anyone heard of this or would have any advice? I feel like she’s getting false hope.

Thanks!!

 

[kinnem]

I don't think I can directly answer your question. In fact I tend to agree with you because I can't even imagine the problems that can be caused by an officer who suffers from anxiety while in combat. That being said, does it really hurt for her to try? You never know for sure unless you try.

 

[AROTC-dad]

how realistic is it to get on scholarship as a 24 year old transfer student that is likely considered a sophomore with no ROTC experience?

I will not speak to the Zoloft issue and leave that to our ROO's and the more medically expert members of our forum community.

However, even at age 24, she can be eligible for an AROTC campus based scholarship so long as she meets these requirements:*

• Must be a U.S. Citizen
• Must not be older than 31 on 31 December of the year you graduate
• If you are taking or have taken college courses you must be considered an academic sophomore for the 3-Year and an academic junior for the 2-year Scholarship, and have the same number of years remaining for a baccalaureate degree upon enrollment
• Have a minimum high school GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale
• Score a minimum of 920 on the SAT and 19 on the ACT
• No record of arrest and/or civil convictions
• Have no moral or personal conviction against bearing arms or supporting and defending the Constitution of the United States

* Source: https://www.rit.edu/cast/armyrotc/campus-based-scholarships

 

[MKlap]

how realistic is it to get on scholarship as a 24 year old transfer student that is likely considered a sophomore with no ROTC experience?

I will not speak to the Zoloft issue and leave that to our ROO's and the more medically expert members of our forum community.

However, even at age 24, she can be eligible for an AROTC campus based scholarship so long as she meets these requirements:*

• Must be a U.S. Citizen
• Must not be older than 31 on 31 December of the year you graduate
• If you are taking or have taken college courses you must be considered an academic sophomore for the 3-Year and an academic junior for the 2-year Scholarship, and have the same number of years remaining for a baccalaureate degree upon enrollment
• Have a minimum high school GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale
• Score a minimum of 920 on the SAT and 19 on the ACT
• No record of arrest and/or civil convictions
• Have no moral or personal conviction against bearing arms or supporting and defending the Constitution of the United States

* Source: https://www.rit.edu/cast/armyrotc/campus-based-scholarships

I guess I’m wondering how competitive those campus based scholarships are? I believe she will meet all the criteria.

 

[MKlap]

I don't think I can directly answer your question. In fact I tend to agree with you because I can't even imagine the problems that can be caused by an officer who suffers from anxiety while in combat. That being said, does it really hurt for her to try? You never know for sure unless you try.

Agree about trying but it’s also important to be realistic and not waste time and energy. She feels she can manage her anxiety just fine and should be given a chance but can’t step back and see that the military isn’t prepared to take a risk when they have others fully medically qualified.

 

[AROTC-dad]

I guess I’m wondering how competitive those campus based scholarships are?

My DS did it. It is not just grades. It is still the "whole person concept."

He was turned down by USMA, USNA, NROTC/MO scholarship, and never even applied for the Army ROTC National scholarship while in HS. He just showed up freshman year, got good grades, killed the APFT and they awarded him a 3 year AROTC scholarship (later extended to 3.5 year). He had already passed DoDMERB while applying to USNA. In his opinion, his attitude, participation, and fitness were important factors. He was awarded the 3 year even before he finished the first fall semester. The grades were based on a progress questionnaire sent to his professors. (He eventually made Dean's list).

While it will vary by Battalion, if she works hard and makes a positive impression with the Cadre, her chances will be good. The scholarship will be awarded but not paid until she passes DoDMERB.

 

[kinnem]

I don't think I can directly answer your question. In fact I tend to agree with you because I can't even imagine the problems that can be caused by an officer who suffers from anxiety while in combat. That being said, does it really hurt for her to try? You never know for sure unless you try.

Agree about trying but it’s also important to be realistic and not waste time and energy. She feels she can manage her anxiety just fine and should be given a chance but can’t step back and see that the military isn’t prepared to take a risk when they have others fully medically qualified.

I don't think I can directly answer your question. In fact I tend to agree with you because I can't even imagine the problems that can be caused by an officer who suffers from anxiety while in combat. That being said, does it really hurt for her to try? You never know for sure unless you try.

Agree about trying but it’s also important to be realistic and not waste time and energy. She feels she can manage her anxiety just fine and should be given a chance but can’t step back and see that the military isn’t prepared to take a risk when they have others fully medically qualified.

Well, there is such a thing as being too realistic and holding yourself back. As long as she understands she may not get it, and that it even may not be likely, then you should support her in going for it. And comfort her if she doesn't get it. Who knows? Maybe her dreams will come true.

 

[GoCubbies]

I don't think she'll get a waiver for anxiety currently treated with Zoloft.

I'm not suggesting that she shouldn't join ROTC and try to get a waiver, but for expectation management, there should be a good and realistic plan B in place.