I’ve failed BCT due to depression/anxiety. Can I get federal jobs?

2019-12-24T02:38:47-05:00

Recently I went to FT jackson BCT& sent home. My MOS was 09S. I was struggling with anxiety and depression. I’ve talked to DS, he took me to a mental health center, I’ve got discharged with EPTS-5/11 depression. doctor asked if I had suicidal attempt. Stupid self(struggling with anxiety atm) answered yes but it was 5 years ago.can i go back to BCT? Or federal jobs?(civilian contractor or GS jobs?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 24 at 2019 2:52 AM

2019-12-24T02:52:20-05:00

What is your RA code? Did you disclose your suicide attempt at MEPS before enlisting?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 24 at 2019 2:53 AM

2019-12-24T02:53:22-05:00

Just focus on taking care of yourself, getting enough sleep eating well and not thinking about suicide. My sister committed suicide on July 4th, 2015. many of us here on rallypoint could support you in discussion.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 24 at 2019 2:53 AM

2019-12-24T02:53:52-05:00

Response by 1SG Cj Grisham made Dec 24 at 2019 3:10 AM

2019-12-24T03:10:57-05:00

I'm a two time suicide attempt survivor (I suck at that too). There is life after depression. I've found purpose and motivation and a willingness to live to the fullest. I wish you the best and want you to know that noatter what path you choose, the path that includes will always be the better option.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 24 at 2019 3:21 AM

2019-12-24T03:21:13-05:00

https://youtu.be/mVEw2lzloLE

Lt. Gen. Luckey's Holiday Message

As we head into the holidays, Lt. Gen. Charles D. Luckey, chief of Army Reserve and commanding general, U.S. Army Reserve Command, would like to take a minut...

Response by CW4 Craig Urban made Dec 24 at 2019 6:30 AM

2019-12-24T06:30:39-05:00

Continue with the doc for awhile

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 24 at 2019 7:44 AM

2019-12-24T07:44:35-05:00

I realize that you wanted to be in the Army, but have you considered that the extremely high stress profession of arms may not be the best fit for you? This isn't so much a question of whether you are up to the challenge, as much as the Army just may not be the best place for you to make your mark in the world. I am very encouraged that you have had no suicide attempts for 5 years. At the same time I am concerned that you had so much emotional difficulty in BCT. The Army is not a "kind" profession (or environment) and you should consider myself fortunate that you found out so early. I also strongly feel that you should continue psychological and/or psychiatric (M.D. or D.O.) treatment for the foreseeable future. I don't believe that this is the death knell for all GS or contractor positions in your future. Nevertheless most federal and state government environments can feel like you are working in a "snake pit". It can unbalance the psychologically healthy, therefore you need to be well regulated emotionally before you stick your toe in there. A very superficial discussion can be found at:
https://psychcentral.com/blog/what-is-affect-or-emotion-dysregulation/

What Is Affect or Emotion Dysregulation?

In research, clinical and therapeutic settings, we sometimes use the term Affect Dysregulation. Affect is the clinical term that is used to describe emotions and feelings. Many practitioners also use

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Dec 24 at 2019 9:22 AM

2019-12-24T09:22:09-05:00

Continue treatment and counseling. Work through your future life goals and employment with a professional counselor. IMO the military isn’t your best course for the future. The economy is good now so you should be able to find an entry level job in the career field you pick. I wish you the best.

Response by SFC Robert Walton made Dec 24 at 2019 10:39 AM

2019-12-24T10:39:49-05:00

Why would you want to obviously it is not something for you. No sense in taking on something your not suited for try local government jobs maybe. Some things these days will have stress beyond comprehension DO NOT put yourself in a place where you feel you have no other outlets.
09S is Officer candidate this is a high stress JOB. Good Luck

Response by TSgt Thomas Monaghan made Dec 24 at 2019 2:17 PM

2019-12-24T14:17:09-05:00

Yes you can. People wonder why the suicide rate is so high in the military it because once you admit to an issue they discharge you instead of helping you.

Response by SSG Greg Smith made Dec 24 at 2019 3:09 PM

2019-12-24T15:09:49-05:00

You are not prohibited from federal service. Future SF-86's that you fill out will ask about whether you've seen a mental health professional in the last 7 years or been diagnosed with a mental health condition. But that won't preclude you from anything. Take the time to get the treatment you need to feel better. Provide evidence that the depression/anxiety was something you have been able to effectively treat and is no longer an issue. Good luck, and trust me you aren't alone. Plenty of other service members have felt the way you do at one point or another. If being in the military or federal service is your goal don't let depression or anxiety stop you.

Response by SSG Brian G. made Dec 24 at 2019 4:46 PM

2019-12-24T16:46:02-05:00

Milanna, I get that you have desiress to serve be it in the military or federal service. Set that aside. You need to get you right before you go pursuing any meaningful career path whether civilian or military.

Response by Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 24 at 2019 4:53 PM

2019-12-24T16:53:13-05:00

Thank you for all the responses. Yes I have been mending my mental health at this moment. Still scared to go see a doctor because I was a teacher previously. It was just hard on me giving up like this because it was my childhood dream. I’m reading through all the comments. Thank you all

Response by CPL Gary Pifer made Dec 24 at 2019 9:14 PM

2019-12-24T21:14:51-05:00

I would suggest you brush up on your English grammer before applying for any Government jobs or OCS.

Response by Cpl Markus Wolff made Dec 28 at 2019 11:05 AM

2019-12-28T11:05:51-05:00

Hang in Bro! Fight those fucking demons. I would hire you! You are honest

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Dec 31 at 2019 9:42 AM

2019-12-31T09:42:21-05:00

You can still do many federal jobs, however it is highly unlikely you will be able to claim any sort of vet preference in the application process.

Response by LTC Patrick Turner made Jan 4 at 2020 7:15 AM

2020-01-04T07:15:01-05:00

I'm speculating that you would be ineligible. Note that I didn't quote a law, rule or regulation. Generally speaking the services don't keep making a mistake. Don't take this personally: it's very very expensive and they would be quite reluctant. That said you should go talk to a Recruiter face to face to get the ground truth. As to federal jobs I personally would see no reason why you couldn't accept a federal job depending on your other skill sets.

Response by SSG Shawn Mcfadden made Jan 26 at 2020 8:00 AM

2020-01-26T08:00:29-05:00

I don't know about the going back to BCT part, however, if you were discharged out under HONORABLE Conditions,then you should be able to apply for a Federal Job. Make sure you have that paperwork saying why you were discharged.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2020 4:18 AM

2020-02-08T04:18:52-05:00

You can get a federal job. You cannot attempt to go back into the service without a waiver. The probability of that is slim, especially to become an officer. There are tons of civil service jobs that are out there that have none to very little of the stress of active duty. I say this as a First Sergeant for a squadron that is 95% civilians.

Response by LCpl Jeff Moore made Feb 8 at 2020 12:34 PM

2020-02-08T12:34:50-05:00

I would say you have very little chance of getting back in the military or even a federal job that is high stress. Maybe you should focus your talents elsewhere. In sure their other 8 to 5 jobs you can do that you can find joy in.

Response by LTC Denis Sullivan made Feb 14 at 2020 2:20 PM

2020-02-14T14:20:50-05:00

Mental illness does not preclude federal employment. When you and your doctor agree that you are ready to return to the workforce, be sure to ask him for a Schedule A disability letter. This will allow you to apply for many federal jobs noncompetitivly. However, regardless of your health, you must be qualified for the position you are applying for to be considered. Good luck!

Response by SFC Jonathan Abes made Feb 20 at 2020 1:36 PM

2020-02-20T13:36:32-05:00

Not to be harsh but your mental state should have been recognized before you were excepted as a 09S. Someone let you slip through the system. I was a detailed recruiter for 3 years and this is something that could have ruined the career of whoever put you into the Army especially if they knowingly did it.

Response by SFC Jonathan Abes made Feb 20 at 2020 1:44 PM

2020-02-20T13:44:09-05:00

Not to be harsh but your mental state should have been recognized or evaluated prior to being accepted as a 09S. I was a detailed recruiter for 3 years and this could have ruined the career of whoever put you through the system especially if they knowingly did it.