What are your thoughts on commissioning as an officer with ADD?

2017-07-22T23:40:17-04:00

Had a past diagnoses with ADD and though it is a private issue . It feels like I wouldn't be takin seriously as a co. Though I manage fine with out meds for 5+ years. I still have traces of it preplan I suck at but quick as a whip to changing condition. Forget desk work for me ( is that what an officer do?) . what I should choose enlisted or go to school for early commissioning.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 22 at 2017 11:44 PM

2017-07-22T23:44:24-04:00

If MEPS clears you to enter (officer or enlisted) then I have no issues with it. That is what MEPS is there for.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 23 at 2017 12:39 AM

2017-07-23T00:39:58-04:00

Yes if you want to be an officer then you will be doing a lot of desk work. The army does not give someone a desk for them not to use it. Regardless the higher your rank the more time you will spend behind a desk.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Jul 23 at 2017 7:52 AM

2017-07-23T07:52:05-04:00

Everyone is eventually promoted into a desk.
Officers get there earlier, and by definition are "managers." If you have issues with Administrative tasks, it may be a challenge to future success.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 23 at 2017 8:31 AM

2017-07-23T08:31:12-04:00

Start as an enlisted reservist while in college. By the time you finish you should have a decent handle on whether you want to be an officer or not. Also, not being full time you have less oppertunity to get into trouble. Although I have still seem it happen.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Jul 23 at 2017 10:25 AM

2017-07-23T10:25:00-04:00

I don't agree that officers get their earlier however I do agree that the preponderance of their work is administrative. Even if they are combat arms their is a lot of admin. To be performed and they do it. ADD is not insurmountable but I would say that you face challenges regardless of your life's choices, you can do it! The question I would ask myself is could it affect my decisions, split second decisions on the battle field? The decision is yours. Good luck!

Response by Sgt Wayne Wood made Jul 23 at 2017 12:29 PM

2017-07-23T12:29:52-04:00

Make a great 2nd LT

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 24 at 2017 4:27 AM

2017-07-24T04:27:49-04:00

You need to ask yourself what you want to do, no one can answer that question for you but yourself. Yes as an officer you will be behind a desk a lot more often where as an enlisted you have more field time and more hands on jobs. Take it for what it is. Not saying you won't ever get hands on but that is generally a task for enlisted for better or worse. As for ADD that should not be an issue, don't use it as a crutch or excuse for not being able to perform tasks or rise to the occasion. I have been diagnosed with ADHD since I was a child and I take care of my job and my soldiers every day. Choose the type of soldier you want to be and push towards your goal. I am sure you will make a great soldier regardless of which side you join.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 24 at 2017 8:33 AM

2017-07-24T08:33:24-04:00

It would appear that you want to be in the infantry. In general, new infantry officers spend less time behind desks and more time training. However, as you make rank, the desk time is coming. The goal for a unit should be to get 2LT's time in a platoon but that doesn't mean you won't immediately be put in an admin-type job for a while.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 24 at 2017 12:56 PM

2017-07-24T12:56:44-04:00

You'll fit right in with the rest of the Lieutenants.

Response by Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 24 at 2017 7:52 PM

2017-07-24T19:52:03-04:00

Hey Jayden, Im currently trying to join the FL ARNG as an 09S. From what I understand, you need to get un-diagnosed by the Doctor who originally diagnosed you. After that you have to wait six months and then you can apply. Hope this helps.

Response by SGT Bruce King made Jul 24 at 2017 9:29 PM

2017-07-24T21:29:52-04:00

Well, if you are OCD would be def attention to detail. Nothing is insurmountable .