I am 18. I was a victim of attempted sexual assault. I have ptsd from it. Would i be able to enlist?

Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 30 Oct 2020 00:16:11 -0400

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 30 at 2020 12:36 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 30 Oct 2020 00:36:03 -0400

This is not the right forum for such a question. Service members should expect privacy and respect when dealing with such situations. I would recommend contacting a recruiter if you feel you face challenges from your previous life experiences that would potentially impact your chances in serving in the military. No one here will be able to access your situation accurately. Any review of mental health needs to be conducted by a healthcare professional.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 30 at 2020 1:54 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 30 Oct 2020 01:54:46 -0400

Speak with a recruiter.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 30 at 2020 11:02 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 30 Oct 2020 11:02:35 -0400

The better question is how are you coping with it and are you healthy.
The military is an inherently stressful job. It is not for everybody.
My hope is that you are not seeking this option to get away from the person (people) that tried to assault you. I have seen that a number of times in my career; it doesn't end well.
Your priority should be getting healthy and then making decisions about your future.
Are you receiving treatment of any kind?

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Oct 30 at 2020 11:37 AM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Fri, 30 Oct 2020 11:37:19 -0400

First, I am sorry you had to go through something like that.

This is a question you will need to go over with your Recruiter and your Doctor at MEPs. Just like any other illness/injury it depends on the severity and what the current treatment plan includes/involves. PTSD can vary from person to person so there isn't a general cookie cutter answer anyone can give you. Just work with your Recruiter on it as nobody here will be able to give you a better answer than they can.

Good luck.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 30 at 2020 6:23 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 30 Oct 2020 18:23:46 -0400

The answer is it depends. Reasoning is that individuals who suffer from PTSD suffer in many different ways. There is not set standard on how individuals with PTSD are supposed to act. Each case is unique.

To start, you need to have been formally diagnosed by a licensed psychiatrist with PTSD. If you have not been diagnosed with the disorder, you cant really say you have it.

If you have a formal diagnosis, you will be required to provide documentation that the disorder will not negatively hinder your ability to serve.

Start with that.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 3 at 2020 9:44 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 03 Nov 2020 09:44:55 -0500

some jobs you may not be able to join

Response by Mathew Fitch made Nov 3 at 2020 11:15 AM

Mathew Fitch — Tue, 03 Nov 2020 11:15:41 -0500