Can I Join the Military if I've Ever Been in a Mental Hospital?

There are a number of health requirements for joining the military. These are listed in the U.S. Army's 2004 issued "Standards of Medical Fitness" and apply to the other branches of the military.

Recruitment

• Some conditions permanently disqualify applicants, while others may only delay entry. During the recruitment process, applicants should disclose any medical conditions they have had at any time in their lives. The condition is assessed and applicants may be given an official waiver or told that the condition permanently disqualifies them.

Mental Health Disorders

• A history of psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia permanently disqualifies applicants. Anxiety, neuroses and dissociative disorders do not automatically disqualify a candidate unless the person has ever been admitted to a hospital or residential facility for the disorder, has been treated by a mental health professional for more than six months or the person has recurring symptomatic episodes that affect his ability to work.

Considerations

• Failure to disclose a medical condition that is later discovered, even if it is not current, results in a dishonorable discharge for fraudulent enlistment. Anyone unsure about potential disqualification on mental health grounds should contact a military recruitment center for advice.