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Post by sleepy on Apr 29, 2011 17:03:33 GMT -5
I read if a student has an IEP in high school they are disqualified from joining the military. Anyone have info?
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Post by bros on Apr 29, 2011 17:59:14 GMT -5
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Post by healthy11 on Apr 29, 2011 18:07:37 GMT -5
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Post by hsmom on Apr 30, 2011 0:02:36 GMT -5
Having an IEP in high school is not the problem, but the problem is whether a student graduates with a regular high school diploma or with what some people call an IEP diploma (i.e., certificate of completion). With only a certificate of completion, the student cannot enter college or the military. See the letter below: www.p12.nysed.gov/specialed/publications/iepdiploma.htm |
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Post by sleepy on Apr 30, 2011 8:11:18 GMT -5
thanks, to everyone who has contributed so far.... The language in the MEPS (medical eval) questionaire seems to point to a different interpretation. usmilitary.about.com/od/joiningthemilitary/a/neurotic.htm"Attention Deficit Disorder/Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (314), or Perceptual/Learning Disorder(s) (315) is disqualifying, unless applicant can demonstrate passing academic performance and there has been no use of medication(s) in the previous 12 months. Current or history of academic skills or perceptual defects (315) secondary to organic or functional mental disorders, including, but not limited to dyslexia, that interfere with school or employment, are disqualifying. Applicants demonstrating passing academic and employment performance without utilization or recommendation of academic and/ or work accommodations at any time in the previous 12 months may be qualified." So, I wonder if a good scoring ASVAB signifies "demonstrating passing academic" performance without utilization of accommodations, and of course, a regular high school diploma with additional seals. |
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Post by healthy11 on Apr 30, 2011 8:37:13 GMT -5
"I wonder if a good scoring ASVAB signifies "demonstrating passing academic" performance without utilization of accommodations, and of course, a regular high school diploma with additional seals."
I'm not sure what "additional seals" are, but Sharie's son got his GED, achieved a good score on his ASVAB, and he did well in basic training....he quickly received promotions while in service. Be sure to read her posts about him...
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Post by sleepy on Apr 30, 2011 9:03:50 GMT -5
I read what she said. It was a situation of don't ask, don't tell (for learning not anything else), but the problem is they do ask. It is on a MEPS form and if you lie and things don't go well you can be prosecuted ....
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Post by teacherabc on Apr 30, 2011 9:06:52 GMT -5
This is interesting because just last night (though in HP's current state, which wasn't good), he was back again to the idea of joning the military if school didn't work out...he just doesn't understand that there is no way on earth he is going to be able to qualify for the military. He seems to be under the impression that he can just lie about his psychiatric history and medication record. Not to mention that it is a really bad idea to lie to the military...
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Post by healthy11 on Apr 30, 2011 9:29:58 GMT -5
sleepy, perhaps the difference in Sharie's son's case was that he didn't try to join the military straight out of high school, (he needed to earn his GED first) and so it probably was over 12 months since he had an IEP. A recruiter should be able to clarify the situation for your son.
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Post by sleepy on Apr 30, 2011 9:45:20 GMT -5
Could be. He demonstrated proficiency without accommodations.....
I'm just going by what I saw when I searched millermom and saw her post.
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Post by sharie001 on May 1, 2011 20:59:30 GMT -5
Having an IEP does not disqualify you from the military, nor do I believe having a disability that affects learning, UNLESS it directly impacts areas of duty required in the military. Numerous kids have applied around here with IEP and/or 504 most did not score high enough on ASVAB and/or failed the Physical fitness test. They do not provide accomodations, is the main thing, and I'm not sure about meds.
They accept a regular high school diploma, GED, and also provide a program to recieve diploma/GED via the military (but again no accomodations).
There are study guides for the ASVAB. It's basically a test to see how much you know in each field (MOS), or career, and you are given choices on which MOS you choose depending on your ASVAB scores, if you score high enough (as my son did) then you have your choice of any career (mos) offered in the military. You can retake the ASVAB to bump your score. My son has two different MOS, and some have lots more than two, the military offers lots of areas for career training. My son even considered under water welding.
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Post by sleepy on May 2, 2011 10:46:25 GMT -5
Thanks for the info, sharie. I pm'd you.
It seems though from what is on the meps form that it says no. I guess working for a year with no accoms, good asvab scores without accoms, may suffice. Otherwise, DS might just have to get his act in gear and suck up some additional CC courses.
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Post by sharie001 on May 3, 2011 9:15:00 GMT -5
Sort of the same way colleges overlook a students grades when they score high enough on their ACT/SAT, the military seems to overlook/ignore learning disabilities when the potential soldier scores high enough on the ASVB and pass physical fitness test, from my experience anyway. I wouldn’t worry too much about this, and would be truthful on MEPS but would provide as little detail as possible (less is more). There are so many career options, I suggest doing some research online in the areas that interest him most, maybe even speak with someone in the career fields that interest him. As for boot camp, I would suggest to start getting in shape prior to going, like jogging, sit-ups, pushups, pull-ups, walking with weighted backpack and long sleeves, pants, and cap, crawling under wire (pretend wire would work), climbing over wall or up rope, etc. Maybe setup a small obstacle course in your yard, lol. This is a challenge for a lot of kids it seems, my son loved it and wanted them to challenge him outdoors more (he was in great shape before he went to boot camp, but gained 50lbs of pure muscle, most kids lose weight). Basic Training in the Army National Guard (Part 1 of 3 you tube video) “After you complete Basic Combat Training, you're ready for the next step. Advanced Individual Training (AIT) is where you will learn the skills to perform your Army job. At one of many diverse AIT schools, you'll receive hands-on training and field instruction to make you an expert in that specific career field. You'll also gain the discipline and work ethic to help you no matter what path you take in life. See the kind of training AIT schools offer below.” MOS & AIT SCHOOLS www.goarmy.com/soldier-life/becoming-a-soldier/advanced-individual-training.htmlArmy Career Options www.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs.htmlMEPS usmilitary.about.com/od/joiningthemilitary/a/mepsglance.htmNew Asthma and ADD/ADHD Policy Military Softens Enlistment Standards usmilitary.about.com/od/joiningthemilitary/a/asthma.htm |
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Post by healthy11 on May 3, 2011 15:58:43 GMT -5
Sharie, that last link is much appreciated... For the benefit of everyone, regarding ADHD, it says:
Under the old standards, any history of ADD or ADHD was disqualifying. While waivers were sometimes possible, they were among the hardest categories of waivers to get approved. Under the new standards, ADD/ADHD is disqualifying only if the applicant has been treated with ADD/ADHD medication within the previous year and/or they display signs of ADD/ADHD. For applicants with a previous history of ADD/ADHD who have been off medication for more than one year, and they do no demonstrate significant impulsivity or inattention during MEPS processing, the MEPS examining official may find them qualified for military service without submission of a waiver.
Records review is still required. Any history of being evaluated or treated for ADD/ADHD must be documented. As a minimum, all treatment (if any) within the previous three years must be submitted to MEPS, in advance, as part of the medical pre-screening. Full medical records are required if the applicant was ever treated for ADD or ADHD with any medication other than Ritalin, Adderal, or Dexedrine, or if there were any additional psychiatric symptoms, such as, but not limited to, depression.
MEPS may require school transcripts to demonstrate acceptable academic performance for the year without medication. If treatment for ADD/ADHD occurred throughout the school environment, but wasn’t stopped until after the applicant left school, there is still the possibility of waiver consideration.
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Post by sharie001 on May 3, 2011 17:58:32 GMT -5
FYI (other info that may be helpful to know)
*Ryan could ace just about any test you gave him, so long as it did not require a lot of writting.
Ryan's main challenges included but were not limited to; written expression, impulsivity, visual perception, attention span (especially if he wasn't interested in lesson), and his high IQ vs his low emotional maturity level
I do not recall Ryan having to do much writting in the military, I'm sure he would have mentioned it if he had. One of his areas of training was operating heavy machinery (dozers, excavators, pickers, etc.) and the other was transportation (driving huge trucks that haul the largest tanks, two per truck).
* There are other reasons for being prescribed various meds typically used to treat ADHD, so if your child is considering the military as a possible career or even the National Guard and has other disabilities that may be or may not be related to ADHD/ADD (and/or in addition to the ADHD/ADD) and you want to plan ahead for this possiblity in lieu of the doctor prescribing the meds for ADHD/ADD ask them to prescribe it under the heading of the related disorder (for your child's records)
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Post by empeg1 on May 4, 2011 0:20:34 GMT -5
Actually, my oldest dd has friend whos were with her in residential treatment and they joined the military. Both young men had IEP's, learning disabilities, and significant psychiatric difficulties. One is a marine right now and the other a decorated soldier who served twice in Afghanistan. And, hsmom, a student with a certificate of completion can attend community college. Teacherabc, HP may indeed be able to join the military. The young men above- they had been taking Seroquel.
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Post by healthy11 on May 4, 2011 6:56:13 GMT -5
To enter community college and take credit classes where I live, a student doesn't even need a certificate of completion, but they do need to pass a placement test (ie, the Compass Test) showing they meet minimum proficiency in English and Math.
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Post by snapplema on May 4, 2011 8:12:05 GMT -5
Sharie001, I didn't realize that there are such requirements here if one wants to join the army (= being in good physical shape and passing written tests). Can you believe there are countries where there is a draft system and every male over 18 is automatically drafted (I think there are some exceptions if someone has a mental illness or is physically handicapped). Over there, there are no entrance exams and no one is in shape at the time they join. Army gets them in shape ;D.
Anyway, I am informing my ds about all these requirements. Middle school boys love the army but seem to think about it as an easy no-study option where they can go any time they want, no questions asked and have pure fun, no textbooks involved . Something opposite to college. Live and learn.
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Post by sharie001 on May 4, 2011 10:17:03 GMT -5
Some more food for thought regarding the military: Girding for an uphill battle for recruits Obesity, poor education make many younger people unfit for military About 75 percent of the country's 17- to 24-year-olds are ineligible for military service, largely because they are poorly educated, overweight and have physical ailments that make them unfit for the armed forces, according to a report to be issued Thursday. www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/04/AR2009110402899.htmlMilitary Colleges/Universities, and I think I read Jr. Colleges too, have much lower student/teacher ratios than non-military. From what I have read, they range b/w 8 students per teacher to 11 students per teacher, which would definitely improve the odds of doing well in college for those with disabilities that affect learning wanting to attend college. The entrance requirements are a little more than civilian colleges, such as a letter of recommendation from politician (which isn’t as hard to get as it sounds, lol). www.ehow.com/info_8040298_american-military-colleges.htmlBranches of Military Service, each of which have many various career options, explore them all before deciding on one. The Coast Guard is one of the most difficult to enlist in. www.todaysmilitary.com/service-branchesSomething to think about….. “Commissioned Officer or Enlisted There are two distinct career paths in the military, Commissioned Officers, and, Enlisted. The minimum educational requirements for enlisted members is a high school diploma (or GED), while a bachelors degree is required for commissioned officers.Many high school graduates enter the military as enlisted members and utilize their educational benefits to earn a degree and a commission!” www.usmilitary.com/officerorenlisted.htmlAlso I know the military was offering a lot of enlistment bonuses, depending on MOS/AIT I think, and they vary in amount somewhere from under $10,000-50,000. I don't know if they are still offering them or not, but worth looking into. |
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Post by healthy11 on Sept 14, 2013 19:16:38 GMT -5
I recently met a mom with a young adult son who has ADHD and is now in the military. He initially expressed a desire to enlist after high school, but the recruiting officer told her son that military drug testing had the capability of identifying medication use about 3 months prior, so he needed to be "off" of them for at least 90 days. Apparently there is also some kind of questionnaire that potential recruits must fill out about past use of ADHD meds within the past year, and the officer told her son, "I'm not gonna tell you what to do, but if you answer YES, then it means Your Enlistment Stops. If you answer NO, it means New Opportunities." The mother said she was initially concerned about how her son would focus without his medications, but given the increased level of physical activity and the structure that the military provides, he's doing fine.
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