Asperger's in the military???

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Hi all,

I have no intention of joining the military, I'm an Aspie professional elsewhere, but I've often wondered how well an Aspie would fare in the military. I have heard mixed tidbits about this from online sources, the net verdict being that Aspies would be suitable because the regimen is predictable, commands are unambiguous, you don't have to be nonverbally expressive or astute, etc, but then I think of the downside - too many intense cues like some guy yelling in your face, going through obstacle courses and assembling weapons requires good motor skills...and I'm sure there's others...oh yeah, the fact that a real-life combat situation would have lots of noise and very little predictability.

Well, does anyone have any firsthand experience as an Aspie in the armed forces? Or know somebody who did? What was it like?

Was only in cub, boy scouts, and civil air patrol, but there are some apparenty Asperger's friendly things about military methods.

You often refer to people by rank and not by name, a person's name is often written on their chest, and you are even told what you can do with your eyes at times.

People are encouraged to have special jobs and talents, and its easy to pick which clothes to wear without looking out of place.

The worst part though, is not being able to make your own decisions about what you want to do. Having an opinion about what you want to do, and not being able to, is the worst part. If that makes any sense.

I served in both the US Army and later the U.S.M.C.

I did well provided I was in my Intelligence Unit. Whenever I was in the "regular" forces, I ended up in trouble and nearly in jail. My W.O. actually got to where he would not allow me outside of the intelligence barraks area without an escort. Apparently I did not do so well with idiots.

Other than that, I did very well in the armed forces. I never had to decide what to wear (sometimes the clothing was scratchy though), I never had to make decisions so much and the routine was pretty regular. When we went to war... Well... That was a whole 'nother story and a cause of great stress for me.

I don't recommend that to anyone though...

I'm in the U.S. Air Force.

The idea that you don't have to engage in "subtle" social interactions is completely wrong.

And the military is not actually that "structured."

Besides, I'm currently in a career field mostly staffed by morons.

Like XFilesGeek, I was in the U.S.A.F. and I agree that in the AF there ARE subtle social interactions that did cause me much grief. I also did a stint in the Army (courtesy of our states National Guard) and it was MUCH more regimented and structured...if I hadn't failed out of school, I might have done well (in the Army part, the NG is VERY social and it was a powder keg just waitin' to blow; but that failing pushed me out.)

Pretty much any kind of mental diagnosis is a disqualification.

Some might say that it isn't but they are wrong.

You must lie in order to get in, that alone is a bad start IMO.

Most all aspies who have served would have had to server prior to around the 90's.

i was in the army from '84-'88. this was before the ban on aspies. i had no business being in uncle sam's army, IMHO. i was a fish out of water. i could not even pretent to fit in. i was the only one they called by my rank and FIRST name [rather than the standard last name] in the most patronizing way. i don't miss it one bit.

Routine I could handle, but not getting several hours alone time a day would be a cause of immense stress.

I wonder how many aspie's would be comfortable with the idea that they could be required to harm or kill someone?

i knew they would never trust me with a weapon. they knew i was a conscientious objector.

Nope, I didn't lie. I was not diagnosed when I enlisted (at age 19) I didn't get my diagnosis until I was 42.

I would do terribly because I'm clumsy and have little respect for rules and authority.

I got a, hmm what you call it on english. i got to decide myself at anyrate at the medical examination.

Would have been a nightmare to be stuck with other people like 24/7, not being able to get 10-12 hours of sleep. not being able to have time ALONE. that would never have worked.

That would be like asking a normal person to be alone 24/7 no contact with anyone more 6 months or however long the military service is for.

All I know is my brother told me I should join the military, but this was after he called me a fat worthless piece of s**t. He's in the military too, and I have to say f**k THAT. For one, I hate having other people tell me what to do all the time. I refuse to give up my rights, and I refuse to go kill people the government tells me are bad. The government is generally bad, so anyone they tell me to kill is at the worst, neutral, most likely. If I ever somehow got forcibly drafted(which wouldn't happen, because, well, as my brother said, I'm a fat worthless piece of s**t), the second I had live ammunition, I'd turn it on the drill sergeant. I'd be private pyle in full metal jacket except about 10 times worse. I'd constantly be asking for confirmation that I'd never get, and I'd be getting bitched at all the time. f**k all that s**t.

My thoughts exactly. Also, there is a strong Alpha Male mentality in the military. I am not worthy to scrub the toilet of an alpha male.


DerStadtschutz I feel like private pyle at work sometimes, especially after my boss told me i was "born again hard" after my 60 day review.

I was in the Army 88-92 3rd Armor Division and I was stationed in Germany. At the time, I had no clue about Aspergers. I just figured I was an Awkward, Nerdy and (Non-Rambo-ish) Radio Repair Tech versus the rest of the Crazy, Hard Drinking, Smoking, Rocket Launching Ground Pounders around me. I mean sure: God and Country,Service to your Nation. I didn't quite fit in to the unit culture too well. Desert Storm was scary, I was glad to leave the sand pit.
Yeah, somehow I made it though with an honerable discharge, I guess that's better than nothing.