Could not handle being in the military

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Lots of people on here have been through the military and even seem to have succeeded and accomplished quite well. On the other hand, I struggled when I tried to do U.S. Air Force basic at age 19. Some things I could do OK: I think I did the exercising and the marching well, but other stuff like keeping my personal area up was a struggle. Once, I had a secondary inspection at the beginning of my 4th week, with a master sergeant coming in and inspecting my personal area, but it was only thanks to my flightmates that I passed it. Though I was not aware of any major social faux pas there, even before I revealed I had concealed my Asperger's diagnosis my TI's (training instructors) made notes of poor social skills.

This experience was humbling, because I thought I had completely overcome my Asperger's when in reality I had not. (This was why I concealed it.)

Curious, how long were you enlisted for?

My cousin made the Air Force a career, amd he loved it.

6 weeks. I made it only to my 4th week before I was sent to 319 TRS for 2 weeks and then separated.

At least you gave it a good try.

Thanks.

I wouldn't be able to handle it either.. The drills, physical and mental activities boot camp sure no problem! But the noise would just drive me absolutely crazy!

That's six weeks longer than me. And I'm a NT.

Did they tell you what was the final straw? 4 weeks is a good chunk of change.

Tawaki,

Having concealed the fact I was diagnosed with Asperger's. I remember the letter addressed to me by I think some lieutenant colonel who was like assistant commander of basic training that I had to sign before I could separate and it said (paraphrasing), Had you disclosed your diagnosis of Asperger's syndrome to us, then you would not have been allowed to enlist.

They're getting better at finding out, even if people don't disclose.

I had the same problem in USAF Basic, but I got through basic and tech school. I was failing miserably in my job until they found something I was crazy good at and that saved me. The let me finish 4 years, but would not let me re-up.

Through some finagling, I managed to get in the Army National Guard and continued that until it was too much of a burden on keeping a civilian job. So I got out after a total of 10 years. I wanted to do the 20, but oh well.

I'm the one on the right.

That's the reason I'm living my life out as I am right now. I'm too big and old to be in the Military. I'm also too crippled. I've found my own special way to support the war effort.

Looking real mean & Green, there Ivan!


I really want to get into the Army, but I probably would have to get my deformed foot reconstructed. I don't think I'd have to much trouble when running PT, so my bigger worry would have to be upper-body excercises. I feel like I can suppress my Asperger's enough, seeing as can be quite social.

Sometimes my MTI would just look at me and roll his eyes or shake his head and sigh. Of course, I didnt dare ask why.

I was able to handle more than 15 years in the Army before things came crashing down. I joined in 1999 (undiagnosed) and did quite well at basic training (received several awards) and graduated with honors. Once in the regular Army, I did really well in my field as it suited my special interests. I became the "technical expert" and the commanders really expected my opinions and recommendations. I deployed twice, 10 months in Afghanistan and 14 months in Iraq, without any bigger issues. I thought that I was going to be finish off my twenty years with ease, but I was wrong.

About two years ago, the perfect storm got built up. I crashed and burn under the pressure from ever increasing responsibilities and the requirement to perform to a standard that I could never met due to being autistic. I was also exposed to excessive lights and noise in a my work environment that wreaked havoc with my sensory dysfunction. I got overwhelmed by anxiety, depression, sensory overload, and suicidal ideations, which resulted in me getting mental health treatment. I also had a string of physical accidents because of my vestibular functions got diminished from the stress and sensory overload.

I'm still in the process of getting medically retired from the Army due my multiple conditions and injuries. It's a little disappointing that I will not be able to finish the last three years required for regular retirement, but there's no way that I could make that happened. I'm just too burned out and cannot "pass" anymore.

Based from my experience, I wouldn't recommend any autistic person to join the military. It's not worth in the long run.