Any Aspies here in the U.S. Military?

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I know, as of this past April, Asperger's Syndrome was specifically identified in a DOD document as a disqualifier for military service. But what if you've successfully served for the past ten years without your difference hindering your job performance? Over the past ten months, I've had significant marital problems and that was contributing to my just-recent poorer than average job output and focus and I've just recently been diagnosed with AS, albeit, outside of military channels. I was cornered today at work by my superiors, and even though I've kept the AS thing hush-hush at work, there were a few co-workers I've confided in and apparently, one of them ratted me out so now my bosses are asking me about it. I couldn't lie, but now I'm fearful of an early termination of my service. Anyone else here, actively serving in the military with an AS diagnosis?

I know a retired Marine who is an Aspie. So, yes, they definitely exist, and can be quite successful. I couldn't serve in the military; I don't have the necessary skills; but for them to just categorically assume autistics can't serve is to ignore the fact that a good chunk of the Spectrum does fine in the military, as well as any other soldier. Most unsuccessful military personnel don't have a diagnosis at all, and it's those people they should concern themselves with weeding out early so that the time and money aren't wasted training them.

I'm just worried that my bosses will make me see a military doctor for an appraisal and that this new DOD Instruction (Medical Standards for Appointment, Enlistment, or Induction in the Military Services) will kinda screw me... because I'm eligible for reenlistment within the next year. If this happens, I foresee a personal ethical question arising on whether or not I should try to fake being neurotypical during the assessment. Argh! Even in Tony Attwood's Complete Guide to AS, he mentions Military service as a possibly wise career choice for certain aspies, and I, by happenstance, luckily chose this career path and so far it's worked out just fine. I hope it doesn't end abruptly.

Don't necessarily try to fake NT; people are good at spotting fakery anyhow. Just be very careful to communicate your basic competence as an individual and as a member of a team. A sensible doctor won't be worried about you if it's plain as day that you can do the job.

Callista had great advice. I was quite pissed at the new DOD instruction when I first read it. All Aspergians have different skills levels and different strengths. I could not be in the military because of anxiety and a lot spacing out. I can't drive a car.... I think military equipment is out!

However, I think that for those who do have the skills and desire, Apergians have qualities that would be quite valuable to the military, such as attention to detail, intuitive thinking, and the ability to look at situations rationally and logically, where other might react emotionally.

In any review or evaluation, I would definitely focus on your strengths; let them see what you have done and can do.

Thank you for the advice y'all. I'm not too worried if it goes to a review board or something similar because I have performed just fine in the past and have made rank faster than average... I just hope that it isn't a black and white sort of thing, where, if I am diagnosed through military doctors, then I'm automatically separated.

I havent server in, but Ive lived on base for a number of years. been out of the environment for 8 years now, and to be honest I miss it.

My psychologist was in the navy and was a military psychologist and he has Aspergers.

That's awesome! Hopefully, this all works out.

I am thinking about joining in the military....does it depend on the branch any? I would only do Air Force or Navy.

Whilst not the US, I was disqualified at entry based solely on my diagnosed ASD for the Oz army. They just cared that I had the label, and they didn't test me in any way to determine if I was capable or not. I wasn't even given a chance.

It sucks (it's all I wanted, to be an "army man"), but hey, thems the breaks.