US Army Will Now Waive Certain Mental Illnesses to Allow Enlistment

Due to falling recruitment numbers, the Army has begun allowing enlistment even with a history of drug abuse, self-harm and some mental illnesses such as bipolar and depression. The decision was made in August of 2017, despite concerns regarding the potential risks and the rise of suicides in veterans and soldiers currently serving.

Among the problems raised by Craig Brian, executive director of the University of Utah’s National Center for Veterans Studies is the strong link between self-injury—particularly cutting—and suicide.

It should be noted, of course, that while that may often be an indicator—it isn’t always; not everyone who causes self-harm is a possible risk to others—another issue cited by those criticizing the ban.

By lifting the ban on mental illnesses and histories, the Army hopes to recruit 80,000 enlistees by September of 2018. This is a reversal of a policy originally made in 2009 after a spike in military suicides.

Dr. Joel Dvoskin, a clinical psychologist and assistant professor at the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Arizona supports the lift of the ban, stating that a label of “mental illness” is often “meaningless”, as many people have a history of some kind of emotional issues in their backgrounds, and many troubled people who enlist in the military gain strength and overcome their past issues.

People with these histories will be required to produce medical records, photos, and a detailed statement from their physician and/or psychologist deeming them fit to join. They will also be subject tot a psychological evaluation.

Lt. Col. Randy Taylor, an Army spokesperson says the waivers will not be considered lightly, and each case will be looked at thoroughly and individually.

What do you think about the ban?

Do you think these individuals should be given the chance to join?

Or do you agree that there is too much of a risk?

Let us know in the comments below—and we’ll send you FREE SGPT STICKERS!

SEALGrinderPT

---

SEALGrinderPT

“So, You Want to Be a Ranger?”—SGPT’s most-popular training book is exactly what you’re looking for to take your workouts to the next level!

Written by Tom Coffee, a former US Ranger, 2nd Battalion, this is your ULTIMATE GUIDE to training, no matter what your goals are.

BONUS: SEALGrinderPT’s popular 90-Day Strength and Conditioning Program—FREE! THAT MEANS YOU GET 6 MONTHS OF KILLER WORKOUTS!

CLICK ON THE BANNER BELOW TO GET STARTED!

SEALGrinderPT

---

SEALGrinderPT

QUESTION: Coach, I’ve recently gone back to working days after working nights. Do you have any tips for getting my energy back in the afternoon?

ANSWER: Check out this article. Another SGPT athlete wrote me with a similar question.

SEALGrinderPT

SEALGrinderPT

QUESTION: I signed up for your 180 day training program.Thank you for the ideas for scaling back because I don’t think I’ve done any real exercise since high school. Do you have any fat loss ideas I can start using, too?

ANSWER: Yes. Check out this article with healthy fat loss tips. It’s what worked great for me.

RELATED ARTICLES

Navy SEAL David Goggins on “Fitting In”

Try This Workout: 100 Push-ups a Day