Can a handicap person join the military?

Can a Handicap Person Join the Military?

The United States Armed Forces has a long-standing tradition of serving people with disabilities, and it’s a common misconception that a handicap person cannot join the military. While it’s true that the military requires individuals to meet certain physical and mental standards, the Armed Forces are committed to making accommodations for individuals with disabilities.

What Qualifies as a Handicap?

Before we dive into the details, let’s define what constitutes a handicap. A handicap, or disability, is a condition that limits a person’s physical or mental abilities, such as:

• Physical disabilities: conditions like missing limbs, paralysis, amputations, visual or hearing impairments, or chronic illnesses.
• Mental health disabilities: conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, or traumatic brain injury (TBI).
• Intellectual or cognitive disabilities: conditions like intellectual disability, autism, or ADHD.

How the Military Defines Disability

The military defines a disability as any condition that substantially limits one or more major life activities, such as walking, climbing, balancing, sitting, standing, lifting, or concentrating. According to the military’s medical standards, a person with a disability must meet certain criteria to be qualified for military service.

Eligibility Requirements

To join the military, an individual with a disability must meet the following basic eligibility requirements:

• Be a U.S. citizen
• Be at least 17 years old (18 years old for the Coast Guard) to enlist
• Pass a physical examination and medical evaluation
• Meet certain mental and moral standards

Physical Disability Requirements

The military has specific physical disability requirements for various jobs and specialties. For example:

• Lifting and carrying: must be able to lift at least 50 pounds
• Walking and climbing: must be able to walk and climb for long periods
• Stooping and crawling: must be able to stoop and crawl through small spaces

However, the military also has various accommodations and modifications to assist individuals with physical disabilities. These may include:

• Prosthetic limbs: individuals with amputations can use prosthetic limbs to perform military tasks
• Assistive devices: individuals with mobility impairments can use canes, walkers, or wheelchairs
• Modified duties: individuals with physical disabilities can be assigned modified duties to accommodate their limitations

Mental Health Disability Requirements

The military also has mental health disability requirements, which include:

• Mental stability: must be able to manage stress and anxiety
• Concentration and focus: must be able to focus and concentrate for extended periods
• Reaction time: must be able to react quickly and responsibly

However, the military has various resources and accommodations to support individuals with mental health disabilities, such as:

• Mental health treatment: access to counseling, therapy, and treatment programs
• Job accommodations: modifications to duties and responsibilities to accommodate mental health limitations
• Support networks: peer support groups and counseling services

How to Apply

If you’re interested in joining the military despite having a handicap, here’s what you need to do:

• Meet with a recruiter: speak with a military recruiter to discuss your eligibility and the military’s requirements
• Complete a medical evaluation: undergo a physical and mental evaluation to assess your ability to perform military duties
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• Submit medical documentation: provide documentation from a medical professional outlining your disability and any necessary accommodations

Conclusion

Joining the military as a person with a handicap is definitely possible, but it requires careful consideration and preparation. By understanding the military’s eligibility requirements, physical and mental disability requirements, and available accommodations, you can take the first step towards serving your country despite your disability.

Important Notes

• The military has a Disability Evaluation System (DES) that evaluates the severity of disabilities and determines eligibility for service
• The military also has a Disabled Military Support Program to support individuals with disabilities throughout their military careers
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• There are various Veterans Service Organizations that provide resources and support to disabled veterans

Table: Disability Requirements by Branch

Note: These are general requirements and may vary depending on the specific job or specialty.