Thoughts on being medically rejected

[B in CGY]

I've been planning over the past 18 months to join the army, completely changing my diet and lifestyle to prepare myself. I put in my application to join the Calgary Highlanders (Infantry Reserves) the first week of January, and had my first testing in the first week of February. I passed the CFAT without a problem. I then had my medical and interview set for the last week of February. The interview went better than I could have hoped, with the officer interviewing me telling me that I was exactly the type of person the army is looking for. But then I had the medical.

I knew I would have a few hurdles to jump, with a past mental health history. I won't go into details, but during my early-mid 20s I went through some rough patches over the span of 6 years that was well documented in my medical file. I'm now in my early 30s. I wasn't naive enough to think this wouldn't be an issue, but I hoped that I would still be okay, as I haven't been on any medications or had any sort of treatment needed in over five years. I had to get a form filled out by my doctor asking questions about whether I  could safely operate a firearm and if I was a danger to myself, etc. My doctor filled in the forms, responding positively about my outlook and ability to handle the pressures of being in the military. She also had to put down my past diagnoses, which, although do not medically apply to me now, they look pretty bad on paper.

Now three weeks later, I just found out in the mail today that my medical limitations do not make me fit for service. I knew this was a possibility and tried to prepare myself, though reading the letter hit me hard. I wanted this so badly, and my grandfather, who served in WWII was so proud of me, he keeps asking me when I'll get my uniform. I'm still absorbing this setback.

I've seen a lot of posts here in the recruiting centre asking about joining if they are on meds, if they have done drugs, etc., and I think an important point for them to keep in mind, is despite what kind of person you are now, or might be in the future, don't make stupid mistakes when you are young, as they will come back to bite you on the ass.

Despite this setback, I'm Glad I applied. I gave it my best. I excelled at all the tests that I could, but my past is my past and there is nothing I can do about that now except to live my life as a better person. The recruiting staff in Calgary were great. They were informative and friendly, I can't say enough about them. I'm trying to take this 18 months as a new stage in my life. I'm healthier and stronger than I have ever been, so I'm trying to focus on that. I'm thinking maybe I'll get into marathon running, or something to that effect. I have a wife who loves and supports me, I have a home, and I have a good career, so all in all, I guess I don't have much to complain about in life.

To all of you serving, I am proud and I am grateful for what you do. I wish I could be out there with you. 

 

[Armymedic]

Being in the CF isn't then end all be all. There is always another dream to persue:

See this thread:

http://forums.army.ca/forums/threads/37076/post-303761.html#msg303761

 

[SweetNavyJustice]

I give you credit for having dealt with the mental health issues you experienced during that brief period of your life, and for having the forethought to have the expectation that they could have possibly effected your applicaction (as it seemed to). 

All I can really say (although somewhat corney) is to keep working toward your goal to be in the CF if that is what you truely desire.  You won't ever fail a task so long as you keep trying.  You only fail once you quit.

Good luck with your future.

 

[Eland]

Ah yes, the sting of finding out that you were rejected on medical grounds. I know it well. When I joined an Army Reserve unit, (back in the days of the Summer Reserve Training Programme) I had a hearing impairment (i.e. basically half-deaf). The hearing test (I kid you not!) back then at the reserve unit's MIR was placing people in front of a chalkboard and asking them to repeat what the MIR tech said behind their backs.

Little did the MIR people know that one of the ways in which I coped with my hearing loss was to use reflected sound coming off nearby walls. Chalk boards are quite reflective! I passed with flying colours! The civilian doc who subsequently examined me knew about my hearing loss (I told him about it!) said, "You shouldn't have much trouble - they scream at you on the parade square, anyway", and signed off on the medical.

I did surprisingly well while serving. Most of the time I was stuck in the back of a jeep or in a CP. Everyone in my unit knew of my problem. Many years later I came to realize that my hearing was probably the reason why I was never taken along on night patrols.

Nearly two years later I tried to join the Regular Force, naively believing there was some non-combat job they could fit me into.
I took all the tests, passed, and basically could have had my pick of any trade I wanted. Then I was sent for an audiological exam - with earphones, soundproof booth, the works. Deep down, I had a funny feeling that the hearing test was going to sink me - and my dream of joining the military.

A while later I was asked to go to a desk where I would pick up my file. I had to bring the file to another office. Someone was ahead of me. I watched the clerk at the desk stamping files with a red stamp - FIT or UNFIT. She stamped this guy's file with "FIT" and sent him on his way. Expectantly I waited, on tenterhooks. The state of anticipation was almost agonizing. The clerk examined my file briefly, her face void of expression. Then she closed it, and down came the "UNFIT" stamp on my file. In big red letters nobody could fail to notice.

In more ways than one, I felt like a marked man. I was crestfallen, yet not fully comprehending the reality of what had just happened.
I was handed a chit for per diem and travel expenses, and sent out the door. I remember hoping that somehow my audiological exam results wouldn't be that bad.

A month later, I realized that I wasn't going to go anywhere in my Reserve career and turned in my kit at the squadron QM desk.

In retrospect, I realize the favour that they did me (and themselves!) by not letting me in. But it didn't end my interest in matters military.