Tourette's Syndrome

[Guest sky dancer]

I am 26 and starting to consider trying to get a pilot slot with the ANG or AF Reserve. I hold a 4 year degree and vision is solid.

My question comes to a history of ADD and Tourettes Syndrome. I recently went through a round of testing to get my medical for the FAA. Despite having been told I have ADD a review of all of my medical records revealed no diagnosis or mention of it. The neuropsychologist's conclusion and report indicates that I don't have ADD. So I don't see that as being an issue.

My concern is the Tourette's. It was primarily a childhood illness. I haven't been on meds since 8th grade and have no effects from it today. It does not affect my flying and the FAA cleared me. I am wondering how I would go about getting a military waiver for this. Should I approach an officer recruiter first, get it cleared and then go for a pilot slot when I'm ready to apply? That would be 1-2 years from now as I'm working on finishing a 2nd degree in the medical field. I heard you need proof from your occupational history that Tourettes hasn't affected your work. I've driven semi's across 42 states with a perfect safety record and operated forklifts in a warehouse. If I get a waiver with the ANG, would it be effective for the Reserves or vice versa? I appreciate any advice regarding how to go about this. Thank you,

Ryan

[Guest CA]

I can't speak to the tourette's, but since there is no official documentation about your ADD, never again mention it. You don't want to even bring that up to your recruiter. If there is no record of it, it's not there.

If the tourette's thing is anything like the ADHD deal that I had to go through, as long as you are off the medication for a period of 12 months before applying, you can still apply. I had been off for 5 1/2 years when I applied, but since I had medical documentation (Psychologist visits and prescriptions), I had to disclose that stuff. It was all OK though. No waiver required or anything. I ended up not getting selected so I can't say that it had no affect on my chances, but I can't say that it did either.

My suggestion, ask your recruiter. That's what they are there for. Also, you said that you are working on a 2nd degree and so you are going to wait to apply. My suggestion is don't wait too long. Your first undergraduate degree is all they (the board) are going to care about. It's the standard they hold to. So start your application process while still in school because it can take up to a year before your package meets the board, depending on timing. If you get selected, you'll be waiting at least 9 months before going to OTS anyway.

Best wishes to you Ryan. Hope this helped.

[Guest Banken]

My bet is that your recruiter is going to act weird whenever you mention any possible previous medical conditions, especially something disqualifying (I assume) like ADD and Tourette's. Because all three recruiters I've ever dealt with have basically tried to indirectly get me to lie about any medical issues (without telling me to do so).

Even if you aren't disqualified by a condition that can be disqualifying, it will take several extra months for all the extra paperwork, and it's a big hassle.

[Guest kork13]

It depends on the severity of the Tourette's, and some other factors. However, I have a close friend who has mild Tourette's and is currently in pilot training at Vance. I don't know the full details of it, but believe me when I say that having tourette's is not absolutely disqualifying. As they say, "there's a waiver for everything".

Edit: Touching on what Banken mentioned above... whatever you do, don't lie about it or anything else. Better to be upfront and honest, fight the good fight, and if it doesn't pan out for you, at least you will not have wasted the time of going through OTS, getting through some portion of training, then have it discovered that you lied on your initial paperwork. Whatever headache it is on the front end, it would only be 10x as bad when it's discovered later.

Edited December 15, 2009 by kork13

[Guest Banken]

I agree. Also, it's YOUR ass going to jail for fraudulent enlistment, not your recruiter's.

I would think that anything more than mild tourette's would be completely disqualifying... at least for combat personnel (which is everyone, nowadays).