Panic Attacks

[Guest GSXR60005]

Hey Everyone,

Any input/advice on my issue will be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

I am currently a high school junior (almost 18 years old) and am applying to the Academy and ROTC. I got accepted for a SAME (Society of American Military Engineers) Summer Camp at the Air Force Academy which I will be attending. Not to brag but I have a tremendous record and stand a very good chance of getting into the Academy OR getting an ROTC Scholarship.

Situation: Back when I was 11 or 12 years old I saw a psychologist for about 2 months. The shrink basically told me that I suffered from "panic attack disorder" and that I would have to take medication, etc. My father (MD) told me that he would not allow me to take the medication, etc. The reason as to why I suffered maybe 2-3 panic attacks in total was because my parents were sending me overseas to Germany for the summer ALONE (3 months time period). I had to fly from my hometown alone to Germany and spend 3 months there. The shrink told me that since I was young he figured that was why I got these few attacks. The only time I ever took medication was on (1) event and it was half a tablet of some shit he gave me. SINCE THEN I HAVE NEVER had an attack or taken any type of medication to treat them. I forced my-self to be strong and managed to overcome to the attacks. Now I am doing Junior Olympic Level Tae Kwon Do, Racing Sportbikes, Flying Planes and NEVER had one problem.

I know that the doctors are strict about who they are going to let fly a multi-million dollar plane, etc. My question is: Do you think that because of my "episodes" that I will be disqualified for flight training or not be able to make it? Other than that, my medical record is close to perfect, never been arrested, never tried any drugs, etc.

-Gixxer

[Guest Shodown]

Personally, I wouldnt tell them. My dad has been a flyer in the USAF for 26 years and he told me when it comes to medical stuff like that, just dont say anything. I learned this first hand when I told them I broke my wrist in 10th grade and had to do a shit ton of paperwork for it and almost didnt get an enrollment allocation due to f'ed up paperwork.

If they have some kind of record of it and ask you, then tell them, but dont tell them unless they ask specifically. Honestly, I have no idea what they would think IF they knew your situation.

[Guest doctidy]

1 - I just can't bring myself to tell someone to pull a Bill Clinton. I do agree w/ Shodown that it can lead to a lot of paperwork...but I think it would get waived either way.

2 - You need a big dose of humility.