Army reserve entry guidelines

Question

What are the guidelines for entry into the Army Reserve with a past history of depression and suicide attempt. Both happened 3 years ago and i have been off meds for 2 years. I have had no thoughts of suicide since and have no feelings of depression. Would i be able to get a waiver for this?

Answer 1

Well this all depends. The Army publishes Army Regulations (AR's) that are used as guidelines throughout your military career. According to Army Regulation 40-501 (Standards of Medical Fitness), Chapter 2 Paragraph 27:

History of suicidal behavior, including gesture(s) or attempt(s) (300.9), or history of self-mutilation, is disqualifying. [from enlistment]

From personal experience, I have a friend who had an attempted suicide in his medical records. He was told that he could not be an OFFICER in the Army, however, he actually just completed Basic Combat Training to be ENLISTED in the Army Reserves. My suggestion would be to talk to a recruiter about a possible medical waiver.

Answer 2

absolutely no entry with those diagnoses and suicide. No waiver, nothing.

It's terrible and I think it's unfair.  I lost many an applicant due to the regs.

And to the person who did get it above, I'd be willing to bet they didn't disclose that information at MEPS.