Looking to joing the ANG but told I must wait a year

Delaware

I am interested in joining the ANG. (Air National Guard)
I was told I must wait one year from the date I had taken Xanax.
I have not been diagnosed with anything and the Doctor at the free clinic has checked me out several times and says I am completely healthy.

http://www.army.mil/usapa/epubs/pdf/r40_501.pdf
Section 2-27 is what I was referred to for me being unable to join.

I do not see where it clearly stays that I am unable to join. The year long absence from medication seems to apply only to those in subsections a and b.

The Xanax was given to me in order to calm me down and I haven't had to use it.

Is there anything I can do? I haven't talked to my doctor yet and I'm not sure the recruiter completely understood my situation.

I did obtain a copy of my medical records but like I said, I've never been diagnosed with anything. Doc says I'm completely healthy.


I really want to join the ANG.

I believe the point is that at some point in the recent past, a doctor decided you MAY possibly NEED this type of medication to "calm" you. That isn't a crime--a lot of people use the medication successfully and I suspect even more have it on hand, even if they never take it.

The medication, per se, isn't their focus. Their train of thought is that apparently whatever REASON the Rx was given for would be rectified in a years time. Presumably, having it out of your system and/or not being prescribed this type of medication for a year would assure them you are "over" whatever issue made it necessary for the Rx to be given to you in the first place.

Yes, I understand that but I don't have any mental conditions or anything. I had hurt myself while working out and was experiencing some chest pain and didn't know exactly why, so I was given xanax to calm me down.

Like I said, I've never been diagnosed with anything, so should I be able to join up without waiting a year or not?

Many people have an Rx for Xxanax, but that doesn't mean they have a mental illness or any other such identifiable illness. It isn't an indication of an illness per se, it is representative of a SYMPTOM--anxiety.

And, they apparently find it in their best interest to deal with people who have at least a year between anxiety that needed to be treated and active service.

It is not a failure on your part or a reflection on you personally. Just a rule---and as I read the document you provided, I believe the would deny you on that basis.

Wish I could tell you otherwise.

Personally, I would pursue that recruiter to see if there are any exceptions to the regulation and if so, what procedure is required. Military standards are pretty rigid, but there are certain instances that waivers are allowed. Your recruiter should research that for you; if not, find another more motivated recruiter or, if needs be, contact your local ANG directly.

Good luck.