Hello folks, I am going to ask one of those annoying questions that constantly pops-up in numerous blogs and websites “What is the likeliness of getting a waiver for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Attention Deficit Disorder in order to become a pilot for any branch of service?” I am wanting actual facts or links of those who have heard of people being waived from these conditions. From everything I have read online, I have yet locate a case where someone was waived. Everyone says the standard is one year off medication and you should be fine, but in reality it is a case by case situation, therefore my individual case will be described in the paragraphs below.

I was diagnosed with O.C.D. and A.D.D. when I was 12 years old and got off medication when I was 18 because I felt that medication was no longer needed. No, I did not consult a doctor or slowly decrease my dosage; I just stopped completely. Yes, I have heard that this was unwise. Once I was off medication I felt happier and more alive than I had been for a long time and my overall grade point average had soared from what it used to be.

I am now 21 years old and have been off medication for 3.5 years now. I recently transferred to the University of Central Missouri where I am double majoring in Flight Operations, Airport Management, and a Business Administration Minor. Upon graduation I will have obtained my private pilot certificate and my instrument certificate. In order to qualify for a 1st class medical certificate (or any for that matter) I had to see a psychiatrist who examined me and typed up a multi-page document stating that I never had O.C.D. and if I did it no longer exists. I submitted this paperwork to the Federal Aviation Administration and within two months I found out that I had been approved for a 1st class medical (This means that I can become Airline Transport rated and be an airline pilot).

I literally just got off the telephone with an Air Force Reserve Officer Recruiter and he outlined the entire process of becoming a pilot. I mentioned my previous medical conditions and he stated that I would have to submit the proper documents and see what happens (I hate all this uncertainty). The recruiter told me that there are certain things that will make myself more competitive along with what the flight surgeon will use to determine if it is worth it for the Air Force to even waive me, fortunately, I meet or exceed most of them. They are as follows:

1) By the time I apply for a pilot seat I will have been off medication for 5 years, 7 years if I decide to earn a Master’s Degree in Aeronautics at Embry Riddle University. If I do go on to graduate school then I will consider R.O.T.C.

2) The minimum grade point average requirement is a 3.25 and I will graduate roughly with a 3.63.

3) Obtain outstanding PT scores. I know this is possible because I was close to receiving a perfect score with the Army ROTC program at my previous university, back when I was considering lying about my medical history.

4) Be proficient in all hard science and math classes. Unfortunately, I am normally a “B” student when it comes to mathematics and hard sciences, but I still have yet to take applied calculus.

5) Obtain a Private Pilot’s certificate. Although not required, the recruiter mentioned that this definitely helps. I am almost finished with my private and will soon move on to instrument.

6.) As mentioned above I have a document that from a Psychiatrist stating that I no longer have O.C.D. like symptoms and can function without medication.

I have read that M.E.P.S. and flight surgeons like to review the notes and files of the doctor/psychiatrist who originally diagnosed me with A.D.D. and O.C.D. Unfortunately, I no longer have access to these files because my former psychiatrist is retired and no longer practicing. The psychiatrist who waived me was someone I had never been to before. I have also read that each individual branch has there own requirements. I used to be really gung-ho about joining the Marine Corps until I spoke with an Officer Recruiter and mentioned my medical history. He immediately told me that it would be a waste of his time and mine to try and get a waiver, I honestly felt that he did not want to go the extra mile to help me out.
My other question is “If I choose to be dishonest, what are the chances of being caught for fraudulent enlistment?” If I was dishonest I feel that I would be able to get around the M.E.P.S. doctors and flight surgeons. However, my concern is if someone would find out a few years down the road if/when it is time to receive a security clearance and my medical history is discovered. I have a recently read a case where a sailor was kicked out for fraudulent enlistment even after being in for more than a decade because his real medical history was discovered when the Navy did some digging for his security clearance. Can anyone verify this or has anyone head something similar.

I also wanted to mention that I am currently open to every branch including the Coast Guard. If anyone has heard that a certain branch is prone to offer more waivers than others then please let me know.
***I’m looking for educated answers, not someones personal opinion. Comparing mental disorders and broken bones are two completely different things.