01-16-2025, 01:30 PM
Hey! I'm always happy to give input to individuals considering joining the military! I have lots of background in the Air Force, and provide recruiting for my unit in the Air National Guard. Your age isn't an issue, plenty of 39 year old trainees get the joy of celebrating their 40th birthday in Lackland.
Unfortunately you do have a lot of things going against you. Orthopedic surgeries can often be waived or overlooked. However, an autism diagnosis can be a massive hurdle and is usually a showstopper. Where you lie on the spectrum plays a large part and hopefully if you get connected with a good recruiter they can walk you through that. Your medicated anxiety is likely disqualifying however. If you've been medicated within the last few years you are disqualified. It can potentially be waived, but it's an uphill battle. There's a lot your recruiter will have to consider. Give your recruiter all of the information you can and they will be able to tell you for sure, and don't be afraid to talk to another recruiter if your first one isn't willing to give your case a look. Good luck!
If you receive a definite 'No' and still want to serve in some capacity, I highly recommend looking into civilian positions within a Department of Defense agency. You may end up even living and working on a military installation! Many civilian counterparts work side by side with uniformed service members and depending on the career field, even get many of the same opportunities to travel.
Unfortunately you do have a lot of things going against you. Orthopedic surgeries can often be waived or overlooked. However, an autism diagnosis can be a massive hurdle and is usually a showstopper. Where you lie on the spectrum plays a large part and hopefully if you get connected with a good recruiter they can walk you through that. Your medicated anxiety is likely disqualifying however. If you've been medicated within the last few years you are disqualified. It can potentially be waived, but it's an uphill battle. There's a lot your recruiter will have to consider. Give your recruiter all of the information you can and they will be able to tell you for sure, and don't be afraid to talk to another recruiter if your first one isn't willing to give your case a look. Good luck!
If you receive a definite 'No' and still want to serve in some capacity, I highly recommend looking into civilian positions within a Department of Defense agency. You may end up even living and working on a military installation! Many civilian counterparts work side by side with uniformed service members and depending on the career field, even get many of the same opportunities to travel.
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