u/Smellypantieslover

I’m 22 and trying to join the Guard. I already did my physical at MEPS and told the doctor everything. Even though Genesis was clean and didn't show any of it, I chose to be honest about a situation from 2021 when I was 17. I was assaulted back then and ended up at a crisis center/ER for suicidal ideation because of the trauma. They put me on Sertraline and Fluoxetine, but I only took them for about 2 months before I was cleared and stopped. It’s been 5 years now with zero meds, zero episodes, and no issues handling stress, but the MEPS doctor told me I still need to submit a statement and get a waiver.

Right now I’m just stuck waiting on MEPS to schedule whatever is next and it’s annoying as hell. I’m wondering how long this specific type of waiver usually takes to get a response on, and if the 5-year gap makes it an easy "yes" since it was situational and I haven't touched meds since I was a minor.

So I’m in the process of joining the Army National Guard and I already know I’m going in as 09M.

I just got hit with a waiver situation (behavioral health related I guess), and now it says my waiver is pending more information. My recruiter told me they’re sending me to MEPS for a behavioral health consult, and I also gotta submit pharmacy records for the last 3 years + 3 letters of recommendation.

I’m not even confused about WHAT they want anymore, I get that part. What’s killing me is the waiting.

Like bruh… this process is slow as hell and I keep hearing 09M slots are limited. I was told there’s only like 1000 seats left and I’m over here stuck waiting on paperwork and appointments.

I’m ready to go, I’m committed, I just feel like I’m stuck in limbo while everything moves at government speed.