Where I am at in the Enrollment Process (Hello Forum)

[McCurdy526]

Hello Forum,

This is my first time posting here at army.ca (No worries, I have read all of the agreements and behavior notices).

I would just like to let you all know where I am currently at in the enrollment process for the Canadian Forces. In April (2009), one of my best friends and I heard about an extreme opportunity that would we would both benefit from, as this is what we wanted to do:

Be in the Canadian Forces as Infantry Soldiers.

We have co-operative education at our school, and a 'Military Co-op' is available. So my friend and I chose to go for it. He went to the meeting on the co-op that was during school hours one day (held by The Grey and Simcoe Foresters). I could not attend, as I was already at a co-op that afternoon. He told me about it afterward and I couldn't believe it. I told him I had to give it a lot of thought and get back to him on the idea.

In early June (2009), my friend and I had a meeting with the recruiter for The Grey and Simcoe Foresters. I had all of my paperwork done and so did he. We both handed in out paperwork to the recruiter the same second as each other, because we are both in this together.

My friend and I have passed my C.F.A.T., my Physical Fitness Evaluation, and am still on the medical part. (I have wished to disclose personal information, and knowing so, I am just giving a heads-up) Everything went fine on my medical until this: My ADHD medication. I was told that the Canadian Military does not accept those who take regular, day-to-day medication. I got that as a letter. It took 7 weeks to get that letter. So, I went to my physician to see what would happen. It was suggested that I could be taken of the medication, taking doses between longer and longer time periods, until i was fine without them.

I go in tomorrow (the 23rd) to my doctor to get an official letter stating that I am now fine without any ADHD medication. This letter will then be faxed to the Medical Offices in Toronto, to be revised and decided on. I am now 3 weeks behind my military co-op buddy.

There are only 15 positions available. Over 150 people are interested. 30-40 people pass everything. My recruiter told me it's a 50% chance to get in.

I hope I make it.

Thank you for reading.

P.S. If anyone has any suggestions about the future ahead or similar experiences, please feel free to respond with such knowledge.

Cheers,
Zach McCurdy
CF Applicant

 

[forumdood007]

Hey Zach,

I know what you are going through. My son was on a couple such meds when he applied (4 years ago). He was also told that he could not be on meds and would need a doctor's letter stating that he wasn't on any. One of them, if I recall was the zit medication (forgot what it is called) Anyway, he was determined to proceed and did so under his doctor's strict guidance. You cannot just pop off these meds cold turkey so he followed the exact instructions to ween off of them, had it all documented and did in fact find that he really could function just fine without them. He did however look like the goalie of a dart team without the zit meds!
Kidding aside, the CF has strict medical guidelines for a reason, just follow them and jump through all the necessary hoops to join the team. I'm actually doing it myself as we speak!

 

[McCurdy526]

Hey Forumdood,

Thanks for replying. 2 hours prior to your response, I JUST got my doctor to type up a letter for Toronto saying, "This to confirm that Zach is now off his Concerta (ADHD medication) and he is doing well. I have no concerns for him to attend your Co-op program as of now."

I faxed in the letter right at the office, so I hope all is well for smooth sailing. Also, I knew it would be somewhat destructive if I just quit cold turkey, so I followed my doctor's strict orders saying to take it every other day, every 3 days, etc.

I have been off of the medication for almost a whole week, and everything is just fine (no lies, guaranteed).

Thank goodness for small hoops.

Cheers,
Zach McCurdy, Age 17
CF Applicant