Is joining the Space Force out of reach for me?

[EliEverIsAHero]

I contacted a recruiter about this out of curiosity - I'm still of age to join the Space Force, but I'm worried that my history of autism spectrum disorder, medicated anxiety, and past orthopedic surgery might get in the way. I am also in my 30s which isn't exactly the standard age at which a lot of people enlist or seek out a commission. 

If I knew 100% it were personally tenable for me, I would jump at the chance to serve in the USSF. 

Anyone here knowledgeable about this?

[Al3xBurns]

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.

[EliEverIsAHero]

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.

Thanks! I'm actually a federal civilian employee right now and transferring into the DOD in some capacity (strongly considering positions with USMA, Army/Navy War Colleges, various DOD regional centers - George C. Marshall, etc. once I finish a doctorate) would be a dream come true for me. 

As a side note, I briefly made an attempt to join the Coast Guard Auxiliary in hopes of a deployment, but eventually quit in frustration over the bizarrely long commuting distance from my current location as well as the fact that it seemed less like a public service organization and more like a social club for old rich boating enthusiasts. I've heard it's different in other flotillas though so idk. I may try again at some point if I end up in a location that has a more service-oriented USCGAUX flotilla.

I don't live in a state that has a State Guard/State Defense Force, but I'm also considering that as an option if I ever end up moving to a state that does.