18d (edited) • Questions 🙋🏽♀️
Does An IEP mean no armed forces?
This is the biggest misconception.
The Army does NOT ask:
❌ “Did you have an IEP?”
❌ “Were you in special education?”
❌ “Did you have extended time in school?”
❌ “Were you in a resource room or self-contained?”
What they care about is:
✔ current functioning
✔ medical/psychological history
✔ behavior
✔ physical health
✔ academic readiness
✔ ASVAB performance
So simply having an IEP in the past = NOT a barrier.
What CAN impact eligibility?
Eligibility is based on diagnoses and current symptoms, NOT the IEP label.
These conditions may require a waiver or may disqualify if severe:
- ADHD (only if currently medicated or diagnosed past age 14)
- ASD (especially Autism Level 2/3; Level 1 is sometimes waived)
- Severe learning disorders (if currently impacting functioning)
- Emotional/behavior disorders
- Intellectual disability
- Severe anxiety/depression
- Certain physical disabilities
But many people with learning disabilities or past IEPs join with no issues.
Army requirements related to IEP/504 areas
✔ ADHD
- Must be off medication for 12 months
- Must be functioning well in school/work without accommodations
✔ Autism
- ASD Level 1 may be waivable
- ASD Level 2 or 3 usually disqualifies without waiver
✔ Specific Learning Disabilities (dyslexia, SLD)
- Often accepted if the person passes the ASVAB
- No current special accommodations needed
✔ Speech or communication disorders
- Must be resolved or mild
- Must not impact ability to follow commands or communicate clearly
✔ Emotional/behavior disabilities
- Typically need stability for 1–2 years
- No hospitalizations or major behavioral incidents
What the ASVAB has to do with it
The ASVAB is the Army entrance exam.
If a student had a learning disability but can:
✔ pass the ASVAB
✔ function without accommodations
✔ demonstrate readiness
…they can qualify.
The Army does not provide extended time or IEP accommodations on the ASVAB.
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Does An IEP mean no armed forces?
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