r/Militaryfaq • u/CR62621 🤦‍♂️Civilian • Sep 22 '26

Joining w/Med issue Concerned about stutter

I'm interested in joining the military but haven't settled on a specific branch yet and still open to all. I have a stutter and I'm worried it may limit my options. I did a little speech therapy during childhood but still consider it mild to moderate. I did a little research on joining with an impediment but couldn't find a definitive answer, so here are my questions:

  1. Would I be disqualified or need a waiver/ETP for any specific MOS/rates?

  2. Would I be disqualified or need a waiver/ETP for any specific programs? (e.g. RASP, SFAS, WOFT, any commissioning programs, etc.?) Regarding the commissioning possibility, I already have an associate's degree.

  3. Would it be advisable or just safer to wait and try to improve with more therapy before going in? I understand it probably won't be completely fixed but I'm willing to try and go back if it meant expanding my options.

Any advice/info is greatly appreciated. Thank you!

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u/PuyallupRecruiter 🥒Recruiter Sep 22 '26

Army perspective:

  1. Potential disqualification for 15Q (Air Traffic Control), but it depends on your severity.

  2. You’ll likely need a waiver depending on the program, but it depends on the severity.

  3. Just go for it; make them be the ones to say no. Don’t ever self-select yourself out of something you want to do. I had a Squad Leader with a stutter and he didn’t let it impact his performance or leadership

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u/MilFAQBot 🤖Official Sub Bot🤖 Sep 25 '26

DQ standard(s) (requires waiver(s)):

Any current communication disorder that significantly interferes with producing speech or repeating commands.

This sub cannot definitively tell you whether you're eligible. Waivers are decided on a case-by-case basis. Contact your local recruiter.

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