Military now accepting recruits with asthma, ADHD and other conditions amid staffing shortage
The Canadian Armed Forces are implementing changes in their recruitment process in an effort to address their significant shortage of personnel. Maj.-Gen. Scott Malcolm, the military’s surgeon general, announced that they will now consider applicants with a wide range of medical conditions for enrolment, including ADHD, anxiety, and asthma. This shift in policy comes as the Canadian military faces a shortage of over 13,600 members across its regular and reserve forces.
In the past, individuals with conditions such as ADHD were automatically disqualified from joining the military due to the need for daily medication. However, this outdated and strict medical standard is being modernized to allow for a more inclusive approach to recruitment. The focus is on restoring the regular force to 71,500 members and the reserve force to 30,000 members by 2029.
One individual, who preferred to remain anonymous, shared his experience of being rejected by the military due to a genetic marker detected in infancy, despite never experiencing any health issues related to it. This case highlights the need for a more flexible and nuanced approach to medical assessments in the recruitment process.
The new screening process, which was launched on January 15, aims to categorize applicants as “fit to the task” if they demonstrate the capability to fulfill military duties despite their medical conditions. This approach allows recruits to undergo basic training and potentially pursue specialized training in their chosen trade while still meeting the medical requirements specific to that role.
Defence and security expert Andrew Latham commended the military for adjusting their medical screening process, which he described as overly stringent and unrealistic in the past. By considering individuals on a case-by-case basis, the military aims to attract a wider pool of qualified candidates who may have been previously excluded due to irrelevant medical reasons.
Overall, this initiative represents a step towards a more inclusive and adaptive recruitment process for the Canadian Armed Forces. While recruitment challenges persist, this shift in policy is expected to open doors for individuals who are eager to serve in the military but have been deterred by outdated medical standards. As the military continues to navigate recruitment hurdles, this new approach offers hope for increasing personnel numbers and strengthening the force.
