DISCLAIMER: This is with regards to the British Armed Forces and written by somebody not officially diagnosed with Dyspraxia (but is waiting on an assessment).
General Overview
I'm currently serving as an ICT techie, but have strong indications of Dyspraxia that go back to early childhood.
This is a guide that covers my experiences so far and to provide information for those considering a military career, admittedly this is from the POV of the British Armed Forces. But it goes without saying that the military can be a physically demanding job, especially with certain trades/roles and so if you do have Dyspraxia expect it to be extremely difficult.
Trades/Roles & Service
There is the principle of "Soldier first, trade second" across all three Services of the British military, this is essentially being taught military skill-at-arms, etc first during basic training before going onto doing your trade training. This will continue throughout your career with annual refreshers/tests of your military skills.
By it's very nature the Army focuses more on the 'soldier' aspect with everyone expected to be a soldier and the same fitness requirements across the board. Even if you're a desk bound admin clerk, you'll be expected to hoof it out on some moor with the infantry if you're assigned to an infantry unit. Likewise, there'll be unit fitness (aka company runs, etc) and you'll likely often be out in the field for training/exercises.
Navy is more static (usually onboard a ship) but still has physically demands even if the overall fitness requirements are lower than the Army, plus they've recently dropped the requirement for needing to be able to swim. There is going to be more technical roles, but on the flip-side there is frequent drills onboard a ship for various contingencies.
And lastly the RAF, roughly similar fitness to the Navy but probably less physically demanding but also the chance of being out in the field dependent on the role. Like the Navy, the RAF has a fair number of technical roles especially round aircraft and increasingly round computers/cyber.
For a Dyspraxic, roles in the RAF and Navy might be better choices over the Army.
NEXT: The Joining Process
Dyspraxia & The Military
Moderator: Moderator Team
Re: Dyspraxia & The Military
Joining Process
The process for joining is broadly similar, but there are differences between the Services and indeed other countries but here we will focus on the British military.
All three Services have moved most of their recruitment process online, beginning with the application and then presentation briefs, etc. The Army still has Assessment Centres where a 2 day process covers a full medical, fitness test and an aptitude test as well as a career discussion. Being successful at the assessment centre will lead to an offer of employment.
Both the Navy and RAF share similar recruitment process, beginning like an online application and then presentation brief much like the Army. They differ in that they don't have an assessment centre, rather they use local civilian gyms and a contracted private GP for medicals.
Aptitude Test
This is a series of tests, but knowledge expected is GCSE/high school level. Scores will give a guideline of what trades/roles might be best suited for you, but if you're not happy with your scores you can (with the RAF & Navy, not sure on Army) retake it after a period of time. There is usually practice tests available on the recruitment websites.
Medical & SpLDs
There is a range of conditions that will disqualify you from service, chief amongst these include conditions like autism, etc (sometimes covered on a case-by-case basis). You'll be expected to declare conditions on a medical questionnaire before being examined by a doctor, though you may be declared medically unfit as they investigate further but you can appeal this.
ADHD, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia and Dyscalculia are recognised as SpLDs by the military but the private doctors at the medical stage for RAF & Navy but declare you unfit only for service doctors to reverse this decision. This will probably be the most frustrating stage for alot of people as it's completely out of your hands.
Fitness Test
Pre-joining fitness test for each Service is different.
Army - Beep Test (20m shuttle runs), medicine ball throw and mid thigh pull.
Navy - 1.5 mile run.
RAF - 1.5 mile run, push-ups, sit-ups.
Navy seems to be the easiest with more time being given for the run compared to the RAF, though the beep test for the Army will be the more difficult for a dyspraxic given the start/stop nature of the test with the turns you're required to make rather than a straight forward run. All three Service have training plans you can follow, but it will be worth your time engaging a personal trainer at a gym long before you begin your application.
Pre-Recruit Training
You'll get exposure to Army as the Assessment Centre whilst the Navy has the Candidate Preparation Course, both require you to pass fitness test. The RAF used to have the Pre-Recruit Training Course but this seems to have stopped with covid and it's currently unclear whether it's being brought back in.
Interviews
You'll get at least two interviews, the first is like a job interview where you get asked about yourself, reason for joining and your knowledge of the Service, etc. Second interview tends to be more admin related, finalizing paperwork and confirming that you're still interested in joining. There may be an additional interview if going into a specialist trade.
Offer of Employment
Presuming you've been successful you'll be offered an initial service contract and given a start date for recruit training, though this date can change.
Best thing you can do here is maintain and improve your fitness if you can, the fitter you are the easier recruit training can be.
NEXT: Recruit Training
The process for joining is broadly similar, but there are differences between the Services and indeed other countries but here we will focus on the British military.
All three Services have moved most of their recruitment process online, beginning with the application and then presentation briefs, etc. The Army still has Assessment Centres where a 2 day process covers a full medical, fitness test and an aptitude test as well as a career discussion. Being successful at the assessment centre will lead to an offer of employment.
Both the Navy and RAF share similar recruitment process, beginning like an online application and then presentation brief much like the Army. They differ in that they don't have an assessment centre, rather they use local civilian gyms and a contracted private GP for medicals.
Aptitude Test
This is a series of tests, but knowledge expected is GCSE/high school level. Scores will give a guideline of what trades/roles might be best suited for you, but if you're not happy with your scores you can (with the RAF & Navy, not sure on Army) retake it after a period of time. There is usually practice tests available on the recruitment websites.
Medical & SpLDs
There is a range of conditions that will disqualify you from service, chief amongst these include conditions like autism, etc (sometimes covered on a case-by-case basis). You'll be expected to declare conditions on a medical questionnaire before being examined by a doctor, though you may be declared medically unfit as they investigate further but you can appeal this.
ADHD, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia and Dyscalculia are recognised as SpLDs by the military but the private doctors at the medical stage for RAF & Navy but declare you unfit only for service doctors to reverse this decision. This will probably be the most frustrating stage for alot of people as it's completely out of your hands.
Fitness Test
Pre-joining fitness test for each Service is different.
Army - Beep Test (20m shuttle runs), medicine ball throw and mid thigh pull.
Navy - 1.5 mile run.
RAF - 1.5 mile run, push-ups, sit-ups.
Navy seems to be the easiest with more time being given for the run compared to the RAF, though the beep test for the Army will be the more difficult for a dyspraxic given the start/stop nature of the test with the turns you're required to make rather than a straight forward run. All three Service have training plans you can follow, but it will be worth your time engaging a personal trainer at a gym long before you begin your application.
Pre-Recruit Training
You'll get exposure to Army as the Assessment Centre whilst the Navy has the Candidate Preparation Course, both require you to pass fitness test. The RAF used to have the Pre-Recruit Training Course but this seems to have stopped with covid and it's currently unclear whether it's being brought back in.
Interviews
You'll get at least two interviews, the first is like a job interview where you get asked about yourself, reason for joining and your knowledge of the Service, etc. Second interview tends to be more admin related, finalizing paperwork and confirming that you're still interested in joining. There may be an additional interview if going into a specialist trade.
Offer of Employment
Presuming you've been successful you'll be offered an initial service contract and given a start date for recruit training, though this date can change.
Best thing you can do here is maintain and improve your fitness if you can, the fitter you are the easier recruit training can be.
NEXT: Recruit Training
Re: Dyspraxia & The Military
Recruit Training
Recruit training is a physically and psychologically intensive process, designed to get you into the military mindset whilst building physical and mental resilience.
With regards to dyspraxia it is extremely challenging with a great deal of physical depends, long days and not alot of time to take a breather. There is going to be a great deal of physical fitness training and drill/marching, plus having to look after your kit (ironing, folding uniform, etc).
Welfare provision has improved, the instructors are there to get you through training and will help if there is any issues. There is some provision with regards to SpLDs, but it's more focused on dyslexia. With regards to dyspraxia it is kinda down to pot luck whether there is somebody there with knowledge of the condition, I had a corporal who was familiar with it and asked if I had dyspraxia when he noticed that I was struggling with alot of the drill moments.
If not previously diagnosed with dyspraxia there is some provision for an assessment, but during recruit training I was 'discouraged' from doing this. It was cited that I would likely be pulled out of training and put on holding until the assessment was done, a process likely to take quite a few months. Unless you have serious issues, best to try and get through the training than sit around doing nothing for 6+ months.
EDIT: The RAF produced a good, but short, video series that gives an overview of recruit training for the RAF; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FRJjcgFpL0I
NEXT: Trade Training
Recruit training is a physically and psychologically intensive process, designed to get you into the military mindset whilst building physical and mental resilience.
With regards to dyspraxia it is extremely challenging with a great deal of physical depends, long days and not alot of time to take a breather. There is going to be a great deal of physical fitness training and drill/marching, plus having to look after your kit (ironing, folding uniform, etc).
Welfare provision has improved, the instructors are there to get you through training and will help if there is any issues. There is some provision with regards to SpLDs, but it's more focused on dyslexia. With regards to dyspraxia it is kinda down to pot luck whether there is somebody there with knowledge of the condition, I had a corporal who was familiar with it and asked if I had dyspraxia when he noticed that I was struggling with alot of the drill moments.
If not previously diagnosed with dyspraxia there is some provision for an assessment, but during recruit training I was 'discouraged' from doing this. It was cited that I would likely be pulled out of training and put on holding until the assessment was done, a process likely to take quite a few months. Unless you have serious issues, best to try and get through the training than sit around doing nothing for 6+ months.
EDIT: The RAF produced a good, but short, video series that gives an overview of recruit training for the RAF; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FRJjcgFpL0I
NEXT: Trade Training
Re: Dyspraxia & The Military
Trade Training
Trade Training varies in length and how physically demanding it is depending on the trade/role you've gone for.
Obviously infantry roles are doing to be very physically demanding, similarly some logistics roles like Movers (RAF guys & gals who load the aircraft) can be demanding roles as well. Technical trades can lean more towards being more academic given there is a fair bit of theory to learn, but working on vehicles and aircraft is going to be more demanding than say computers.
There is going to be a requirement to keep your fitness up, this will be instructor led and whilst it can be intense the instructors are more...forgiving if you struggle compared to the ones you have during recruit training. Plus you will be expected to pass the annual fitness in order to graduate from trade training. You'll probably be taught more drill, chiefly ceremonial stuff for doing one or two parades that you'll be expected to do whilst in training.
There is more SpLD support in Trade Training and I suggest early engagement with the base's Education/Learning Centre, I did the Dyslexia Adult Screening Test through the Learning Centre at my trade training and scored high enough for intervention (which was extra time on exams). Also did the Workplace Neurodiversity Screener (produced by Do-It Profiler), which has proven useful as evidence to enable me to get an assessment for dyspraxia.
NEXT: First Posting
Trade Training varies in length and how physically demanding it is depending on the trade/role you've gone for.
Obviously infantry roles are doing to be very physically demanding, similarly some logistics roles like Movers (RAF guys & gals who load the aircraft) can be demanding roles as well. Technical trades can lean more towards being more academic given there is a fair bit of theory to learn, but working on vehicles and aircraft is going to be more demanding than say computers.
There is going to be a requirement to keep your fitness up, this will be instructor led and whilst it can be intense the instructors are more...forgiving if you struggle compared to the ones you have during recruit training. Plus you will be expected to pass the annual fitness in order to graduate from trade training. You'll probably be taught more drill, chiefly ceremonial stuff for doing one or two parades that you'll be expected to do whilst in training.
There is more SpLD support in Trade Training and I suggest early engagement with the base's Education/Learning Centre, I did the Dyslexia Adult Screening Test through the Learning Centre at my trade training and scored high enough for intervention (which was extra time on exams). Also did the Workplace Neurodiversity Screener (produced by Do-It Profiler), which has proven useful as evidence to enable me to get an assessment for dyspraxia.
NEXT: First Posting
Re: Dyspraxia & The Military
Been a while, do intend to make a new post soon.
Just been combing through policy and getting my assessment sorted (which is now booked).
Just been combing through policy and getting my assessment sorted (which is now booked).
Re: Dyspraxia & The Military
That's really insightful. It sounds brutal, especially the Army side. I'm glad you're highlighting the physical demands.
Re: Dyspraxia & The Military
Thank you Stormwell, this series of posts has been both interesting and insightful
Tom
Moderator/Administrator
With a foot full of bullets I tried to run faster but I just hobbled on to the next disaster.
(from Peter and the Test Tube Babies, Foot Full of Bullets)
Moderator/Administrator
With a foot full of bullets I tried to run faster but I just hobbled on to the next disaster.
(from Peter and the Test Tube Babies, Foot Full of Bullets)
Re: Dyspraxia & The Military
First Posting
On arrival at your first unit after training you can touch base with the local Education/Learning Centre if diagnosed, least if anything they can keep track of SpLDs on unit and let you know of any help/provisions that you may be entitled to. Also worth informing your Lin Manager, Dyspraxia is one of the SpLDs that is officially recognised and so you can get reasonable adjustments for your job role. You can also get an Individual Learning Plan, useful as you'll be going on extra training courses.
When it comes to the RAF Fitness Test, if you have a diagnosis of Dyspraxia it is possible to get put on the Rockport Walk Test if you struggle with the standard beep test. Likewise, worth informing the Physical Training Instructors/PEd Flight if you have Dyspraxia as you'll probably struggle with certain exercises when completing mandated physical training. Can't speak of provisions for the Army and Navy as I no not know them.
There will be annual military skills training, really more of a refresher of what you did in basic training especially as you'll be expected to be at a reasonable level of readiness for deployments and the occasional stint of gate guard. You can inform the instructors for this training of any SpLDs or issues.
If still undiagnosed at this stage, I've found getting an assessment isn't a straight forward process. If you have a severe case of Dyspraxia it would've been picked up during training or you might not have made it through the pre-joining medical. For me (to steal a term from ASD) I'm more in the 'high functioning' category and so my issues have been mainly with the fitness test and related physical activity so it's been bit of a weak case to get support from Service funding. Would be a stronger case if I had difficulties with doing my job role, but I'm in an ideal job role where I'm thriving so bit of a Catch 22.
Ultimately I've had to go private and self-fund, though there are some support networks that I've started exploring. Regardless, my assessment is this week and pending the outcome I may open this up to an 'Ask Me Anything' tread.
On arrival at your first unit after training you can touch base with the local Education/Learning Centre if diagnosed, least if anything they can keep track of SpLDs on unit and let you know of any help/provisions that you may be entitled to. Also worth informing your Lin Manager, Dyspraxia is one of the SpLDs that is officially recognised and so you can get reasonable adjustments for your job role. You can also get an Individual Learning Plan, useful as you'll be going on extra training courses.
When it comes to the RAF Fitness Test, if you have a diagnosis of Dyspraxia it is possible to get put on the Rockport Walk Test if you struggle with the standard beep test. Likewise, worth informing the Physical Training Instructors/PEd Flight if you have Dyspraxia as you'll probably struggle with certain exercises when completing mandated physical training. Can't speak of provisions for the Army and Navy as I no not know them.
There will be annual military skills training, really more of a refresher of what you did in basic training especially as you'll be expected to be at a reasonable level of readiness for deployments and the occasional stint of gate guard. You can inform the instructors for this training of any SpLDs or issues.
If still undiagnosed at this stage, I've found getting an assessment isn't a straight forward process. If you have a severe case of Dyspraxia it would've been picked up during training or you might not have made it through the pre-joining medical. For me (to steal a term from ASD) I'm more in the 'high functioning' category and so my issues have been mainly with the fitness test and related physical activity so it's been bit of a weak case to get support from Service funding. Would be a stronger case if I had difficulties with doing my job role, but I'm in an ideal job role where I'm thriving so bit of a Catch 22.
Ultimately I've had to go private and self-fund, though there are some support networks that I've started exploring. Regardless, my assessment is this week and pending the outcome I may open this up to an 'Ask Me Anything' tread.
Re: Dyspraxia & The Military
Have now received my assessment report; Dyspraxia for sure.