Can you enlist in the military with HIV?

I'm interested in joining the military but I'm living with HIV. Is it possible to enlist with this condition? What kind of medical evaluations or waivers are involved in this process?

Yes, you can enlist in the military with HIV, but there are some caveats. As of 2020, the Department of Defense (DoD) in the United States has updated its policies to allow individuals who are living with HIV to enlist, serve, and commission in the U.S. military. This was a significant policy change because, before this, individuals with HIV were not allowed to enlist.

Upon enlistment, you will be evaluated by the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS). This includes a comprehensive medical exam, and you'll need to disclose your HIV status as part of this process. DoD guidelines state that having a chronic disease, including HIV, does not automatically disqualify someone from military service.

But you'll need to have a stable disease course and a low viral load. You'll also need to show that you're responding well to antiretroviral therapy (ART), which is the standard treatment for HIV. It’s crucial to show that you can maintain your health while serving.

Moreover, serving with HIV may impact the assignments or roles you can fill. One significant restriction is that individuals living with HIV are not allowed to serve overseas. This can limit your roles within the military and may prevent you from advancing in some career paths.

Essentially, while it’s possible to join the military if you have HIV, you should be prepared for some additional steps and restrictions related to your service. It would be wise to speak with a military recruitment officer for specific information about your situation. They could provide the most detailed and up-to-date information about enlistment factors, like medical waivers and ongoing evaluations.