Cyprus-Forum.com

[strawbie]

Hello everyone, I am hoping someone might be able to answer a quick question for me.

My cousin was born in the UK and lived here all his life (he's 30 years old) and his parents are both Greek Cypriots. He is now thinking of moving to Cyprus.

Under the official policy, he would have to serve 3 months military service, but he is a bit worried as he suffers from clinical depression and anxiety attacks. He has to take medication that also has some side effects, and has had this condition for about 15 years. He can get letters from his doctor to prove this and it's not just some excuse to 'dodge the draft'.

Does anyone know if this would make him exempt from military service? If not, how does the army deal with his condition?

Also, if he is exempt, what do the discharge certificates say? Do they mention specific reasons for discharge? For example, 'unfit for duty' is fair enough, but do they put 'mentally unfit?' That would hardly be fair, as though depression is a mental condition, he's not 'insane'.

Obviously there is no point in him going to Cyprus if he is going to end up with a certificate that says he is 'mentally unstable', as no employer will give him a chance.

To be honest, I don't think he would be much use to them, especially given that he only has to serve 3 months. It doesn't seem like it would be worth their time and resources to deal with an unfit depressed 30-year-old with limited Greek language skills who will be gone in three months.

[orokliniservices]

I do belive they will put "mentally unfit" on his record.. which may cause some problems in the future for getting work etc.. A friend was exempt from his military service for being "mentally unfit" meaning he has been on antidepressants for some years. This will now be on his permanent record.

[DT.]

Tell him to just do the service. These 3 month stints are a breeze. You're out by lunchtime and you onlyneed to stay in barracks one night a week.

It'll do him the world of good.

[Ruserious]

It wouldn't really matter unless he wanted to seek employment in government or semi-government position. I have never heard of any other potential employer requesting military records - also I have heard about new legislation which states that it is ilegal for ANY employer to request a military service certifcate. Not sure if this legislation has been passed as yet......

[purdey]

I sympathise with your cousin. I have seen many young men in the British Forces with clinical depression. It takes it's toll in many different ways and is very unpleasant to witness. I cannot offer any advise on what the Cypriot Government say regarding this condition, but to put mentally unfit on his records would be rather harsh. I would of thought Medically Unfit may be more appropriate.
I wish him luck for the future.

[Chara]

Hubbie did military service over here for 3 months when he first came over. The getting out by lunch time depends where they are put and how they play it. Hubbie should not have done his service as he has MS.

It can be difficult in there according to my husband (who also suffers from depression due to ms).

However i should point out that your cousin will have 4 sign in periods to enrol. Signing up for the army happens in Jan and June each year. If he comes now in May, june will be his first sign up, then jan the second, june 09 the 3rd and jan 10 would be the 4th and he would HAVE to have sorted something out by then or sign up. If he signs up after that he'll end up doing 6 months.

Also as mentioned above. Is will only depend if he will get a govt job or semi govt job (like teacher, or govt office) that MEDICALLY UNFIT will be a problem

[purdey]

Do 3 month stints in the army include live fire range practice ? do recruits have to use a loaded firearm ?
Maybe DT (Sir) may like to answer.
Also are the intakes given a full medical ?

[Chara]

Yes they do include live fire practice. Don't forget that once he's done the army, then he will be regarded as a reserve and could possibly be given a gun to take home, and will be called up for a days (some times 3 days) service.

When you say full medical do you mean they count they're arms, legs and eyes ect?

Hubbie was meant to be given a full medical and they didn't find his MS, but then again it's hard to diagnose. from what hubbie told me, they ask how your feeling, if you got any problems and take it from there. hubbie said he had a bad back so took him for xray.

[Johnson&Johnson]

I'm with DT on this one - if there's nothing physically wrong with him, he should just go ahead and do it. 3 months is a piece of piss compared to 26, and he will come out of there a better man.

they won't let him hold a rifle if he is Y5 (unfit for active duty) but he can push a broom and peel some spuds if he likes

[Chara]

if he's Y5 isn't that a discharge.