Plea To End Cruel Rules After Forces Dismiss 37 In Four Years

Campaigners want an end to the armed forces axe for people with autism and Asperger’s – after 37 troops were kicked out in four years.

- Sean Rayment

All were ordered to leave the military within months of being diagnosed with the condition and were told they were no longer fit to carry out their duties.

One of those who lost his job was an Army captain, who was forced to work night shifts at an Amazon warehouse on a minimum wage to make ends meet.

The Afghan war veteran said he had to “fight back the tears” after being told his Army career was over.

Dave Williams, a former captain in the Adjutant General’s Corps, said: “I knew something wasn’t quite right so I asked for help and was effectively fired. I was devastated.”

He added: “I now know that any time you go to the medical centre about any mental health condition you are putting your career at risk, which is why so many people don’t get properly assessed.

“The people who tried to help me were very good and professional, and I’m grateful, but they were working within a bureaucratic and risk-averse system that mandates back covering over soldier and officer welfare.”