Since the age of six all Jamie Barkshire has wanted to do is join the army. However, the 22-year-old has seen his dreams shattered after being turned down by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) for what he believes is an unfair reason. Mr Barkshire, who lives off Colman Road, Norwich, suffers from Asperger’s syndrome, a condition in which sufferers struggle with social communication, social interaction and social imagination. But Mr Barkshire is adamant his condition does not deter him from having a normal life and that he should be able to join the army. However, he was heartbroken to receive a letter in the post from the MoD saying his army application had been unsuccessful.
He said: “I have wanted to join the army all my life and I think it’s unfair and discriminatory that they won’t let me. I have been battling the army for five years to join.
I drive a motorbike and have a passport, and if I was not fit mentally, how could I have those? I want to know why they don’t think I’m mentally stable enough to join the army.” Continue article
Source: Norwich Evening News
Thanks to Valerie Morrow