Hello lnl232699,
The fact that you suffer from the fear of needles (Enetophobia) and vaccinations (vaccinophobia) should not really deter you from joining anything, except perhaps the medical profession.
Virtually everyone has a phobia of one sort or another.
This phobia is very common and I am sure there are ways you can overcome it.
Having served in the forces myself, I came across a few soldiers who had the same problem.
At various stages of your life you will need to have contact with a needle. Whether it be for blood tests or vaccinations. The same will apply either in the services or not.
It is no slight on your courage because you have this phobia but I would advise you to try to overcome the problem.
There are many websites which deal with this problem and a simple search should bring them up. One site is:
How can I help my son overcome his fear of needles?
I developed a pathological fear of bees, wasps & hornets and every time I was close to one I went absolutely bananas. I could not help it.
In the end I decided that I was going to overcome my fear and I made a conscious effort to slowly learn to love these little critters. I studied them and learnt about their lifestyles and began getting closer and closer to them until after a couple of years I feared them no more. In fact I learnt to love everything about them. Even if one lands on me, I no longer panic.
I believe a lot of psychologists use this type of method. I simply did it myself.
Basically, I believe the best way for you to overcome your phobia is to psychologically convince yourself that these objects hold no danger and are there to help you.
When the necessity arises when you do need a vaccination or blood test, simply don't look, turn your head away and try to think of something pleasant.
These attempts may not be successful but I hope you agree it is worth a try.
I am wondering if you are affected when you get pricked when doing other things. For example, a piece of broken glass pricks your finger when picking it up, when you are picking berries or handling rose stems.
It may not be successful but I hope you agree it is worth a try.
Success has also been achieved through hypnotherapy, but is not 100% guaranteed.
Good luck and if you do enrol into the services I hope you have a very happy and successful career.
Cy
(Poseidon)