You have my utmost respect for your dedication to our country.

I'm curious what answers you'll get from more experienced members on this forum. I think you will be required to disclose your condition prior to enlisting.

I talked to a recruiter and explained everything I have had done. They said there's A LOT they have to do but depending what the MEPS Doctor says it'll be possible to enlist.

about 80% I'll be denied for medical reasons but if that happens I can request a medical waiver. But that has a high chance of being denied as well since it has to be approved by many people up the chain of command.

I'm going to try my best to get enlisted. I want this to happen.


Again if anyone else has information that can help please let me know! Thanks!

Good luck!

Good luck and thank you for wanting to enlist.

I'm I dont know of anyone doing this personally. But mad props!!! I also tried to join the military young and was majorly declined because of my long term medical conditions. Then I just figured out a career I might be able to make it work with. Awesome job not giving up on what you want!

Thank you everyone for the support! I just wanted to give you all a small update.

They have told me I'll be restricted to what jobs I can and can't do. (not looking to do seals so I'll be fine )

But in the mean time I'll be headed to the MEPS station in a few weeks for the ASVAB scores and see what I can enlist into, and then I'll go to an advance medical screening (hope nothing major shows up but if it does then I'll deal with it when I get there.) After that I'll swear in and go from there.


I'll let everyone know what the results are, and I'll keep you all posted on updates!

I don't want to discourage you but encourage you to keep trying. However, I was turned down by the Navy 25 years ago after being in the delayed enlistment program for almost a year, having been sworn in and ready for boot camp. That was for ulcerative colitis though, which I would argue had more potential for getting worse than having the j-pouch because supposedly you're "cured" now. If you get turned down, ask your congressman and senator to help you out. My senator sent a letter asking for another review (didn't work of course). I'm sure there is also some appeal process within the medical bureau, but I wasn't aware of that option when I tried. Be ready to fight if you don't get accepted--sounds like you are a fighter! I pray that things will go smoothly for you, and I commend you for wanting to join and serve despite your medical issues.

I spent 27 years in the Canadian Military but 6 months after my takedown I was given a general discharge. Reason given is with out the colon I no longer meet the minimum medical standard.
Good luck to you.

Don't know of anyone getting in with this. I knew a woman who was turned down for having one bout of endometriosis 5 years prior though. Seems like they are pretty strict about medical issues. Best of luck to you though!

My brother in law was turned down by the Marines for occult blood in his urine. That's it. His U/A had hidden blood in the urine, so they refused him. He tried three times and all a no.

All I can say is that he would have been a GREAT Marine, and boy did they miss out on him. Their loss.

Kilocuna,
Curious what the result of your hard work was? I am seeking commission in the Navy after medical school.

Best!
Sean

I was turned down for UC. But best of luck to you. I have a serious problem with the military advantage outweighing the disabled advantage for government hiring when the disabled are not eligible for the military but that's for another time.

So I was in the Navy, but it was before I had problems with UC. My son has had his colon removed and had talked about wanting to go into the military. I told him I did not know what the rule was, but either way there are lots of ways to support the military and not be in. The DOD has a huge number of civilian works that are needed to complete the missions.

You might want to try Nukeworker forum. Loads of good info there.