National Guard

[autumn_rose]

This is a strange question, and I wasn't really sure which forum to ask in, so I hope this is an acceptable location.

Anyway, prior to coming down with Crohn's, I had been interested in joining the National Guard. Now I'm on Imuran daily, but I'm in remission and doing well. Does anyone know if having CD will prevent me from joining now? I am in the process of doing all of their preliminary testing and such (and I looked through their website, but found nothing, or over-looked it), but I thought someone else might have some useful information already that they wouldn't mind sharing Thanks a lot!

 

[Dustin]

I have no idea. As long as you are in remission, there shouldn't really be a problem (I would think). Wish you the best in luck!

 

[Crohn's 35]

Hi Rose, I commend you for coming here and braving the National guard! If you are doing well I would try to go for it! If you are looking for a guarantee, sorry this disease is very undpredictable. No one knows when or where. Stress can bring it on. I wish you all the success to follow! Let us know what you decide.

 

[CrohnsHobo]

I was in remission in years and the US Navy wouldn't take me. Crohn's was listed as an automatic disqualify.

They tired hard to get around it, being as I was wanting to enlist with a college degree. Despite approval of a base Dr. and my Dr. they just couldn't take me.

 

[ThanksP]

I know someone who was medically disharged because of UC. You'd be best to talk with a recruiter, but I'm pretty sure it'll disqualify you.

 

[Pirate]

Rose, I commend you for your desire to serve our Country. If you are not able to enlist because of CD it will not be the end of the world.
I have had CD for 24 yrs and I wanted to be able to Honor our Servicemen and women and I found just the group. I joined the Patriot Guard Riders and it has been a wonderful experiance. We not only attend funerals of those KIA, we also are there for welcome homes and send offs. We also go to the VA Hospitals to visit our wounded Vets. We raise money to help the families of needy Vets.

Good luck.

 

[ThanksP]

That is an AWESOME idea!!! The Patriot Guard does incredible things for those who have served this country, and for the families left behind as well. That's a great suggestion, Pirate!

 

[rasone77]

Nope, I was all set to join the Marines when I got sick and diagnosed with Chrons. Auto disqualify. In hindsight that's kind of the only good thing that came out of me getting Chrons seeing as how 9/11 happened a year later. Narrowly avoided wartime. Oh well. Good luck.

 

[gasman99]

I am active duty USMC right now and have been for almost 11 years. I can tell you that, for us, it's an automatic disqualifier. I may actually be medically discharged due to Crohn's but that is up in the air right now. Seems they need to be able to control the flares prior to letting me go. I applaud you for wanting to serve and as many people here have stated, there are other ways to show your support. Volunteering with a local veterans group is always a good way to start. Believe me, we appreciate it more than people can imagine.

 

[Swirl]

I'll say try to contact a Nurse in the NG. hopefully you'll continue moving forward there but also have a backup plan or something.

 

[Pirate]

I am active duty USMC right now and have been for almost 11 years. I can tell you that, for us, it's an automatic disqualifier. I may actually be medically discharged due to Crohn's but that is up in the air right now. Seems they need to be able to control the flares prior to letting me go. I applaud you for wanting to serve and as many people here have stated, there are other ways to show your support. Volunteering with a local veterans group is always a good way to start. Believe me, we appreciate it more than people can imagine.

Gasman, just have to tell you, Thank-you, Sir, for your service and your dedication to your Country. It is my Honor to Welcome Home the men and women of our Military. I Stand with Honor and Respect for those who have made the Ultimate Sacrifice for our Great Country. God Bless you and keep you and all our Soldiers safe.

 

[JMitch]

I would say your chances are slim to none. I was discharged 8 months ago, even though I have no definitive diagnosis. Most of the military is 'force shaping', or in reduction mode to save money and once they find out someone has a medical issue, you're gone so I doubt you'll be enlisted. Sorry.

 

[Kegsworth]

It's an auto-disqualifier last I checked. I'm currently going through the medical retirement program for it. I commend you for wanting to join the ranks, but crohn's and UC are unpredictable and the Army needs healthy people to fill sandbags!

Talk to a recruiter anyway, he may have a loophole for you or some helpful advice. Good luck!

 

[GI Joe]

Autumn Rose,

I commend you for wanting to serve.

Unfortunately, according to the Army Regulation 40-501 Standards of Medical Fitness "(1) Current or history of inflammatory bowel disease, including, but not limited to unspecified (558.9), regional enteritis or Crohn’s disease (555), ulcerative colitis (556), or ulcerative proctitis (556), is disqualifying." (pg 8, 2008).

For the last 15 months I have been working at Walter Reed Army Hospital and have seen a few Soldiers being treated and discharged for UC and Crohns.

I have been lucky in that it took them (Army Doctors) so long to diagnosis me that my GI doc did not refer me for discharge. In June I will have been in 18 years and was only diagnosed 2 years ago after after having symptoms for a least 10 years prior.