Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/Coast Guard OCS Question

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Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 7/24/2009


Question
Dear Mark,

I am thinking about applying to the Coast Guard OCS as a civilian college graduate.  However, I am concerned that I will be disqualified because I have ulcerative colitis, which is a form of inflammatory bowel disease.  It has been 4 years since I have experienced any problems regarding my medical condition.  Is there any likelihood that I will be able to receive a medical waiver?

Much thanks,
Benjamin

Answer
Benjamin,
I'm sorry to hear you have that.  I've heard it's very unpleasant to have.

A direct quote from the military medical regulations used for recruiting says, "The causes for rejection for appointment, enlistment, and induction are an authenticated history of:
Inflammatory bowel disease - Regional Enteritis, Ulcerative Colitis, and Ulcerative Proctitis."

So evidently you cannot join.  A doctor friend of mine said this is because there is a significantly increased risk of colorectal cancer in patients with ulcerative colitis after 10 years, and the military fears they may be spending a lot of money on you in later years.  There are no waivers allowed for this.

He also said ulcerative colitis can generally be cured by surgical removal of the large intestine, but that creates other unpleasant problems.

Sorry, I know that's not what you wanted to hear.
Thanks for your willingness to serve.
Colonel H  

Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard

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MARK A. HOWELL

Expertise

All military questions, any Service. 30 years experience & two Ph.D.'s. 4 times Base Commander. Worked with Army, Navy, USMC, USCG and several foreign military units. Veteran of Kosovo, Bosnia, Macedonia, Kuwait, Iraq, Afghanistan, and 10 civil wars in Africa.

Experience

Air Force Colonel with 30 years experience. Air Force Base Commander 4 times. Highly decorated.

Organizations
Org of Am Historians, Wild West History Assoc., Disabled American Veterans - Life Member, Am Motorcyclist Assoc. - Life Member, North Am Hunt Club - Life Member, NWTF - Life Member

Publications
Numerous book reviews published in the Journal of American History. Two books submitted for publication.

Education/Credentials
Ph.D. in military history, Columbus University (Summa Cum Laude) Ph.D. in history, Northfield University, London, England (Summa Cum Laude) Master of Arts degree in history, Marshall University, WV Bachelors degree, double-major in history and mathematics, Salem College, WV Air War College, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL Squadron Officer School, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL

Awards and Honors
Legion of Merit Defense MSM MSM x 5 Joint Commendation Mdl AF Commendation Medal Army Commendation Mdl Joint Achievement Mdl AF Achievement Medal Outstanding Volunteer Mdl

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