Inflammatory Bowel Disease and service in the naval special operation

Background: Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is commonly diagnosed between ages 21-26, which overlaps with the average age of military personnel in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Therefore, military personnel often receive their initial diagnosis of IBD during their service. Today, when an IDF soldier is diagnosed with IBD, they are removed from active service. This study follows four Navy Special Operation Forces (SOF) personnel diagnosed with IBD during their service. Despite guidelines, all of the Navy SOF personnel diagnosed with IBD completed their full service and their peers without any medical incidents.Methods: A prospective observational study including all Navy SOF personnel diagnosed with IBD.Results: Subjects were four male Navy SOF soldiers with a mean age of 21 years. Three patients had Crohn’s disease (CD), and one had ulcerative colitis (UC). The mean follow-up was 612 days (329-819). Two patients were treated with mesalamine; all were treated with dietary modifications. The average grounding period in which the soldiers were suspended from combat activity was 90 days. All continuedactive service under close monitoring or as needed, and no failure of assigned missions was documented.Conclusions: In our study, all Navy SOF personnel diagnosed with IBD could continue active high-intensity military missions. No events of sudden incapacitation or severe disabling flareups were detected. Our study recommends modified restrictions during active flare-ups, consistent follow-ups and active service for soldiers with IBD in remission.