Unique and Exciting Jobs: Serving in the British Army

26 May, 2026

In this new series, we explore the unique, exciting, and unusual jobs many ostomates hold, proving that life with a stoma need not be a barrier to a fascinating career. We start with a member of the British Army currently serving overseas.

Life with a Stoma in the Armed Forces

I had my stoma formed in 2014 after surgery for cancer. Medically, I have been fortunate so far, as most of my bowel is relatively undamaged, and I have fewer concerns and risks of complications than others I have met in various support groups or read about in Tidings.

While the Army was great in supporting me during treatment and in the recovery period afterwards, I had many months when I thought I would be discharged as no longer medically suitable to serve. I also thought I would choose to leave, as I could not really imagine staying in the Army with a stoma.

That was a real concern as I had effectively joined up from school, was otherwise fit and active, and could not imagine doing anything different.

With hindsight, I have really benefited from being in the military. It is a large employer with lots of medical expertise and a well developed Occupational Health team. The system was fairly well set up to work out what is and is not possible for someone in my position, and what is best for both me and the Army.

Those in command are used to managing people in periods of recovery or long term sickness, and you are assigned into roles within the limits of your medical grading. Most people I work with know absolutely nothing about my stoma unless I say something.

I will not pretend that it has always been straightforward or always positive, but mostly good. The worst was when concern about my colostomy caused the last minute cancellation of my assignment to a new location when my house and family were already packed up and ready to move.

Looking back, this actually meant I was then available for a different job, which turned into a good opportunity and created a new sequence of jobs and moves around the UK and overseas that has been great for me and the family.

There has been quite a change in the world since I first joined up, from the overseas campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan to today, with more of a focus back on Europe and the threat from Russia.

Naturally, my role has changed since my operation, but I was getting older and more senior and so would have been doing more office work anyway.

Tough Training for an Ostomate

I have been doing this for over 25 years now, the last eleven with my colostomy. My role in the Army remains fairly varied, even if in later postings I have become more of an office worker in headquarters.

Even so, we are all required to remain fit and active and complete mandatory training activities every year. I was also an instructor in outdoor skills from before my surgery and that has continued and brought me great happiness.

There is something about being out in the wilds of Scotland or Scandinavia, relying on a map and compass, and being able to pass on real experiences to those just starting out.

Navigating Stoma Supplies and Support While Serving Overseas

As an ostomate moving around the UK and then living at bases overseas, most of the challenges are administrative rather than medical.

While my GP is on the base or in a garrison town, the military pharmacy may not have any experience in getting stoma supplies. This has created the sorts of dramas that are sadly too common, including missing items and strange substitutions.

I have also had the reverse experience. For example, once when I was moving on to a new location, colleagues had taken the initiative to get me a healthy emergency stock of supplies, which they insisted I take to make the transition period easier.

Now stationed overseas, I use a local supply company. While many brands are multinational and Google Translate helps on websites, I have discovered that, just as in the UK, some areas permit certain items and yet seemingly without reason, not others.

Currently, I am in a country where support belts will only be provided once you actually have a hernia.

In the UK, I always tried to get a referral to be on the books of the local stoma nurse team, which my military GP could arrange. Even if I never went in and saw them, I wanted the reassurance of another phone number and the ability to call an expert if things went strange or really wrong.

I also had some great help and learned a lot in the early days from local support groups. Though it was hard to fit in with work, it was always worth it.

On Expedition

I know it is not suitable for everyone, but irrigating gives me a huge amount of freedom and enables 90% of what I could do before my operation with little change.

When heading off into the mountains to teach young soldiers map reading and other skills, I can often go 48 hours without any concerns, and it makes wearing a rucksack and other equipment on my waist much more comfortable.

Like most ostomates, I do not like having all my eggs in one basket, so a colleague will usually also carry some spare supplies for me.

It is at these moments, departing on isolated training exercises with a new group, that I usually just come out and explain.

I used to wonder what people thought, especially those in their late teens or early twenties. But I have often heard back something like, “My nan had one,” and you realise how many families have been touched by stomas, and how supportive most people are.

Name and photo withheld due to security requirements relating to the publication of personal details of those serving in HM Forces.

Opinions expressed are personal and are not to be taken to represent the views of the Ministry of Defence or the British Army.

Support From Colostomy UK

We offer a wide range of support for people living with a colostomy, including our free Stoma Helpline, live chat support, and opportunities to connect with others through local and online groups. We also provide trusted information and resources to offer practical advice, reassurance, and the confidence to live well with a stoma: colostomyuk.org/support