The Army is committed to retaining qualified Soldiers and returning them to duty whenever possible. Ideally, Soldiers will be able to continue their military career in their desired Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) after completing rehabilitation in the Warrior Transition Unit (WTU) or Community Care Unit (CCU). The initial clinical assessment, combined with input from the Triad of Care and the Soldier’s preference, may allow the Active Component Soldier to remain on active duty and members of the National Guard and Reserve to continue to serve in their regular capacity. WTU Commanders and medical professionals will provide every opportunity for the Soldier to return to active duty when the Soldier selects this option.
Some Soldiers will choose to remain on active duty, but their illness or injury may affect their ability to continue in their current MOS. These Soldiers may request a Military Assessment Retention Review (MAR2) to determine whether they may be retained in the military in a different MOS. Soldiers interested in this option should notify their Triad of Care and occupational therapist.
Soldiers found unfit for duty by a Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) may be eligible to apply for Continuation on Active Duty (COAD)/ Continuation on Active Reserve (COAR) regardless of the extent of their injuries. Soldiers must be able to work in a military environment without adversely affecting their health or requiring extensive medical care.
Returning to Duty includes:
Who decides if I can return to duty?
What are my options for remaining in the Army after I recover?
How can I take advantage of the internships that are offered through Career and Education Readiness (CER) opportunities?
I serve as a caregiver to a Soldier who sustained an injury while on duty in Afghanistan. I tend to the Soldier’s personal business affairs, take him to and from appointments and help care for him while he is home. I’ve heard about a benefit that the Soldier may be eligible for called Special Compensation for Assistance with Activities of Daily Living (SCAADL). Who should I talk with about SCAADL?
Generally, your Primary Care Manager will determine whether you can return to duty (reference: all profile designators at 1 or 2 in accordance with (IAW) AR 40-501, Chapter 3). A Soldier may also be found fit for duty by a Physical Evaluation Board (PEB). Also, some Soldiers may be accepted for COAD or COAR IAW AR 635-40, Chapter 6.
Some Soldiers are able to return to service in their former unit upon completing recovery in a WTU. There are also some Soldiers that may return to service but in a different position in the Army, or Military Occupational Specialty (MOS). These Soldiers will pursue the appropriate training that is required for their new MOS as they recover in the WTU. Visit the Career and Education page for remaining in the Army.
Your WTU will put you in touch with the WTU Transition Coordinator or Squad Leader (SL)/Platoon Sergeant (PSG) to provide you with information on internships as appropriate. These contacts are responsible for referring and coordinating Soldiers that are determined to be eligible to participate in career readiness activities. The Transition Coordinator coordinates tracks and reports federal internship opportunities both on and off the installation, including collaboration with the Department of Defense (DOD) Operation Warfighter (OWF). The Regional Coordinator for OWF internships and the VA Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) staff for Coming Home to Work (CHTW) internships. In the case of a CCU, you should contact the PSG that performs transition coordinator functions for his Soldiers for appropriate information.
You should contact a member of the Soldier’s recovery team for assistance. Members of the recovery team include the Primary Care Manager, Nurse Case Manager, Recovery Care Coordinator, Non-Medical Case Manager, Army Wounded Warrior Program Advocate, and unit leadership. Entitlement to SCAADL is not automatic. The point of contact for the recovery team will provide the Soldier with the necessary information needed to apply for SCAADL.
