Remain in the Army

U.S. Army Wounded Warrior Program (AW2) Soldiers or Soldiers assigned to a Warrior Transition Unit (WTU) who have decided to remain in the Army have the opportunity to enhance existing and/or develop new skills through training, education, and/or internship opportunities. At the WTU, Soldiers may meet with their occupational therapist, transition coordinator, and career counselor to establish their personal career goals and identify the best opportunities to meet their goals.

Remain in the Army Career Track Options

Within the Remain in the Army career track, there are three options:

Return to Duty: Soldiers on the “return to duty” track will focus on refresher training for current Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) skills and additional Army training for Soldier skills, warrior skills and physical fitness. Some Soldiers planning to return to duty can also complete an internship on the installation or with another federal agency.

Return to Duty with a New MOS: Some Soldiers may change to a new MOS that better accommodates their physical abilities after injury. In this case, Soldiers should proactively train for the new MOS while assigned to a WTU. This time also provides an opportunity to enhance their education, strengthen their Soldier skills, and/or complete training toward career advancement. Internships and certifications may also be particularly beneficial to Soldiers on this track.

COAD/COAR:  The proponent for Continuation on Active Duty (COAD)/ Continuation on Active Reserve (COAR) is the U.S. Army, Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel. Soldiers found unfit for duty by a Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) may be eligible to apply for COAD/COAR regardless of the extent of their injuries.
Any Soldier interested in applying for COAD/COAR should notify their Triad of Care and Physical Evaluation Board Liaison Officer (PEBLO). The following Army regulations govern the COAD/COAR process:

• AR 635-40, Physical Evaluation for Retention, Retirement, or Separation
• AR 614-200, Enlisted Assignments and Utilization Management

Return to top of page

Internships

Many Soldiers benefit by gaining professional experience through internships, which provide an opportunity for the Soldier to develop practical, hands-on experience, particularly in a new MOS. Soldiers interested in these options should talk to their squad leader, occupational therapist and transition coordinator for more information.  For additional information on internships, visit our Internships page.

Return to top of page

Education

Many Soldiers pursue higher education to enhance their careers while receiving medical treatment at a WTU. Federal programs provide a wide variety of financial resources to make higher education attainable. The resources most commonly used by Soldiers include:

• Army Continuing Education System (ACES) Education Center: Each installation has an Army Education Center with an Education Counselor who can discuss Army education resources with Soldiers. Additional ACES resources include:

• Tuition Assistance: Through GoArmyEd.com , Soldiers can learn about Army tuition assistance policies for classroom learning, distance learning and eArmyU online college courses.
• Army Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (COOL): Through COOL , Soldiers can find civilian licenses and certifications that relate to their MOS, pursue those credentials and research programs to pay for the credentialing fees. COOL also helps Soldiers learn how to fill gaps between their Army training and experience and civilian credentials.
• Functional Academic Skills Training (FAST): The FAST umbrella covers several programs that support career and personal goals by helping Soldiers improve job proficiency and preparedness for advanced military and civilian schooling. Programs covering basic academic subjects include:
• Basic Skills Education Program (BSEP) – For Soldiers who want to improve General Technical (GT) and Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) scores.
• GT Improvement – For Soldiers who want to improve their GT scores of less than 110.
• General Education Development (GED) Test Preparation – For Soldiers who enlisted without a high school diploma or GED.
• Reading Skill Development – For Soldiers planning to attend advanced military schooling who want to improve their reading skills.
• Preparation for College – For Soldiers who need help preparing for college placement tests or college courses.
• Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES ): DANTES is a Department of Defense (DOD) program supporting the off-duty voluntary education programs of Service members and Veterans.

• Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP): REAP is a DOD education benefit program that provides up to 36 months of educational assistance to members of the Reserve components who are ordered to active duty in response to a war or national emergency (contingency operation). This program makes certain reservists who were activated for at least 90 days after Sept. 11, 2001 are either eligible for education benefits or eligible for increased benefits.
• VA Education Resources: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers financial benefits to active duty personnel and Veterans to fund higher education. There are many rules and regulations governing these programs, and more information can be found online.
• VA Montgomery G.I. Bill : The Montgomery G.I. Bill provides financial benefits to Soldiers and Veterans to help with education and training costs.
• VA Post-9/11 G.I. Bill : The Post-9/11 G.I. Bill provides financial benefits to Soldiers and Veterans who have active duty service for more than 90 days since Sept. 11, 2001 to fund higher education.

The higher education options most often used by Soldiers include:

• College Classes at a Traditional University or Community College: Can be used in pursuit of an associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate degree, or even to enhance Soldiers’ skill level in a particular subject. Most universities offer courses in classroom or online. Soldiers should talk with their Army Continuing Education System Counselor for enrollment and payment assistance.
• Army Correspondence Courses: Can be taken online through the Army Training Support Center (ATSC) to help Soldiers maintain their MOS skills. Soldiers should talk with their Squad Leader for assistance.
• Vocational or Technical Training: Often used to prepare students for jobs related to a specific trade, occupation or vocation. Soldiers should talk with their ACES Counselor for enrollment and payment assistance.
• Licensure or Certification: Usually administered to professionals with significant experience in the field. These are granted through government agencies or professional associations, and continued learning is often required. Soldiers should talk with their ACES Education Counselor for enrollment and payment assistance.

Return to top of page

Training

For Soldiers preparing to return to duty in a new MOS, training is an important priority during their time in a WTU. These Soldiers should focus on building the skills required for their new role and maintaining and improving Soldier skills, warrior skills, MOS-specific skills and physical fitness.

• MOS-Specific Training: Soldiers returning to duty in their original MOS should be careful to maintain their MOS skills while assigned to a WTU. Squad Leaders and Career Counselors can provide information on accessing MOS-specific training, which is also available online .
• Army Warrior Training (AWT): Using Army Training Knowledge Online (ATKO) , Soldiers may take online training courses specific to their MOS or rank. NOTE: AKO login is required.
• General Technical (GT) Score Improvement: GT Score Improvement Classes are offered to enlisted Soldiers and are designed to develop educational competencies required for job performance, skill qualification and career growth. Classes can also improve scores when retaking the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB), which may be necessary for MOS reclassification. These classes are offered at the Education Center on most installations.
• Physical Training (PT): Physical goals are incorporated into each Soldier's Comprehensive Transition Plan (CTP). Soldiers should work with their Squad Leader and Physical Therapist to outline an appropriate PT plan that coordinates with their physical profile and will allow them to maintain Army Physical Fitness Standards.
• Local Unit Participation: Many Soldiers engage in training activities with the units on the local installation to maintain or build skills for their current or new MOS. Soldiers should see their Transition Coordinator, Career Counselor, and Squad Leader, who will refer to the Unit Training NCO or specialist.
• Warrior Skills Training: Time in a WTU offers an opportunity for Soldiers to progress in their Warrior Skills Training from the Soldiers' Manual of Command Tasks.

Return to top of page

Frequently Asked Questions

I am on the “Remain in the Army” CTP career track. What Career and Education Readiness (CER) options are available to me?
If I’m going to remain in the Army and return to duty, why am I required to participate in any of these options?
How many hours do I have to contribute to my CER activity?
Do I have to be involved in education/training AND an internship?
Can Reserve Component (COMPO 2/3) Soldiers attend training sessions outside the commuting area?
What education or training is available to me if I don’t want to take college classes??

I am on the “Remain in the Army” CTP career track. What Career and Education Readiness (CER) options are available to me?

In the “Remain in the Army” CTP career track you are still expected to participate in Career and Education Readiness (CER) activities once you are considered eligible by your Commander and Medical Management (M2) team. Career and Education Readiness activities available to you are internships, education and training through the Army Continuing Education System (ACES) Education Center, Army Warrior Training (AWT), MOS training, GT score improvement, PT and warrior skills training. You may also work on your installation in an Army work assignment that is aligned with your MOS and pay grade. This is considered a Remain in the Army work assignment (RIAWA).

If I’m going to remain in the Army and return to duty, why am I required to participate in any of these options?

There are many reasons. (1) Army tasks are perishable skills, which is why Soldiers repetitively train on these skills. To remain proficient and competitive for promotion in your MOS, you must continue to train on MOS related tasks as long as you are medically capable, even while you are rehabilitating. (2) This is an opportunity to engage in activities to augment your transition, provide a meaningful work day, and explore career options. (3) Being engaged in a productive, worthwhile non-medical activity is inherently therapeutic and benefits your rehabilitation.

How many hours do I have to contribute to my CER activity?

There are no defined hours dedicated to CER activities. The hours contributed should be based upon your clinical needs and your long-term CTP career goal(s). The goal is 40 hours per week of productive activity contributing to your successful transition.

Do I have to be involved in education/training AND an internship?

No. Your CER activity should align with your CTP career goal(s) and accommodate your clinical appointments. As you work through rehabilitation and you have fewer appointments you may want to consider adding an additional CER activity to ensure a productive work day and contribute to your successful transition.

Can Reserve Component (COMPO 2/3) Soldiers attend training sessions outside the commuting area?

No. If a Reserve Component (COMPO 2/3) Soldier is offered training that requires Temporary Duty (TDY) status, they may not attend due to the status of their orders. COMPO 2/3 Soldiers in a WTU are placed on medical orders and are not allowed any additional orders while they are on medical orders. See your S-1 for additional information. Compo 1 Soldiers are authorized to attend TDY training at the discretion of the Commander.

What education or training is available to me if I don’t want to take college classes?

The Department of Labor (DOL) America’s Job Centers (AJCs) offer vocational training based on the industry in the area. Your unit Transition Coordinator (TC) or Army Continuing Education System (ACES) Education Center may also have details about local career training and certification classes that are available on or near your installation.

Return to top of page