In 2004, the Army took an historic step in creating the U.S. Army Wounded Warrior Program (AW2), as part of the Warrior Care and Transition Program (WCTP). AW2 provides support to the Army's most severely wounded, ill and injured Soldiers throughout their recovery, whether they are transitioning back to duty or into civilian life. Since its inception, AW2 has supported more than 24,000 Soldiers, Veterans and their Families and Caregivers and has resolved over 45,000 Soldier, Veteran and Family issues and tasks related to employment, finance, human resources and the Department of Veterans Affairs. AW2 has also provided dedicated support to AW2 Soldiers and Veterans on the Army team at all four Warrior Games. Seven AW2 Symposiums have resulted in change to policies, regulations and legislation, including:
Today, AW2 plays a strategic and tactical role in executing the Army’s Warrior Care and Transition Program (WCTP) under the U.S. Army Medical Command (MEDCOM), Deputy Chief of Staff for Warrior Care and Transition (DCS, WCT). Building on their breadth of experience in supporting the most severely wounded, ill and injured, AW2 transition professionals help write policies and guidance affecting all recovering Soldiers, including those at the Warrior Transition Units (WTUs). AW2’s expertise has impacted almost every aspect of the recovering Soldier’s experience, from the Comprehensive Transition Plan (CTP) and career and employment readiness to adaptive reconditioning and community support resources.
Each AW2 Soldier and Veteran is paired with an AW2 Advocate who guides the Soldier throughout the recovery and transition process and educates the Soldier on the benefits and resources available and ensures continuity of care as the Soldier transitions. Together they collaborate to set goals for the Soldier’s, Veteran’s and Family’s future to meet the personal needs and abilities of the individual AW2 Soldier or Veteran.
AW2 Advocates are integrated into the WTU’s interdisciplinary team of medical and non-medical professionals where they help facilitate the Soldiers’ achievement of his/her Comprehensive Transition Plan (CTP) goals. Today, through the combined efforts of the WTUs and AW2, the WCTP provides personalized support to more than 24,000 Soldiers and Veterans throughout the recovery and transition process.
WCT is committed to providing relevant information on topics important to wounded, ill and injured Soldiers, Veterans, Families and the professionals who support them. Our Did You Know? series offers a detailed snap shot at specific elements of the Warrior Care and Transition Program (WCTP).
