Posted on May 24, 2018
SFC Cadet Health Ncoic
46.2K
18
16
0
0
0
So the guy has been stuck on special pops PT even though he has RA for the past year. He's unable to exercise normally, and will routinely have limbs swell up 25-30% larger than their normal size. I've put in the request to get him off of the program, since he's obviously going through a medboard, but am told that he's supposed to remain on the program by reg.
I don't really understand why though.
Posted in these groups: Ems MedicalP542 APFTF6f0e119 ABCP
Avatar feed
Responses: 12
Votes
  • Newest
  • Oldest
  • Votes
CPT Board Member
4
4
0
The reg is there to cover the broad population. Utilize your chain of command as the commander will have some discretion.
(4)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
CSM Darieus ZaGara
3
3
0
If your units special population PT is properly developed it includes a medical evaluation by the PA or Doc. In that regard your Sokdier should be performing events beneficial to his or her health. If that is not what happened, then as a supervisor take them in sick call, and get an assessment. Ensure not to step on the units toes. You should a supportive approach I meeting the needs of the Soldier under the policy of the unit. I am sure you would agree that is far better to do what you can within your power ensuring the Sokdiers health is maintained while on duty. Thank you for your service.
(3)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
SFC Retention Operations Nco
1
1
0
I would ask by what regulation, chapter and paragraph. There is no Army program for special populations PT. There is no requirement for a commander to conduct special population PT IAW AR 600-9. It's not even a real thing.
Additional PT is a commander policy and should be addressed by the commander
(1)
Comment
(0)
CSM Richard StCyr
CSM Richard StCyr
>1 y
You are incorrect and here my friend is the regulation chapter and verse. "I would ask by what regulation, chapter and paragraph. There is no Army program for special populations PT. There is no requirement for a commander to conduct special population PT IAW AR 600-9. It's not even a real thing".
Actually it is a real thing and is covered in AR350-1 and chapter 6 of training circular 3-22.20 special conditioning programs. They provide for the physical conditioning of Soldiers who are sick, injured, APFT failures and over the weight control standards.
Hope this is helpful.
(3)
Reply
(0)
SFC Retention Operations Nco
SFC (Join to see)
>1 y
Well, I'll be damned... Thank you for the correction
(2)
Reply
(0)
Avatar small
Avatar feed
Army SCP Question: Soldier failed APFT and HT/WT, but failed due to an autoimmune disorder. How do I get him off of the SCP?
CSM Richard StCyr
1
1
0
Special population PT isn't just for those who fail. The program should take into account Soldiers profiles and limitations.
(1)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
LTC Stephan Porter
0
0
0
It is usually policy (Div/Bde/Bn/Co). If he had an auto-immune disorder, then that cover Ht/Wt, but he can still work on physical fitness; hence the remedial training (spec pops).
(0)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
1px xxx
Suspended Profile
Only his healthcare provider can provide that guidance, and it will come in the form of a MFR if applicable for that Soldier. See AR 600-9 for more info.
PFC Elijah Rose
0
0
0
There is no 'right thing' to do in this situation. Either stay in regs and make his life miserable or be a good friend and through the rule book out the window. If it were solely up to me I'd just find a job or MOS in which he can stay in the service but his condition won't be a problem, but that sort of policy change won't happen any time soon.
(0)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
CPL Michael Slack
0
0
0
Talk to ombudsman. Every post has at least one and they are normally at the post hospital. I was med boarded and I had to go to them for help when my CoC tried to flag me when I already had my initial ratings. They while find more info on the subject and print it out for you so you have something to take back to the command. A lot more NCOs need to know about this resource.
(0)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
LTC John Wilson
0
0
0
Medical Board...
(0)
Comment
(0)
SFC Cadet Health Ncoic
SFC (Join to see)
>1 y
Yes, but are they still supposed to be on the ABCP while being med-boarded?
(0)
Reply
(0)
LTC John Wilson
LTC John Wilson
>1 y
Seek a Medical Profile pending the oucome of a med board. At this point it appears the Army is doing more physical damage that the VA is going to have to pay through the nose for.

Furthermore, nearly every regulation stipulates "commander's discretion" which allows some exceptions to published regulation and policy where they are unpractical.
(0)
Reply
(0)
Avatar small
Capt Daniel Goodman
0
0
0
Also, another thought...could it possibly be psoriatic arthritis as opposed to rheumatoid? It’d depend on any dermatological flare ups, obv he should have a full set of rheumatology panels drawn as well, just thought to mention that....
(0)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
Capt Daniel Goodman
0
0
0
I’m just curious, to have RA at what I’m assuming is a young age is clearly atypical to me, obv genetic, seemingly, clearly not his fault... how frequent are the episodes? Also, did you have him referred to rheumatology, as well as any clinic or hospital command physician for case review, with a CO endorsement to justify such a special review? I’m total perm disabled, I was doctoral level allied health we shut my license off yrs ago, so there’s obv a limit to what I can suggest of course, however that is an interesting problem...make sure to suggest rheumatology, maybe at a VA if there isn’t it at whatever clinic or Hosp is by you, I’d be most eager to here more, hope that is of use...and I’m assuming he’s been imaged however it’d be picked as well, maybe meds if warranted...odd as I’d said having RA that young, certainly...,
(0)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
SGT Retired
0
0
0
SFC (Join to see) i think AR 40-501, Standards of Medical Fitness, might have some relevant information. Also, if the soldier is in the MEB process, talk to the PEBLO. That person can usually talk to the commander and help in situations like this.
(0)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small

Join nearly 2 million former and current members of the US military, just like you.

How are you connected to the military?
  • Active Duty
  • Active Reserve / National Guard
  • Pre-Commission
  • Veteran / Retired
  • Civilian Supporter