Can your Command volunteer a Service Member to have a minor medical test done?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 25 Mar 2021 08:07:31 -0400

There is no medical reasoning behind the procedure, other than for training for medical personnel in a forward deployed location. The SM doesn't have a medical reason to have the test done.

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Mar 25 at 2021 8:11 AM

Lt Col Charlie Brown — Thu, 25 Mar 2021 08:11:31 -0400

That's a new one on me. I would say no. And get ready to contact the IG

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 25 at 2021 9:33 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 25 Mar 2021 09:33:21 -0400

How invasive is the test?
There is never a medical reason for a Soldier to to be treated with a pressure bandage, tourniquet or infused with 500-1000ml of saline during first aid and CLS training, but that still happens in training every week of the year.

i.e. you need to provide more information for a better answer.

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Mar 25 at 2021 9:58 AM

SFC Casey O'Mally — Thu, 25 Mar 2021 09:58:04 -0400

There is a difference between training and testing. Which is it?

Training is (generally) A-OK. Testing, not so much.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Mar 25 at 2021 10:44 AM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Thu, 25 Mar 2021 10:44:56 -0400

No, rallypoint is not going to get you out of having to go to CLS training.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Mar 25 at 2021 10:53 AM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Thu, 25 Mar 2021 10:53:07 -0400

Do you mean something like a COVID 19 test? Something more invasive?
If you need to be tested for a pathogen, such as COVID 19, or drug use, then I can see an order to that effect being legal.
Possibly you're being "voluntold".

Response by SSG Bill McCoy made Mar 25 at 2021 9:34 PM

SSG Bill McCoy — Thu, 25 Mar 2021 21:34:23 -0400

IT depends on the test. Is it for the service member's benefit - as in a concern for their health? Issues like chronic tiredness, inexplicable or sudden weight gain or loss, complexion (paleness could equal anemia) or other concerns.
Is it for a drug test? There has to be a legitimate reason for that, AND command involvement not just a supervisor's mere suspicion unless it's founded on things like unusual accidents, or inability to perform normal job junctions.
Training for medical personnel? Do you mean training for medical personnel to PRACTICE techniques like starting IV's or drawing blood? That would probably be something that's entirely VOLUNTARY and more, under competent MEDICAL SUPERVISION of the medical personnel. If it's NON-invasive ... like taking blood pressure, or eye tests, or applying splints, or a backboard, etc, then yes, a service member can be told to submit to that if it's to help train medical personnel.