Posted on Feb 24, 2015
PFC Cannon Crew Member
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Okay so back in October of last year 2014, I was In a pretty serious training incident and have been through 6 surgeries, and I'm still in a wheel chair. I got off of con leave January 19th 2015, when I came in to work I was told that a packet for WTU had been submitted the week prior and that soon I would be going over there. It's now been over a month since then and no one at my unit seems to know where my packet is or why I'm not over there.
is this normal? How long should I expect to wait, and is there anything I can do to speed up the process?
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Responses: 3
SSG Leonard Johnson
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Hey guy,
I just got out of the WTB. Just retired after 24 years in December. I was injured very bad 2012 on a convoy going to for bliss from Fort Carson. I can barely walk right now and have pain, and will have this for the rest of my life. I have eight screws in my neck now no feelings in my hands, and very little balance in my legs.
Yes, for some reason it takes for ever to get into the WTB. It's not the WTB fault it's your chain of command fault. Believe me I know, they tell you that they want you to go there, but you need to make sure they submitted the paperwork right. You need to go to the WTB command, and use other advocates also.
Get this, my chain of command the captain, and the first Sgt. of my unit told me that it was illegal and against regulations for any Army reserve and National Guard to go to the WTB if they sustain injuries while on annual training orders, active-duty orders, or just normal every day training. Which is a complete falsehood and a lie. Why they do this and keep us on their books is beyond me.
Second thing, once you get to the WTB you need to watch over yourself. At Fort Carson for example, the WTB green suits are excellent the cadre are great. I had no problem with the company level squad leaders, platoon sergeant, first starts along with the officer staff there. However, what is hurting the WTB is the doctors (civilian doctors). They don't give (S) about you. Remember this, their job is to prove the government's case and not yours. I left there at 90% VA 70% Army and the VA is getting ready to go up to 100.
Let's just call this one Dr. S. Dr. S said there was nothing wrong with me even though I could walk and need a cane to get everywhere. Of course other doctors prove them wrong and he still there working in the WTB.
In December when I reported to the VA with all my records, found out my lower vertebrae is completely smashed, I have a torn rotator cup and cannot move my arm, both my hands are completely numb I will need knee surgery, lower back surgery, rotator cuff surgery, my left arm will need surgery to repair a nerve.
When you get there, do exactly what you are told to do, but also stick to your guns.
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CPT Aaron Kletzing
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LTC David Haines used to command the entire WTU at Fort Knox. He may be able to give us some insights here. He was an incredible commander and also was a wounded warrior himself, so he has lived both sides.
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CPT Aaron Kletzing
CPT Aaron Kletzing
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That last post was supposed to tag LTC David Haines...not sure what went wrong there. @ltc David haines
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PFC Cannon Crew Member
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Thanks, I'd love to hear his input
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LTC David Haines
LTC David Haines
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Hey hello. Sorry for the delayed response--a lot of things are considered in assigning a Soldier to a WTU and I am not sure how the process may have changed since I left the WTU system. General criteria was--significant injury requiring six months or more of medical care and a requirement for management of care by a nurse case manager. In another way--anticipated duration of treatment and recovery and how complex the case is. Best thing to do is engage your chain of command and your healthcare provider. The decision process involves decisions between your unit commander, the WTU and hospital commander, and approval by the installation senior mission commander. A pretty involved process. If they are still doing it in a similar fashion there is probably a weekly or monthly "board" to determine assignment. A lot of variables, including location, WTU population, extent of your injuries and whether they can be feasibly treated while assigned to your current unit and on... Best as said--engage your chain of command and your health care providers and ask them if they have any information. I can discuss further and will try to help you as I can. Most important thing is to make sure you are getting the medical care you need right now.
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Hey guys I have a question. I know a soldier thats having suicidal ideations. He is at one duty station and he is going to his next. Is it possible for him to get in wTU while improcessing onto his new base seeing that he hasnt been to his new unit as yet. What does he have to do? Any answers would help. Thanks
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