How safe is it for soldiers with medical conditions go to NTC?

SSG Dennis Mendoza — Sat, 21 Aug 2021 12:34:26 -0400

For example; soldier has to have a heart monitor he had a minor stroke, another one needs knee surgery and is on a no gear profile, another one is also no gear profile and doctor beliefs is his spine the pain issue, three other with CPAP machine and need power supply but after getting the power bank for the CPAP won't have access to recharge the power bank, others behavioral health profile been diagnosed with some mental health issue. The unit is not directly saying to the soldiers you need to wear your gear for the zero range but their actions and reasons say otherwise. There's more cases going on in the unit.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Aug 21 at 2021 1:40 PM

CSM Charles Hayden — Sat, 21 Aug 2021 13:40:41 -0400

SSG Dennis Mendoza Dubious about going to NTC vs a active U S Army, gtg, Deployable unit? Sounds strange to have that many Soldiers with medical issues.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 21 at 2021 6:50 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 21 Aug 2021 18:50:47 -0400

The thing people don't understand about NTC and other CTCs is that one of the metrics the commander is graded on is how many Soldiers they deploy with. If memory serves me correctly, the Commander must deploy with about 85% of their authorized force to pass that part of certification. They don't have to be ambulatory, or capable. My last rotation we had over 200 people on White Cell who didn't go into the box because they weren't medically capable. People with broken legs, crutches, people trying to kill themselves, people with brain tumors, people in med boards, people who should be on ETS leave. It's all a Commanders call, but the commander is required to meet that check box. Some people we brought down and put on a plane home several days later.

When a unit deppoys everyone tries to get out. We had to set up a separate person whose sole job was taking red cross messages. We got a message that a Soldiers uncle is sick, had been sick for years and wasn't expected to die soon, please come home. We got messages like that every day. Almost every day someone threatened to kill themselves. We had to drive them hours away to inpatient mental hospitals... Every... Single... Day.

Who goes and stays to NTC is the Commander call, but they have a mark they have to meet. With every single remotely sick person trying to get out, Commanders are stuck making pretty draconian policies. I think it's wrong too, the Soldiers who got dragged along. But with every Soldier taking advantage of any slight advantage they can to get out, it's what Cammander are left with. In the end, if you have a Soldier who really should be left back, your beat option is to take it to the CSM, who really can talk to the CDR to grant an exception

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Aug 21 at 2021 6:59 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Sat, 21 Aug 2021 18:59:15 -0400

Really, and you don't think/can't find something for them to do/handle. TOC Watch, Range NCO, etc. etc..

Response by SSG Bill McCoy made Aug 22 at 2021 2:04 PM

SSG Bill McCoy — Sun, 22 Aug 2021 14:04:47 -0400

It is safe ... AS LONG as their medical profile is able to be adhered to. That means that a soldier whose wellbeing won't be affected will likely have to go. It also means that the ones with "no gear" profiles can be told to TAKE their battle rattle, but shouldn't have to wear it (or carry it). If they are kept there, they shouldn't have to do anything contrary to their profile. Obviously, the CPAP issue soldiers might not have to go unless there is a generator or other power available to them.
It's a numbers game. When I got my PCS orders my last year in, I was on a one year deferrment. When my unit was going on an ARTEP, my OIC asked my Co. Cdr if I could stay back, citing that if it was a real deployment, I wouldn't be allowed/able to go. I stayed back; BUT, had my Co Cdr needed the numbers, I would've had to go.
My son was on multiple injury (combat) profiles and when his unit would go to NTC (or stuff like that), he had to pull BN SDNCO 3 times a week while they were gone. He was infantry and should have been in a "Wounded Warriors" holding unit while awaiting his medical board, and VA stuff; but he and one other had to stay in their Infantry Company. Ultimately, his CO and 1SG were relieved of duty for how those on LEGITIMATE profiles were being treated, and the BN SGM was as well for forcing them to do PT that worsened their medical condiditions. I mention that because Commanders have to try to balance their needs, and their soldiers' needs, so that's the quandry your unit has - sorting the lazy from the legitimate conditions.

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Aug 22 at 2021 8:02 PM

SFC Casey O'Mally — Sun, 22 Aug 2021 20:02:38 -0400

Everything is a case by case basis. Some things are safer than others.

As a guy with sleep apnea, who deployed real-world with a CPAP, I will say the overwhelming majority of those are perfectly safe. Even when I couldn't use my CPAP, I could still sleep. It wasn't as restful or productive, but there was still sleep. And sure, after a few day of this, I was dragging ass. But I learned to find times for cat naps, give up "recreation" time for extra sleep, and knew when to say when regarding hazardous things like driving. Don't get me wrong, sleep apnea is a real thing, and not something to be ignored. But it *can* be managed, even at NTC.

The heart monitor is a little more worrying, but assuming the heart monitor is a MONITOR and not a regulator, that, too, should be manageable in a white cell. White cells generally have power full time and if he has to unplug to go from A to B, he should be OK for a short span here or there. Not sure how useful or effective he will be, but safety should be acceptable.

Really, honestly, most injuries can be accommodated in the white cell. Illnesses, less so. The key is that a physical profile is not suddenly voided by NTC. Follow the profile, and things should be fine. Is it wise? Is it productive? Maybe, maybe not. But is it safe? Mostly.