If a Soldier is attending physical therapy appointments (on profile), can the unit force Soldier to reschedule due to mission (non-combat)?

2017-03-27T12:05:09-04:00

Shoulder injury, with MRI which revealed some type of muscle tear. Mission is music performance, such as COC/COR ceremonies.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Mar 27 at 2017 12:15 PM

2017-03-27T12:15:08-04:00

Yes

Response by SGT Dave Tracy made Mar 27 at 2017 12:22 PM

2017-03-27T12:22:28-04:00

Happened to me.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2017 2:42 PM

2017-03-27T14:42:02-04:00

The unit commander can order a rescheduling of physical therapy due to mission requirements, but in so doing assumes responsibility for any aggravation that occurs. I generally counsel against that course of action for that reason - the Soldier's long-term health and welfare is of greater import in most garrison situations.
I would ask two questions in this particular case:
1. Does the profile preclude the SM from performing with the unit? If it does, it is pointless to have him reschedule.
2. Is the Soldier so indispensable that their non-attendance would jeopardize the mission? I don't know the ins and outs of Army Band operations, but I should think not.

Bonus question that does not seem to apply here: is there reason to believe the Soldier is malingering? Better have some real evidence to back that up, because commanders get relieved for aggravating real injuries in the face of a medical officer's opinion.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Mar 27 at 2017 3:22 PM

2017-03-27T15:22:50-04:00

Mission always comes first.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Mar 28 at 2017 12:15 AM

2017-03-28T00:15:51-04:00

Yes... SGT Randall Stanaway

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 31 at 2017 7:32 PM

2017-03-31T19:32:12-04:00

I would say that if the Soldier's profile does not prevent them from performing their duties, then I would inform the Soldier to schedule physical therapy or any other appointments around mission requirements...if the Soldier has not been recommended for surgery, then physical therapy appointments can be scheduled at anytime... if the Soldier is limited to what he or she can do physically, then perhaps it's a good idea to schedule physical therapy during PRT hours- consider it part of their physical training of the day.

If the Soldier has been on profile on multiple occasions for different issues and you have reason to believe they he or she is perhaps malingering, then hopefully you have been keeping track of the profiles...this would be an issue to address with the chain of command...

It's always a good idea to keep copies of your Soldiers' profile along with putting it in writing (counseling)...this way if continuous occurrences of profiles begin to affect the Soldier's work performance, then you have it documented...

Counseling is always key, whether it's positive or negative... this is your way of being an engaged Leader...you're concerned about the Soldier's well-being and you have proof of all occurrences if needed.

Response by 1SG Gerald Schroeder made Apr 19 at 2017 10:37 PM

2017-04-19T22:37:19-04:00

So many hypothetical situations addressed, all with good responses. But let's hope common sense preveiled.

Response by 1SG Harold Piet made Dec 31 at 2021 3:28 PM

2021-12-31T15:28:57-05:00

I would not, but if I could prove malingering, I would recommend UCMJ action or possible elimination.
I have ignored my own profile for the mission but not those for whom I was responsible. The only time would be such as to evacuate an area or to save lives.