Posted on Mar 27, 2017
If a Soldier is attending physical therapy appointments (on profile), can the unit force Soldier to reschedule due to mission (non-combat)?
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Shoulder injury, with MRI which revealed some type of muscle tear. Mission is music performance, such as COC/COR ceremonies.
Profiles
Medical
1SG
Company Commander
CSM
Posted 9 y ago
Responses: 8
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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.
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.
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1SG Jay Vanderford
Spot on advice, I have actually been through a lot with Soldiers trying to escape deployments and spent much time with the medical IG to get things straight, they were of great assistance. But yes, never override a medical decision, it can only go downhill from there, best to call that medical officer, or like me, the medical IG to ascertain the nature exactly what he/she can or cannot do, and professional input about rescheduling the appointment from the PT.
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SGT Randall Stanaway
Hey, thanks for the quick response! Thats what I expected, but the units I have been in were generally accommodating for medical appointments, so I wasn't completely sure.
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SGM Erik Marquez
SGT Randall Stanaway - Your welcome
Again, its can, should, will.
They can
They should IF the SM is mission critical, can reasonably reschedule and there is no danger to him physically
They will if they don't think it though, or the above "should" has been considered and is felt applies.
If this is for a "All hands" formation to stand on the parade ground then NO.
If this is the only Sm that can play the tuba, operate the radio, is the Voice of the ceremony, the one that has practiced, rehearsed the ceremony event and there is no replacement....then yes, tell them to report, and do what is needed to help them reschedule. If they have been waiting 6 months to get the appointment and the DIV surgeon cant get a fast reschedule, then .... then support the SM.. Any unit who is literally dependent on a single SM is not meeting the intent of the Army's mission.
Again, its can, should, will.
They can
They should IF the SM is mission critical, can reasonably reschedule and there is no danger to him physically
They will if they don't think it though, or the above "should" has been considered and is felt applies.
If this is for a "All hands" formation to stand on the parade ground then NO.
If this is the only Sm that can play the tuba, operate the radio, is the Voice of the ceremony, the one that has practiced, rehearsed the ceremony event and there is no replacement....then yes, tell them to report, and do what is needed to help them reschedule. If they have been waiting 6 months to get the appointment and the DIV surgeon cant get a fast reschedule, then .... then support the SM.. Any unit who is literally dependent on a single SM is not meeting the intent of the Army's mission.
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SGT Randall Stanaway
Thanks for the more in-depth response, and I will agree that this is a logical approach to the situation. As for your last sentence....I've been surprised at how dependent some units are on single individuals, including Soldiers who are only E4-E6. Thanks again for the help!
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SFC (Join to see)
Yea... screw your medical issues as long as the mission gets accomplished.
It's comments like that that make soldiers not trust ncos and want out of the army
It's comments like that that make soldiers not trust ncos and want out of the army
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SGT Randall Stanaway
I know many people that it has happened to, as well, but I just wasn't sure if there was a legitimate basis for it or not. Thanks for the input!
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So many hypothetical situations addressed, all with good responses. But let's hope common sense preveiled.
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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.
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.
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SPC (Join to see)
1SG, you made a great point. Being a SPC, an having seen the way some command treat the lower enlist sometimes. Makes some look past the fact of being apart of the largest family around. Having a personal connection, and look into there soldiers life's matter. Especially if you are a reservist/national guard. Getting to know your soldiers and there health, make you not only closer. But build the trust when you go in battle. Making for a stronger team an family.
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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.
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.
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