What is the process for getting a medical reassignment to an SRU due to needing surgery?

2023-09-14T04:59:05-04:00

Has anyone had a medical reassignment due to needing surgery and getting into a Soldier recovery unit, formally know as warrior transition unit, I’m currently in Italy and was wondering the process

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 14 at 2023 7:17 AM

2023-09-14T07:17:16-04:00

There is a packet they have to review which will include your medical records with treatment plans and recommendations from your command team, you can find it in your SRUs website. SRUs will review and either accept or deny based off treatment plan but mostly recovery plan.
Problem is SRU TDAs were significantly reduced around 2020 so it has to be a major recovery. I've only gotten I guy in for non combat related issues and they broke both lower legs and were looking at a year plus for recovery. Most surgeries you will stay in your unit for recovery which is why units are supposed to run profile or or use the H2F programs.

Response by COL Randall C. made Sep 14 at 2023 10:30 AM

2023-09-14T10:30:08-04:00

Since the change at the beginning of 2020, the primary criteria (in your situation) for entry into the Army Recovery Care Program (ARCP) has a few main components - length of recovery, duty limitations, and complexity of treatment during recovery* (the last one is usually the determining factor).

Based on your response to 1SG Private RallyPoint Member, the anticipated length of recovery is met (6+ months), but the anticipated limitations during recovery need to preclude you from "training or contributing to unit mission accomplishment". Finally, regarding the complexity of care criteria, that will come from the medical side and be an "aggregate assessment based upon the severity of illness, degree of impairment, required level of comprehensive care management, and commitments of time and resources.”

In other words, if the view from the medical side is that your recovery will be lengthy, you will not be able to train or contribute to the unit's mission during the recovery, and you will require complex care during recovery, then you meet the eligibility for entry into the ARCP and transfer to a SRU.

As to the process, you're not medically reassigned first and then considered for entry into the ARCP. As 1SG Private RallyPoint Member laid out, your unit and provider will put together a packet and submit it to the the SRU at Ft. Liberty or the Medical Readiness Command, Europe's Recovery Care Office* (depends on policy and if you're a forward deployed element of a unit at Ft. Liberty).
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* AR 40-58, Para 7-2 - https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/pdf/web/ARN10462_AR40-58_FINAL_WEB.pdf
* MRC-E RCO - https://mrc-europe.army.mil/MRC-EUR-Info/Recovery-Care-Office/

ARN10462_AR40-58_FINAL_WEB.pdf