What should I do if I have been told I am being recommended by my unit for a 5-17 chapter?

2019-01-10T18:30:26-05:00

I had ACL reconstruction surgery in 2017. It’s been since June of that year that I’ve passed a pt test and I’ve been on and off profile multiple times. My knee doesn’t seem to want to heal. My unit hit me with a counseling for recommended 5-17 chapter and gave me 30 days to train to pass a pt test coming feb 2019. Can I still have a temp profile or a permanent profile to avoid this chapter and still take the profile oriented pt test?

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 10 at 2019 6:32 PM

2019-01-10T18:32:01-05:00

Also for more info they said if I fail this upcoming pt test then they’ll proceed with the 5-17 chapter paperwork. I’ve also failed a pt test today Jan 10, because my knee was hurting after this past mondays run.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 10 at 2019 6:38 PM

2019-01-10T18:38:46-05:00

After all this time, I'm surprised you haven't faced an MEB yet. You can try to see if your Provider will give you a Permanent Profile. If they do, you can try and pass the test and hope that the Commander will rescind the Chapter paperwork. However, there are no guarantees of any of these things happening.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 10 at 2019 6:57 PM

2019-01-10T18:57:40-05:00

Other than the APFT, what other military duties are you unable to perform?
According to your post, it seems that you have been on and off profile for over a year. How long do you believe is a reasonable amount if time to permit you to rehabilitate?
Your post indicated that you believe your knee isn't healing. How long do you believe you should be permitted to remain in the service and not be able to perform all of your military duties?
Your best source of information is JAG TDS.

Response by SGT Chris Stephens made Jan 10 at 2019 10:16 PM

2019-01-10T22:16:04-05:00

Did the injury happen while you were in the military? If that's the case, then you may have a case for some type of medical discharge where the military is paying you something.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Jan 11 at 2019 4:42 PM

2019-01-11T16:42:50-05:00

Go for the permanent profile, if that fails suck it up or get out.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 12 at 2019 9:39 PM

2019-01-12T21:39:14-05:00

I'm amazed you've gone 18 months and just now are getting recommended for a 5-17. The "on and off profile" line sticks out to me. Why were you off and on so many times?

I don't think you fully understand the difference between temp and permanent profiles. Temp you are not allowed to take a PT test. It's why temp profiles are not allowed in NCOPD schools (ALC,BLC, etc..) Permanent profile allows you to replace the 2 mile run (in your case) with a different event as stated by others.

In my experience 5-17 chapters are only pushed after the CO/BN CDR have had conversations with the BN/BDE PA/Surgeon and together have decided your unlikely to be 100% again. I have not seen a solider avoid a 5-17 once pushed by the unit.

I would recommend you take an honest assessment of your injury. It's not about just passing this PT test; what about the next one?, the one after that?, and this new AFCT coming our way? Will your injury hold up the sprints, drag, run, and dead lifts? It might not be the answer your wanting. Also keep in mind IF you were able to do these events and pass future PT tests what kind of issues are you gonna have later in life because of strain you put your body through now?

Wanting to continue to serve is admirable but at the end of the day you got to take care of yourself.
Make sure as you go through this process you keep excellent records of your injury/treatment and file whatever paperwork is needed before you get out to protect your future medical issues with the injury.

Last thing I know 5-17 is a "chapter" and gets worded and phrased usually with negativity terms like the 4-12s and other misconduct types. 5-17 is an honorable discharge and shouldn't effect most of your benefits like the GI bill.