Posted on Apr 18, 2015
Does MST (Military Sexual Trauma) affect soldiering?
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Here is some background for you all:
When I was in AIT, I was sexually assaulted. I'm not going to go into detail about what happened as it is in the past. I recently started seeing a psychologist and MST specialist at the VA about this and he helped me to identify that the reason I am overweight and constantly fail my APFT is due to my MST. We figured that in my warped reasoning, if I stopped working out and gained weight, I would not be as appealing and therefore less likely to have this happen to me again.
As I approach my ETS date, of corse I want to stay in the Army. The military is the best decision I have made with my life. But that APFT Fail flag is stopping me from signing another contract and continuing my service. My command has been very patient and understanding with me. But I know I can't just see a MST Specialist once and be cured, hop back on that treadmill and turn into a PT Stud overnight.
Do you think that commanders should be lenient towards MST victims like me or is it time to get out and hit the unemployment line?
When I was in AIT, I was sexually assaulted. I'm not going to go into detail about what happened as it is in the past. I recently started seeing a psychologist and MST specialist at the VA about this and he helped me to identify that the reason I am overweight and constantly fail my APFT is due to my MST. We figured that in my warped reasoning, if I stopped working out and gained weight, I would not be as appealing and therefore less likely to have this happen to me again.
As I approach my ETS date, of corse I want to stay in the Army. The military is the best decision I have made with my life. But that APFT Fail flag is stopping me from signing another contract and continuing my service. My command has been very patient and understanding with me. But I know I can't just see a MST Specialist once and be cured, hop back on that treadmill and turn into a PT Stud overnight.
Do you think that commanders should be lenient towards MST victims like me or is it time to get out and hit the unemployment line?
Posted in these groups: 
APFT
Sexual Assault
APFT Sexual Assault
Posted 9 y ago
Responses: 2
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I am not familiar with that title and I appreciate your courage to share your personal situation with us all, it takes personal courage to do just that!
I do not know how you feel as I have not been through this however, I do know need to pass this record APFT to remain in service.....It's great that your counselor helped you identify why you've gained the weight, now it's time to get the counselor to share how a more fit Soldier is better able to protect himself, get you on the track to peak physical fitness.
I do not know how you feel as I have not been through this however, I do know need to pass this record APFT to remain in service.....It's great that your counselor helped you identify why you've gained the weight, now it's time to get the counselor to share how a more fit Soldier is better able to protect himself, get you on the track to peak physical fitness.
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As a Detachment NCOIC, if one of my Soldiers had experienced a trauma such as yours, and it affected their weight and APFT, I know I would certainly work with the Soldier and take everything into account before I would sign the line to chapter out of the service. Since you are seeing a therapist, that is one check mark for you, but how is the progression of your weight loss and APFT going? Are you actively trying to make improvements in those areas? If so, I would (if I were your NCOIC) take that into consideration as well.
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SPC Lukas Jones
SSG, yes I have been working and progressing on weight loss and been showing improvement on my APFT, but I am still not within standards. My issue is that my ETS is under 30 days. Next BA we have a record APFT and I need to pass it before I can extend. I am unsure if I will be able to do so. My Commander and 1SG both want to see me stay in, but their hands are tied as far as the APFT.
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MSG (Join to see)
ETS or transfer to the IRR? I ask that since the IRR transfer is no longer automatic and that you have to request transfer to the IRR.
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SPC Lukas Jones
I have already exceeded my original 8. I used one year in the IRR but transferred into the reserves for the last year of my contract. I was given a year and a half extension for my body comp and APFT putting me at 9.5 years service. The MST was only recently identified as an underlying cause for my physical performance. I'm not looking for a loophole here, just more curious as to if there exist any way for me to still extend and work on my issues without expiring my contract.
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MSG (Join to see)
I would recommend addressing this to several people. Obviously, your Commander and 1SG are aware and trying to help you. Speak with your Retention NCO as well. Have the MST paperwork (if it was documented after it happened) on standby as a just in case. But, if need be, be prepared to ETS. If you do ETS, then do so (and make sure it is an Honorable classification), then bust your hump to drop the weight and pass an APFT then come back in.
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