Frequently Asked Questions
The Warrior Transition Command is committed to providing information about the Army's Warrior Care and Transition Program. This section of the WTC website provides information on frequently asked questions. If you do not find the answer to your question on this site or this FAQ page, please email WarriorCareCommunications@conus.army.mil
What are the criteria for being assigned to a WTU?
To be eligible for assignment to a WTU, a Soldier will require at least six months of complex medical management. Reserve Component (RC) Soldiers are also eligible for assignment to a WTU if they become wounded, ill, or injured during mobilization, pre-deployment, post-deployment, or separation from their unit.
Under the following circumstances, Soldiers will generally not be accepted into a WTU:
- Soldiers with uncomplicated pregnancy, unless the pregnancy does not interfere with treatment for the primary injury or illness. Pregnancy alone does not qualify a Soldier for assignment to a WTU
- Soldiers who are in initial entry training, advanced individual training, or one station unit training
- Soldiers whose permanent profiles require a Military Assessment Retention Review (MAR2)
- Soldiers in temporary disabled retired list (TDRL) status
Have all the Soldiers assigned to WTUs been wounded in combat?
No, the Army is committed to providing the best care and medical management to all wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers.
How is time in the WTU rated?
The Soldier's mission is to heal and transition, so he/she may return to the force and move forward in their careers or transition to civilian life as a productive Veteran. Currently, Soldiers do not receive Officer Evaluation Reports/Non-Commisioned Officer Evaluation Reports, but a future initiative is under review to provide evaluations for time spent at a WTU.
Do all Soldiers leave the Army?
No, many Soldiers return to the force with their original unit after recovering in the WTU. Some Soldiers face injuries that require them to consider a different job in the Army, or military occupational specialty (MOS). These Soldiers will pursue required training for their new MOS while they recover in the WTU.
Soldiers found unfit by the Medical Evaluation Board/Physical Evaluation Board Process may apply to Continue on Active Duty/Continue on Active Reserve (COAD/COAR)
Why do Soldiers get medically separated?
WTC and local WTUs aim to return Soldiers to the force. Depending on the individual circumstances, some Soldiers change to a different military occupational specialty (MOS) to stay in the Army. If a Soldier is found "unfit for duty" by a Medical Evaluation Board (MEB) or Physical Evaluation Board (PEB), he/she still has options. Some Soldiers successfully appeal this ruling, and in other cases, the Soldier will go through the Continue on Active Duty(COAD)/Continue on Active Reserve (COAR) process. In some situations, the Soldier is medically separated and will receive benefits based on his/her individual situation, including factors such as disability rating, rank, and years of service.
What is the ADME Program (Active Duty Medical Extension)?
The Active Duty Medical Extension Program is designed for Reserve Component (RC) Soldiers who sustain service-connected medical conditions or injuries in the line of duty. ADME aims to return Soldiers back to the force within their respective units as soon as possible. If the illness or injures prohibit a return to the force, the Soldier processes through the Army Physical Disability Evaluation System.
The RC Soldier's medical care must extend beyond 30 days, and the medical condition must prevent the Soldier from performing his/her military occupational specialty (MOS). A Medical Review Board will convene to determine whether the Soldier is eligible for ADME.
What can I expect if I'm assigned to a WTU?
As a Soldier, your mission is to heal and to transition. Your days will be spent attending medical appointments, physical training, and achieving the goals in your individual Comprehensive Transition Plan (CTP). You will work closely with the Triad of Care and professional interdisciplinary team to develop your CTP.Your chain of command will inform you of specific expectations and responsibilities while at the WTU.
What is the CTP?
The Comprehensive Transition Plan (CTP) is a six-part interdisciplinary structured process for every Soldier that includes an individual plan that the Soldier builds for him/herself with the support of the WTU cadre. Although standardized, this process allows Soldiers to customize their recovery process, enabling them to set and reach their personal goals. The CTP is not the Army's plan for the Soldier, but a process that includes a personal, customized plan created for the Soldier by the Soldier.
What actions do Soldiers and their original units need to take before the Soldier arrives at the WTU?
Except in cases of emergency, Soldiers and parent units should resolve administrative tasks before the Soldier in-processes into the WTU. Some of the most important and common tasks include:
- Sending Medical records
Many Soldiers arrive at the WTU without accurate medical records. WTUs need historical medical information to develop effective, comprehensive medical planning for the individual Soldier, and it is important later in determining disability ratings and other benefits. The Soldier must have a copy of his medical record forwarded to the military treatment facility and WTU before arriving. The parent unit must also ensure it sends all medical and dental records to the WTU and keep the Soldier's Medical Protection System (MEDPROS) records updated at all times. - Completing a Line of Duty Report
The Line of Duty (LOD) Report, provided on Department of the Army Form 2173, is vital documentation for all medical providers and WTU cadre. Parent unit leadership must complete and provide the LOD when a Soldier is injured and transferred to an MTF or health care provider. Without this form, medical authorities cannot complete the Medical Evaluation Board (MEB) process, doctors may not obtain the Soldier's medical history, and benefits can be delayed or denied. The LOD must be completed and signed by the Soldier's commander upon injury or illness. WTU cadre cannot sign the LOD for the parent unit commander. A copy of this form should also be sent to the unit rear detachment. - Updating Orders
At times, wounded, ill, or injured Reserve Component (RC) Soldiers arrive at the WTU with expired or soon to expire orders. When orders expire, the RC Soldier suffers lapses in military pay, which places a financial burden on his/her Family. Also, WTUs have difficulty providing care to a RC Soldier on expired orders. Unit leaders must verify the status of the Soldier's current orders and make any necessary adjustments such as initiating an extension order. - Updates DEERS
Soldiers often arrive at WTUs without current information in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS). This leaves the WTU without access to information necessary for in-processing the Soldier and completing other administrative tasks. Units must continually and accurately update DEERS information on all Soldiers during predeployment, deployment, and redeployment. - Accounting for Equipment
The unit's logistics officer (S4) must account for a wounded, ill, or injured Soldier's equipment in the property book. Units must make sure they close out central issue facility records from theater for the wounded Soldier. Soldiers remain responsible for their equipment while assigned to the WTU, though units must assume this aspect of the Soldier's property management responsibilities so that the Soldier is not left with that burden when discharged from the WTU. Parent units should contact the WTU as soon as possible to initiate the necessary coordination when records have not been closed out. - What is the WTC Community Support Network?
An initiative of the Army Warrior Transition Command, that connects wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers, Veterans, their Families and Caregivers with local providers of services and is a valuable tool for AW2 Advocates to gain information about available organizations and activities.
What are the Warrior Games?
In 2010, DOD and U.S. Paralympics held the inaugural Warrior Games 
at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Two hundred athletes from all military services, including nearly 100 Soldiers, competed for medals in nine sports. Warrior Games is now an annual event. Soldiers interested in competing at the Warrior Games and other adaptive sporting events should contact their squad leaders.
What is the Triad of Care?
Each Soldier benefits from a Triad of Care at his/her local WTU, including a primary care manager (physician), nurse case manager, and squad leader. The Triad of Care works closely with a interdisciplinary team of clinical and non-clinical professionals to help the Soldier recover and transition.
What is the Triad of Leadership?
The Triad of Leadership is comprised of the senior leaders at the installation, military treatment facility, and WTU. The Senior Commanders and Command Sergeants Major at each of these levels have command and control over the local WTU to develop a balanced WTU structure that is enduring, expandable, collapsible, and responsive to the medical needs of every Soldier.
What is AW2?
The Army Wounded Warrior Program (AW2) is the official U.S. Army program that assists and advocates for severely wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers, Veterans, and their Families, wherever they are located, regardless of military status. Soldiers who qualify for AW2 are assigned to the program as soon as possible after arriving at the WTU. AW2 supports these Soldiers and their Families throughout their recovery and transition, even into Veteran status. This program, through the local support of AW2 Advocates, strives to foster the Soldier's independence.
What is the difference between the Army Wounded Warrior Program (AW2) and other wounded warrior programs?
AW2 is the official U.S. Army program serving severely wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers from Overseas Contingency Operations since 9/11. AW2 works inside the network of Army, Government, and local and national resources to help Soldiers, Veterans, and their Families resolve many issues and to foster their independence into the next stage of their lives.
What is an AW2 Advocate?
Upon enrollment in AW2, each AW2 Soldier is assigned an AW2 Advocate. AW2 Advocates provide personalized local support to AW2 Soldiers, Veterans, and their Families, regardless of their location or military status.
If Soldiers and Veterans are not currently part of AW2 but think they may qualify, what should they do?
The AW2 eligibility criteria are available on the WTC website. Soldiers, Veterans, and Family members may contact AW2 directly to determine individual eligibility:
Toll-free: (877) 393-9058
Email: AW2MedicalOperations@conus.army.mil
Is there a fee to receive services from a WTU or AW2?
No, the Army has made a commitment to taking care of wounded Soldiers and their Families. Both WTUs and AW2 are federally-funded components of the Army’s Warrior Care and Transition Program, and services are provided to all wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers who qualify.
What is an Ombudsman?
Most major military treatment facilities and Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals have an ombudsman for patients, including Soldiers. The local ombudsman is another resource for Soldiers if questions or concerns arise that are not addressed by the WTU. The ombudsman helps Soldiers connect with local agencies and community groups and assists with unresolved issues and policy updates. The ombudsman also provides Family advocacy and acts as a mediator, communicator, and facilitator for problem solving.
Does WTC accept donations?
WTC can accept certain types of donations within the limits of federal law and military regulations. Before sending any donation, please contact the WTC Donations Officer at (703) 428-8297.
What can I do to help wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers and their Families?
There are several organizations both inside and outside the Army that depend on the support of volunteers, including.
- Organizations in the WTC Community Support Network
- Local Family Readiness Groups
- Local Army Community Services
- Soldier Family Assistance Center at your local Warrior Transition Unit