Archive | Resources | Warrior Transition Command

Online Benefit Web Portal Becomes Easier to Navigate

Filed under Benefits, Resources, Warrior Transition Command by cmccarrie on February 4, 2013 at 2:39 pm {no comments}

eBenefits is a web portal; a central location for Veterans, Service Members, and their families to research, find, access, and, manage their benefits and personal information.

By Emily Anderson, WTC Stratcom
The Department of Defense (DOD) and Veteran Affairs (VA) updated the eBenefits web portal for easier access and navigation for Soldiers and Veterans to use during their search for resources and provides tools to help in their transition process.

“The improvements eliminate some or the earlier confusion as to where certain information and documents can be found,” said Dexter B. Friday, financial support specialist and retirement services officer, Strategy, Plans and Operations Branch, AW2. “It will provide easier navigation capabilities for our Soldiers and Veterans.”

“This portal is not just for our Soldiers and Veterans, but all Soldiers and Veterans,” he added. “eBenefits provides a direct link to the VA system and with the use of this tool Soldiers can access their VA claim status, retrieve military records, review their payment history, etc. Its capabilities are endless.”

Currently, eBenefits is a joint, secure web portal that provides resources and self-service capabilities to Soldiers, Veterans, and their Families to research, access and manage their VA and military benefits and personal information.

“I receive frequent requests from our Veterans concerning their benefits and most of the information can be found on the site,” he added. “I suggest that they take the time to review and get to know all that it has to offer.

The web portal currently provides features such as access to official military personal documents, the ability to view the status of a disability compensation claim, view Post-9/11 GI Bill enrollment status, apply for Veterans benefits, order medical equipment such as hearing aid batteries and prosthetic socks, and many other features are being added regularly.

“There are many state benefits available for Veterans, but these benefits required a letter from the VA along with the application.” he said. “Previously, our Veterans would have to call the VA Customer Service to request a letter be sent to them, but with eBenefits our Veterans can download the letter themselves and not have to wait the time for VA to produce, print and mail or fax the document.”

Other portal improvements include a tool to help in determining if a Veteran is eligible for Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment benefits and a search function that identifies a claimant’s appointed veterans service representative, with links to Google Maps indicating the location of their nearest representative’s office.

Before accessing the eBenefits Web portal, Soldiers, Veterans, and Family members must be listed in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) and obtain a DS Logon. They can choose from two levels of registration, DS Logon Level 1 (Basic) and DS Logon Level 2 (Premium). The service is free, and once you have a DS Logon, it’s valid for the rest of your life.

Veterans who attempt to register and are informed they have no DEERS record, will need to have VA verify their military service and add them to DEERS. This is most likely to occur in the case of Veterans who served prior to 1982. All VA Regional Offices have staff familiar with procedures for adding a Veteran to DEERS.

WTC and AW2 Provides Entrepreneurship Training

Filed under AW2, General, Resources, Warrior Transition Command by cmccarrie on January 17, 2013 at 4:48 pm {no comments}

By Emily Anderson, WTC Stratcom
Starting a business can seem like a difficult process, but wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers and Veterans can take comfort in the fact there are many resources available to help assist in the entrepreneurship process.

“There are a lot of businesses and resources out there to teach our population how to own and run a successful business,” said Vicki Mullen, AW2 Labor Liaison Specialist.

Mullen and Cory Hixson, Action Officer, the Warrior Transition Command (WTC) Commander’s Action Group, will conduct a two-hour, call-in training session on January 17, 2013 for AW2 Soldiers, Veterans, Family members, and Army Wounded Warrior Program (AW2) Advocates.

The first class is being offered to individuals in the southern region, and additional training sessions will be offered regionally.

“We decided to provide the training by regions to ensure we are reaching as many people as possible,” Mullen said. “We want to make sure everyone has the opportunity to listen to some of the tools available for starting their own business.”

Originally this type of training was taught to the WTU transition coordinators, but Hixson saw there was a need for this information to be provided in a larger scale directly to the WTU and AW2 populations.

“There are so many resources at their fingertips, but they are not taking advantage of them because many do not know to ask the questions,” said Hixson, who attended an entrepreneurship boot camp and completed extensive research on self employment and starting your own business.

“We know the need is out there,” Hixson said. “There is such an opportunity for our wounded, ill, and injured to not have to work a nine-to-five job, but to own a business. They can do what they like to do and not depend on sitting behind a desk.”

During the training session, Hixson will speak about the different centers and programs within the Small Business Administration, where to find information on the National Resource Directory, explain what the Veteran Franchise Centers is, as well as provide information about additional programs such as Operation Jump Start, Operation Boots to Business, and several other resources.

He will also give listeners a chance to ask questions about a variety of small business topics.

“I want to help by pointing out small business training and resources, but also answer any questions that have already popped up,” Hixson said.

“Many do not realize there are resources to start a business specifically for those who are female, disabled, a Guard orReserve Soldier, a Family member, a Caregiver, and so much more,” he added.

For more information, contact the WTC at (703)325-8999 or email www.usarmy.pentagon.medcom-WTC.mbx.career-education-readiness-br@mail.mil or usarmy.pentagon.medcom-WTC.mbx.AW2-career-program@mail.mil.

Special Compensation for Assistance with Activities of Daily Living (SCAADL)

Filed under Benefits, Resources, Warrior Transition Command by cmccarrie on November 7, 2011 at 2:16 pm {no comments}

By Jim Wenzel, WTC Stratcom
Attention wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers, Warrior Transition Unit cadre, and Army leaders. Special Compensation for Assistance with Activities of Daily Living (SCAADL) was authorized by the Fiscal Year 2010 National Defense Authorization Act. This special monthly compensation is for active servicemembers who incur a permanent catastrophic injury or illness.

It is important to note that SCAADL compensation is not automatic, the Soldier or his or her guardian must apply, and a DOD or Veterans Affairs (VA) physician must complete a DD Form 2948 to certify eligibility. If the attending physician is not affiliated with DOD or VA, arrangements can be made to have a DOD or VA physician review the Soldier’s case and complete the certification.

SCAADL helps offset the loss of income by a primary caregiver who provides non-medical care, support, and assistance for the servicemember. This compensation continues until 90 days after the Soldier is separated from the service, when he or she begins receiving compensation under a VA program, or the Soldier recovers and he or she no longer requires assistance with activities of daily living.

To apply for SCAADL, Warriors in Transition should contact their chain of command and Primary Care Manager. More information and frequently asked questions can be found in the SCAADL Information Sheet on the WTC website.

For questions, please send an email to WTC.g1scaadl@conus.army.mil or call 703/325-2030.

Family Focus–New Online Tool Aims to Better Inform Wounded Warriors Loved Ones

Filed under Resources, Warrior Transition Command, WTU/WTB by alanmorales on July 19, 2011 at 7:38 am {no comments}

By LTC (P) Hugh Bair, WTC G-3,5,7 Chief

LTC (P) Hugh Bair announces the launch of a new online resource for Families of wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers.

Over the Fourth of July holiday, I had the opportunity to spend time with my Family at a North Carolina beach. It was great to kick back with my dad and brother and get caught up. As they are both now Veterans, there was much focus on and interest in my new job supporting the Army’s wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers and their Families.

Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of serving with Soldiers at the tip of the spear. My Family during those missions was often far away back home figuring things out without me. Well, that might be OK for normal circumstances, but I know when things aren’t going well, like when your loved one gets injured in a training accident, diagnosed with a deadly disease, or wounded in a firefight, you should not be figuring things out on your own. You need help.

To that end, the Army worked hard to create a comprehensive support system for our Soldiers Families and loved ones. For our wounded warriors, focusing on the mission at hand—to heal and transition, is clear. Medical appointments, visits with a squad leader, rehabilitation, adaptive sports, career planning. For the Family members however it’s often hard to figure out the Army system, learn the acronyms, or understand their role in the recovery process.

So, it’s my pleasure to launch a new online learning tool exclusively for those who are caring for our wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers. The Warrior Transition Command’s new Comprehensive Transition Plan Learning Module for Families walks loved ones through the structure of the Warrior Transition Unit, outlines their role in the seven-stages of the Comprehensive Transition Plan (CTP), includes four videos, and provides links to additional resources.

We’ve made this tool accessible online so that a Soldier’s immediate caregiver and extended Family around the world can better understand what they are going through and how to help. As a multi-generational military Family, I know the value of having my loved ones near and supportive of my career goals. The more they know, the more I can focus on the job at hand.

I look forward to hearing from our wounded warrior’s Family members about this new tool through the blog comments feature. Is it helpful? What needs to be added? How can we make it better? I know my own Family is watching to see what we do for our wounded, ill, and injured, and are ready to hold me accountable at our next Family vacation. I want to do them, but more importantly, our wounded warriors, proud.

Conference Prepares Case Managers to Deliver Improved Quality of Care

Filed under Resources, WTU/WTB by alanmorales on July 6, 2011 at 6:04 pm {no comments}

By COL Suzanne Scott, WTC Chief Nurse

As case managers, our “raison d’être” is to integrate and coordinate care and services for our patients in order to help them achieve optimum health or improved functional capability in the right setting. Recently, thousands of case managers from across the country gathered in San Antonio, TX, for the Case Management Society of America’s Annual Conference & Expo. This weeklong session was designed to help case managers improve the delivery of services to both individual patients and across organizations.

For the over 350 Department of Defense (DOD) and Veterans Affairs (VA) case managers attending the conference, information-sharing and collaboration started early with a combined DOD/VA case management session to discuss hot topics within our individual healthcare settings. This year’s hot topics significantly impact the delivery of care to wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers, Veterans, and their Families. Topics included the Americans with Disabilities Act, suicide prevention, the Comprehensive Pain Management Campaign Plan, women’s health services in the VA, and patient-centered medical homes.

The keynote address was delivered by RADM Christine Hunter, the Deputy Director for TRICARE Management Activity. Hunter touched on each of the hot topics of interest to case managers and tied everything back to the delivery of quality, effective care by case managers. She specifically addressed the case managers caring for wounded, ill, and injured servicemembers, and discussed some of the how-to processes for case managers to effectively navigate TRICARE to coordinate network services for Soldiers, Veterans, and their Families.

Adriana Wilson and Susan Turner from the VA reinforced the critical skills case managers need in the area of suicide prevention. Through a series of vignettes based on actual patient encounters, the Wilson-Turner team drove home the importance of relationship building and the critical need for an ongoing thorough assessment process. Wilson reviewed current suicide statistics and Turner talked about key suicide warning signs to look for in our patients. The duo reminded attendees that as professionals, case managers must ask the right questions to have an impact on suicide prevention.

Ten case management teams from all military services and the VA presented best practices in a poster session. I hope to highlight a few key initiatives in future blog postings. As we walked around the room and talked to the presenters, it was evident that we continue to demonstrate the value of case management through the continued improvements made in individual practice settings.

The conference included a panel discussion with representatives from TRICARE Management Activity, Army, Navy, and Air Force on patient centered medical homes as well as a review of Defense Center of Excellence resources and tools for psychological health and traumatic brain injury for case managers.

At this point, I imagine you are asking, “What’s in it for me?” Well, you can expect that this team of over 350 case managers from DOD and VA returned home with improved skills and a wealth of knowledge on best practices from both military and civilian healthcare management that they will share with you to help continue to enhance warrior care. Case managers can expect in-service training to communicate new evidence-based practice findings and key initiatives. Wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers, Veterans, and Families can expect an expanding resource list to help you through the transition process. Commanders and leaders can expect motivated case manager leaders to continue to facilitate warrior care and transition.

Eagles Summit Ranch Offers Healing for WTB Soldiers

Filed under Resources, Warrior Transition Command, WTU/WTB by alanmorales on June 24, 2011 at 9:12 am {no comments}

By SPC Roxanne M. Nance, Fort Carson Medical Department Activity Public Affairs

Founder and Vietnam Veteran Dave Roever, takes a moment to speak about the milestones these Soldiers reached in their journey to recovery while at the ranch.

Troubled by what most had seen at war and recovering from their injuries, 11 Fort Carson Warrior Transition Battalion (WTB) Soldiers found refuge and solace last month in the mountains of Colorado.

Nestled in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, just minutes away from the small town of Westcliffe, is Eagles Summit Ranch.

The ranch was established by Vietnam War Veteran Dave Roever and associates in September 2004 and serves to help wounded warriors with their recovery. The Tragedy to Triumph Certificate Program offered there helps Soldiers focus on the possibilities their futures hold.

The WTB Soldiers had vague expectations as they began their week at the Ranch. All expected a good time with plenty of relaxation, but each received so much more.

“Initially I expected to get teaching on coping skills,” said PFC Kyle A. Bookout. “But after four days I received inspiration and hope about life, that I can still achieve my goals and build a better future.”

The recovery program focuses on helping the Soldiers gain the confidence to tell their personal stories in a group setting. A series of four classes teaches the participants the fundamentals of public speaking; meanwhile emotional healing is taking place.

“There is something very real and medicinal about sharing your personal tragedies with others,” said Eagles Summit Ranch Academic Dean Matt Roever.

The program theorizes that by having Soldiers release their traumatic experiences through public speaking, they once again are able to focus on their futures.

Concentrating on an optimistic future enables people to overcome many of life’s unfortunate events. “No other organization does what we do for the Soldiers; what we have here works,” said Dave Roever.

The training sessions were held in the mornings, typically ending just as lunch was served. Throughout mealtimes the Soldiers enjoyed each other’s camaraderie and laughter. By early afternoon they participated in numerous activities including bowling, touring a nearby attraction, and horseback and all-terrain vehicle riding. These activities allowed the Soldiers to experience the beauty around them and enjoy the company of townspeople.

“This place is a place of healing,” said WTB cadre member SSG Andrew S. Peery. “The people here genuinely care about you… It’s like having Family when you’re so far from home.”

Peery attended the program twice, once as a wounded warrior.

“Like everyone else, at first I didn’t know what to expect when I arrived at the ranch. But by the end of the week I was able to finally open up—after 10 years—about the things I had seen and gone through as a sniper; I returned home a calmer man,” said Peery.

Because of his positive experience, he eagerly volunteered to return for this trip and guide more Soldiers through the process.

At the end of the five-day program, the Soldiers presented their emotion packed, personal stories to their fellow participants, WTB and ranch cadre, and residents of Westcliffe during a potluck, barbecue dinner. Tears traced down many cheeks as wounded souls mended.

“It is a very emotional thing,” said WTB cadre member MSG John J. Brinkman, of the weeklong program. “I don’t consider myself an emotional guy, but I was touched hearing what the Soldiers went through.”

By the end of the program, those who came to the ranch with apprehension were amazed at the transformation within themselves.

“This week helped me dissect my life,” reflected SPC Daniel R. Updike. “I’ve learned that I can speak to people about [my circumstances]. This trip came at the right time in my life. It helped me confirm that it’s alright to be emotional. It feels good.”

For these WTB Soldiers the Eagles Summit Ranch and its Tragedy to Triumph Certificate Program was successful in giving them the tools to improve their lives.

“More than anything, I want these men and women to leave with a sense of honor and appreciation. That we appreciate them,” said Dave Roever. “Above all, and most certainly, I want them to leave with a feeling of opportunity.”

To request more information about the Eagles Summit Ranch and its programs, visit the Eagles Summit Ranch website. WTB Soldiers may speak with their squad leaders about attending future programs at Eagles Summit Ranch.

The Warrior Ethos—The Wounded Warrior Way

Filed under Resources, Warrior Transition Command, WTU/WTB by alanmorales on June 21, 2011 at 11:34 am {one comment}

By Emily Oehler, WTC Stratcom

WTC releases new video to educate wounded Soldiers and their Families on enhanced warrior care system.

I am an American Soldier.

I am a Warrior and a member of a team. I serve the people of the United States and live the Army Values.

“When I wake up in the morning, the first thing I have to do is to put on my prosthetic device. So it’s that re-poking me in the rear, saying, yeah, your life is different now, but you’ve got to continue on. So I know that I’m missing a leg, and when I look down I can tell it, but as soon as I swing my leg off the bed and I put on that prosthetic device and stand up, I’m just like every other person who gets up in morning and goes to work and plays their part in society.” —SFC John Wright, wounded warrior

I will always place the mission first. I will never accept defeat. I will never quit.

“The anger, the depression, anything like that regarding your wounds, it’s not going to change anything. It is just useless emotions. It doesn’t help you. So I always try to think positively about it. I take a hard look and say, if I want to do this, what are the steps I need to go through to make that happen?” —CPT Jeremy McGuffey, wounded warrior

I will never leave a fallen comrade.

“Being in a quote unquote regular unit, a fighting unit, a combat engineering unit being in a route clearance patrol, your mission is very clear: drive down the road looking for stuff that’s going to blow up. After I got hurt and I became a member of the Warrior Transition Unit—the transition mission to me was completely unclear. At first I felt like a burden on the Army. But once I realized that, as a Warrior in Transition, I had a clear mission, and that mission was to get better, heal, and so I didn’t feel like a burden anymore. This is my job now. My squad leader, he’s really involved in taking care of any kind of issues that I have, whether it is that I’ve had issues with awards and finances, and he’ll take that off my plate because he just wants me to focus on recovery.” —SFC John Wright, wounded warrior

I am disciplined, physically and mentally tough, trained and proficient in my warrior tasks and drills. I always maintain my arms, my equipment and myself. I am an expert and I am a professional.

“I recognized that I probably would not be able to do my old job anymore. And, so I was very interested in medical and specifically I kind of wanted to go to PA school. I’m expecting to come out of this and go do something that I’d kind of thought about but I’d never really laid any solid plans to do. So the trauma was very negative, but overall, I think we are going to come out of it in a better position in life.” —CPT Jeremy McGuffey, wounded warrior

I stand ready to deploy, engage, and destroy the enemies of the United States of America in close combat.

“I was the most severely wounded. The blast itself killed two of my best friends. I just constantly think about them and always try to show them that I’m being tough for them. I got the second chance that they didn’t. And I am going to make them proud.” —SSG Gabriel Garcia, wounded warrior

I am a guardian of freedom and the American way of life.

“I live life happily. This is my new life. I’m missing an arm. I’m just lucky to still be alive, that’s the way I look at it. It doesn’t mean I can’t do anything a normal person can do. It is just a little tougher for me to do it and I have to be smart and figure out a way around it. Just because a person has 100 percent doesn’t mean his 100 percent is better than my 75, that’s what I tell my wife. I was like, ‘my 75 percent is better than most guys 100 percent’ and that’s the way I live my life.” —SSG Gabriel Garcia, wounded warrior

I am an American Soldier.

Editor’s note: See more from these Soldiers in the Warrior Transition Command’s new video, “Soldier Success Through Focused Commitment.” Download the 10-minute video.

Army Homefront Fund

Filed under Leadership, Resources, WTC Commander by alanmorales on June 13, 2011 at 4:47 pm {one comment}

By BG Darryl A. Williams, WTC Commander

This morning I had the privilege along with key senior Army leaders to attend the kick-off of the Army Homefront Fund. The event was held at the Ronald Reagan Building, Washington, DC. As part of the ceremony I signed a memorandum of understanding recognizing the Army Homefront Fund—a nonprofit organization—created to support Soldiers who are wounded, become ill, or are injured while serving in a combat zone and their Families.

I want to acknowledge GEN Dennis Reimer, former Army chief of staff and now director of the Resource Advisory Committee for the Army Homefront Fund. Through the Association of the United States Army, Army Emergency Relief, and now the Army Homefront Fund, he continues his commitment to the Army he served most of his life. His contributions to Soldiers are unequalled.

As you all know, I am always proud of and humbled by the resiliency and strength of our wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers and their Families. I’m also committed to helping them in times of financial crisis in the same way I’m committed to ensuring they have a smooth transition back to their units or as they depart military service. The Army Homefront Fund will offer support to Soldiers and their Families when financial issues occur whether it is for rent, utilities, insurance, or baby items.

Like other similar support organizations, Army Homefront Fund is a nonprofit agency. Agreements like this help bring together the Army and many of the outstanding not-for-profit groups who stand shoulder-to-shoulder with us each day for the benefit of Soldiers and their Families. The announcement of the Army Homefront Fund and its breadth shows that no organization can do it all. Having an organization with established processes and linkages can help to benefit our Soldiers and their Families. With this coalition of the willing, we will be able to provide for our Soldiers better than any of us can do alone.

I’m grateful each day that I have the opportunity to support our wounded, ill, and injured warriors and thankful for the generosity of the many individuals and organizations who continually reach out to the brave men and women who wear the uniform of the United States Army in recognition of the sacrifices they have made to secure freedom and democracy for this great nation of ours and for our friends and allies around the world.

For more information about the Army Homefront Fund, visit http://www.armyhomefrontfund.org or visit the following link for other supporting programs, https://www.nationalresourcedirectory.gov/.

Editor’s Note: The appearance of external hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement by the United States Department of Defense of the linked websites, or the information, products or services contained therein. For other than authorized activities such as military exchanges and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) sites, the United States Department of Defense does not exercise any editorial control over the information you may find at these locations. All links are provided consistent with the mission of this website.

Mental Resilience Helps Achieve Success

Filed under Adaptive Sports, Guest Blogger, Resources, Warrior Games by alanmorales on June 9, 2011 at 10:08 am {no comments}

By Kaitlyn Donohoe, CSF-PREP Performance Enhancement Specialist

Comprehensive Soldier Fitness-Performance and Resilience Enhancement Program (CSF-PREP) performance specialist Kaitlyn Donohoe, works with Army track and field athletes at the 2011 Warrior Games.

The Comprehensive Soldier Fitness-Performance and Resilience Enhancement Program (CSF-PREP) educates and trains individuals on the behavioral skills that underlie human performance excellence. The program is designed to enhance personal and professional performances by developing the full potential of Soldiers, Family members, and Army Civilians. CSF-PREP accomplishes this by using a systematic process to teach and train the behavioral skills essential to the pursuit of personal strength, professional excellence, and the Warrior Ethos.

CSF-PREP education and training focuses on bridging the gap between the rehabilitation process and the Soldier’s transition back into the Army or civilian life by providing the knowledge and skills to craft their future. CSF-PREP teaches Soldiers the critical underlying skills needed to take ownership and control of their recovery, to focus on their abilities versus disabilities, and to provide the tools to help enhance their mindset so that they have a sense of purpose and are effectively motivated about their future.

In elite competition, such as the Warrior Games that took place last month, all athletes train to enhance their physical skills; what separates medal winners from the rest is mental strength. CSF-PREP trains the mental strength of individuals. In working with the Warrior Games athletes, we worked with individual athletes and teams to teach them the skills of our education model and the ways to apply them to their athletic performances. Each Soldier and Veteran who participated in the Warrior Games completed at least 16 hours of classroom education to learn and develop a foundational knowledge of the skills we utilize.

For the Warrior Games, I had the privilege to work with the Army track and field team. In addition to the general CSF-PREP training, I conducted another five hours of applied group training that was tailored to track and field events and team building. As a part of this training, each athlete created a mental performance plan for each event during individual or small group sessions.

With an individual sport like track and field, Soldiers athletes need to focus on the right thing and manage their nerves and energy to have optimal performance. For example, I worked with a Soldier for several weeks before the Warrior Games began. He was excited to have the opportunity to compete again, as he had not played sports competitively since high school, but was worried about how he would perform in such a highly visible event.

This sense of discouragement can negatively influence one’s performance. Before the Games, I discussed with the Soldier about the influence of a positive attitude on performance and how focused attention and energy on factors within one’s control has power over one’s performance. We also worked to create tangible goals for competition and plans for how to achieve them and help achieve a greater sense of control.

When we first arrived at the Warrior Games training camp, the Soldier had a more effective attitude toward his performance. Throughout the training camp, we finalized his individualized mental training plan to focus on imagery, pre-performance routines, refocus techniques, and recovery techniques. We worked to maintain focus amidst distractions and set the conditions for success, regardless of the circumstances that may try to get in the way of optimal performance. At the Warrior Games, this Soldier effectively applied the mental skills we discussed to his physical skills and techniques and earned a silver medal for the Army team.

The journey to obtain mental strength for life is a continuous process and is unique to every individual. To share in this collective journey of personal growth with the warrior athletes, cadre, coaches, medical staff and other CSF-PREP performance specialists was a priceless and tremendously gratifying experience. I can honestly say I have the best job, because I had the honor to work with the men and women who gave so much to defend our nation and our freedom.

Editor’s Note: Kaitlyn Donohoe has a background in Sport Performance Psychology and has a Master of Science from Miami University of Ohio in Sport Psychology. She has several years of experience working with athletes and individuals to enhance performance through mental skills training.

Wounded Warrior Career Decision Toolkit

Filed under Career/Education, Resources by alanmorales on April 1, 2011 at 5:33 pm {no comments}

By Tania Meireles, WTC Stratcom

The Career Decision Toolkit is an interactive assessment and teaching tool designed to assist separating, demobilizing, wounded, and retiring servicemembers, and their Families.

Many wounded Soldiers are in the process of looking for a new career that will fulfill them professionally and help provide for their Families. What tools are available to help wounded Soldiers find that career?

One resource is a newly launched Department of Defense (DOD Career Decision Toolkit that provides career and transition training.

The Career Decision Toolkit is an interactive assessment and teaching tool designed to assist separating, demobilizing, wounded, and retiring servicemembers, and their Families, plan for the challenges of returning to civilian life after their military service ends.

The online toolkit allows users to thoroughly explore transition-related subjects such as career exploration, financial planning, résumé creation, and interviewing skills. It also assists servicemembers in taking stock of their military skills while cataloging their service experience and reinforcing knowledge of benefits they have earned. It helps them to set and prioritize their individual transition goals.

Developed by the DOD’s Office of Wounded Warrior Care and Transition Policy (WWCTP) in collaboration with the Department of Veterans Affairs and Labor, it was designed to provide 24-hour access to individualized career coaching and transition training to wounded warriors in a hospital environment or Warrior Transition Unit who can’t attend Transition Assistance Program (TAP) class.

“Wounded warriors, like all transitioning servicemembers, have unique goals and needs as they plan for the future,” said David M. Dubois, TAP Operations Director, WWCTP. “The online toolkit will give them the ability to gain the knowledge they need to successfully move back to the civilian community or return to duty with a better understanding of how to successfully manage different aspects of their personal lives and military careers.”

The toolkit’s online launch is also part of major redesign of DOD’s main career transition website, www.turbotap.org, and is a cornerstone of the transformation of TAP into a blended career transition training model that takes advantage of online resources to reach groups like wounded warriors.

“As someone that has been in their shoes, I understand that deep desire to get well and get back to making a difference on some level,” said John R. Campbell, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense and Vietnam-era wounded warrior. “Our wounded warriors are some of the best and most talented people this nation has to offer. They may be injured, but they are far from disabled. I want to make sure they have the tools they need to let employers know just how valuable they can be to their companies. I also want to make sure that they have every training and technological advantage to plan a successful transition. The online toolkit is significant step in that direction.”

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