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Transition Options

CPT D.J. Skelton, who was severely wounded in Iraq, stands in front of his company with his SFC James O. Bishop. DoD photo by Fred W. Baker III

CPT D.J. Skelton, who was severely wounded in Iraq, stands in front of his company with his SFC James O. Bishop. DoD photo by Fred W. Baker III

The Warrior Transition Command (WTC) is committed to helping wounded, ill, and injured Soldier heal, rehabilitate, and reintegrate, either back to duty or into their civilian communities as productive citizens. Soldiers have several options upon arriving at the Warrior Transition Unit (WTU), and each Soldier will develop a Comprehensive Transition Plan (CTP) with personal goals that align to one of the tracks below:

  • Return to Duty: The Army is committed to retaining qualified Soldiers and returning them to duty whenever possible. Ideally, Soldiers will be able to continue their military career in their desired Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) after completing rehabilitation in the WTU. The initial clinical assessment, combined with input from the Triad of Care and the Soldier’s preference, may allow the Active Component Soldier to remain on active duty and members of the National Guard and Reserve to continue to serve in their regular capacity. WTU Commanders and medical professionals will provide every opportunity for the Soldier to return to active duty when the Soldier selects this option.
  • Return to Duty with a New Military Occupational Specialty (MOS): Some Soldiers will choose to remain on active duty, but their illness or injury may affect their ability to continue in their original MOS. These Soldiers may request a Military Assessment Retention Review (MAR2) to determine whether he/she may be retained in the military in a different MOS. Soldiers interested in this option should notify their Triad of Care and occupational therapist.

  • Continue on Active Duty (COAD) / Continue on Active Reserve (COAR) The proponent for Continuation on Active Duty (COAD)/ Continuation on Active Reserve (COAR) External Link, Opens in New Window is the U.S. Army, Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel External Link, Opens in New Window. Soldiers found unfit for duty by a Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) may be eligible to apply for COAD/COAR regardless of the extent of their injuries.

    Any Soldier interested in applying for COAD/COAR should notify the Triad of Care and Physical Evaluation Board Liaison Officer (PEBLO). Watch and listen to COAD/COAR Soldiers talk about their decision to remain in the force at the 2010 Army Wounded Warrior Program (AW2) COAD/COAR Forum.

    All Soldiers may apply for COAD/COAR; however, additional weight may be given to an applicant's eligibility when the Soldier:
    • Has served 15-20 years of service for COAD or 15-20 qualifying years of service for non-regular retirement for COAR
    • Is qualified in a critical skill or shortage Military Occupational Specialty (MOS)
    • Has a disability as a result of combat or terrorism

    Soldiers must be able to work in a military environment without adversely affecting their health or requiring extensive medical care. They will be periodically re-evaluated to determine if further duty is harmful to their health or detrimental to their interests or the Army's. Soldiers who later incur a service obligation remain liable to complete that obligation up to the expiration of the COAD/COAR agreement. If a Soldier's disability increases to the point that the Soldier is no longer able to perform his/her duty with reasonable accommodations he/she can apply to be released from the remainder of the obligation.

    The following Army regulations govern the COAD/COAR process:


  • Separate from the Army: Some Soldiers will choose to retire or separate from the Army. The Soldier’s Triad of Care will facilitate the coordination with officials at the local Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) External Link, Opens in New Window facility and work with the Soldier to ensure that he/she receives the benefits for which he/she is eligible. Soldiers who choose to separate from the Army will focus their CTP on career and education goals, allowing them to transition to civilian life as proud, productive Veterans. There are several Federal programs designed to assist wounded warriors transitioning out of the military, many of which are outlined on the Pay and Benefits and Veterans Affairs section of this website.