By: LuAnn Georgia, Warrior Transition Command Stratcom Division
SPC Quinton Piccone, Warrior Transition Unit, Fort Sam Houston, Texas, sights in the target during archery practice at the 2013 Warrior Game archery and sitting volleyball trials held on Fort Belvoir, Virginia, February 25-March 1. Piccone also hopes to represent the Army in sitting volleyball, swimming, and shot put during the 2013 Warrior Games. (U.S. Army Photo by Monica Wilson)
Goal setting is an important part of a successful transition plan for any task. It serves as a map, with a starting point, an ending point, and check points along the way. It is an integral part of a wounded, ill, and injured Soldier’s transition to Veteran status or back into the force and is one of seven key processes in the Comprehensive Transition Plan (CTP).
In a recent interview with CPT Cindy Dean, Occupational/Physical Therapy Consultant, Clinical Services Division, Warrior Transition Command and Jennifer Leonard, Action Officer, Warrior Transition Command Career and Education Readiness Branch (CERB), I had the opportunity to discuss the importance of goal setting and the process that Soldiers follow in their CTP.
Why is goal setting so important?
Leonard: These Soldiers have had their lives turned upside down in a way they didn’t expect, goal setting helps them refocus.
What does the goal setting process entail?
Dean and Leonard shared that when a Soldier enters a Warrior Transition Unit (WTU), part of their assessment and transition phase includes goal setting training. These goals must be identified within the first 21 days of entering the WTU. To assist them in the process, a standardized workbook is included in CTP guidance. The Occupational Therapist assigned to work with the transitioning Soldier helps ensure that there is a balanced approached to the Soldier’s goal setting by ensuring they have addressed each of the six Domains of Strength: Career, Physical, Emotional, Social, Family, and Spiritual. In addition, the goals must also be specific, measurable, actionable, realistic, and time-bound (SMART).
How are Soldiers who are not comfortable with, or experienced in goal setting, introduced to the process?
Leonard: Soldiers set goals all the time in the Army and may not realize they are doing so.
Dean: By identifying their long term and short term goals, Soldiers are then able to establish sub-goals. These sub-goals are the small steps which lead them to the final goal. This process helps them avoid being overwhelmed and gives them the ability to stay focused. An example would be the desire to achieve a 300 on their APFT test. They have to plan and train for different activities in order to be successful.
What ensures a Soldiers success in achieving their goals?
Dean: Soldiers do a self assessment to determine their goals in a step by step process led by their Occupational Therapist. They reflect upon their personal strengths, challenges and potential barriers to goal achievement. They must be willing to stick with their plan and do the work. Spousal and Caregiver participation is welcomed and encouraged as they can often act as an advocate.
Leonard: Soldiers own their goals. They own their CTP. Goals can change and when they do, Soldiers have to update their plan to address these changes. Soldiers have to decide if their goals are realistic and then they must be willing to manage to their expectations.
Throughout the process, Soldiers continue to follow up with their interdisciplinary team of care to ensure they are making progress. With steadfast determination, the Soldier can know and understand the success of their plan. As with anything worthwhile in life, hard work and a good attitude are a must.
Learn more about goal setting and all of the seven processes of the Comprehensive Transition Plan here: http://www.wtc.army.mil/factsheets/ctp_brochure.pdf.
