Continuing Military Enlistment After a Severe Basic Training Injury

My granddaughter is currently going through a challenging situation: she was injured during her basic training, specifically while doing physical training. The injury involved a tendon or similar muscle tissue, and as a result, she was placed in a Medical Hold. The U.S. Army is planning to perform an operation to address this issue. Once she completes her convalescent leave and physical therapy, she will return to basic training. It is important to note that she will not be discharged during this process and will remain a member of the military.

Upon her return to training, she will be not assigned to her original unit. Instead, she will join a new group of recruits at the training point where she left off. This process is designed to ensure that injuries do not interfere with the overall curriculum of the basic training program.

Severe Injuries and Medical Discharge

There are instances, however, where injuries are severe enough that returning to active duty is not feasible. In these situations, the injured individual may be medically discharged, effectively ending their enlistment. If this happens, the chances of re-enlisting are extremely low. The best-case scenario is that their body is deemed too damaged for further service.

Military’s Responsibility and Support

The U.S. military is committed to ensuring that its members receive the necessary care and support. In the event of an injury during basic training, the individual does not get sent home. They remain under the military's care and responsibility.

For minor injuries, such as a sprain or a slightly dislocated finger, the recruit is often given a light duty chit and is allowed to continue training with their platoon. If the injury requires more extensive treatment—such as a broken bone or a more severe sprain—the individual is placed in the Medical Rehabilitation Platoon (MRP). This is still considered part of basic training, and the individual continues to receive full-time care and eventually returns to training once they are deemed fit by medical professionals.

However, there are cases where the injury is too severe to be treated in MRP. In these instances, the individual is medically discharged and sent home. Whether they can return to active duty depends on the specifics of their case and the nature of their injury.

Conclusion

In summary, while the military is committed to ensuring that service members receive the necessary medical care, the process of returning to basic training after a severe injury can be complex. It is essential to follow the military’s procedures and support systems to ensure that one can return to active duty in the best possible condition. The goal is to ensure that the service member can still complete the required training and continue their military career.

For further assistance or specific questions, consult the military's official resources or speak to a military representative for personalized guidance.