Injury in BCT - Army

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Maryrosej

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My daughter, Pfc. Lauren left for Ft.Sill on May 8, 2012. She wanted to join over a year ago and I convinced her to attend college and wait till she's 21 yrs. I'm writing this because I don't want anyone to think she is trying to get out. Right after BCT began, her legs became extremely painful and her right ankle started swelling. She kept trying to stay with the program until she could hardly walk at all. I don't know all the details because I'm getting most of this from letters w/ few details. She has been under a Doctors care and a physical therapist and she said they profiled her. She told me while on crutches she participated in gas chamber, combat lifesaving and has tried to keep marching and running. She called me on Mother's Day and said they were medically discharging her because of something to do with her muscles in the calves cause severe shin splints. But I received a letter today, written beforeher phone call saying the physical therapist said she would recommend "medically chaptered". She also said it would be about 3 weeks before getting home. My girl is worried she will be stuck there for a long time because she has met several people in holdover who has been there a long time. She said she will not have an address so I can't write her.

I don't know what to think as I can't talk to her. She is depressed because she can't pursue what she went there for and her platoon and other people giving her a hard time and they put her on the "hotseat" telling her she's a loser and she's faking it. A part of me understands why the recruits are tested so vigilantly; they have to stand solid. Lauren thinks we are so disappointed in her, which of course I'm not; just in what has happened.

The upside is; she has been told she can re-enlist in 6 mos. or with a Doctors approval. She wants to go back. I just want to know what can I do & what are the procedures (in civilian speak) and what is going to happen in her situation.

Thank you for any advice...MaryRose
 
Mary,

I would go about calling the 434th (http://sill-www.army.mil/434/). Please be sure to have the BCT Unit that your daughter is assigned too. No soldier in a BCT unit should go without communication (verbal or written). 21 is still a young age that can be influenced easily so upon contacting the BDE express that you would like to be in contact with your daughter or know her current situation. If she is pending a Medical Discharge express that you would like to have an address to contact her at or speak with her. Being involved in this situation isn't letting your child be an adult... It is simply establishing a support system. For the "Young Ones" that think they can put her on the "hotseat" are sadly mistaken. Hazing is no longer tolerated at all in the Army, but please don't misconstrued a Drill Sergeant being themselves. The "trail" has changed a lot in the past couple of years so new standards are in place as far as their actions are concerned. I hope all goes well and look for further guidance once you have contacted someone and have a better grasp as to what the exact situation is.

Regards
 
I would be concerned about whether she is entitled to disability processing. She is on orders of 30 days or more and apparently has a condition/disability that has been incurred or at least aggravated by military service. I have dealt with this a handful of times, where a trainee has a disability incurred in BCT and they try to push them out the door. I would want to know a lot more about her condition to say whether there are any bases to not refer her for disability processing.
 
Being a recruit 9 months 22 days in the Marine Corps I will say it was not easy being a recruit. I do not know how the army works but once a recruit got to the separation platoon no mail was given because you only stayed there for 2-3 weeks. You said she will be home in 3 weeks so nothing to worry about.
 
If they aren't allowing you access or communication I would contact your Congressman ASAP. The issue is who is responsible for her medical care. The law makes it clear that the Military should be responsible, but often the recruits are simply processed out when they should be processed through disability proceedings. I know of one person who was a recruit, luckily had a major injury while at bootcamp which resulted in the doctors finding the cancer. She was kept in the medical/sick platoon until they could "show her the door." She was never informed of her rights and the government's potential liability for her injuries and healthcare.
 
Matt_K said:
Mary,

I would go about calling the 434th (http://sill-www.army.mil/434/). Please be sure to have the BCT Unit that your daughter is assigned too. No soldier in a BCT unit should go without communication (verbal or written). 21 is still a young age that can be influenced easily so upon contacting the BDE express that you would like to be in contact with your daughter or know her current situation. If she is pending a Medical Discharge express that you would like to have an address to contact her at or speak with her. Being involved in this situation isn't letting your child be an adult... It is simply establishing a support system. For the "Young Ones" that think they can put her on the "hotseat" are sadly mistaken. Hazing is no longer tolerated at all in the Army, but please don't misconstrued a Drill Sergeant being themselves. The "trail" has changed a lot in the past couple of years so new standards are in place as far as their actions are concerned. I hope all goes well and look for further guidance once you have contacted someone and have a better grasp as to what the exact situation is.

Regards
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Thank you for your quick response and advice. I expressed mailed her yesterday with some questions about what all the responses said. I just sent an email to the battalion commander with a very diplomatic tone. I'm better with the written word rather then phone. But gave phone number or asked to email me with any info.
As soon as I hear something and hopefully I do. I will give an update.
 
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