WTU Caters to Wounded, Sick Soldiers

Fort Meade's Warrior Transition Unit (WTU) opened at the Kimbrough Ambulatory Care Center in October 2007. The unit currently works to heal and rehabilitate more than 100 wounded, ill and injured soldiers so they can return to an active duty status or civilian life.

Many WTU soldiers have been wounded in combat overseas and are recovering from their injuries, but others have not; any long-term condition, including orthopedic injuries and chronic medical conditions such as cancer, can lead to WTU assignment.

To be considered for the unit, soldiers must have had a temporary profile for six months or more, with duty limitations that preclude them from training for (or contributing to) the unit's mission. Soldiers are recommended for WTU by their commanders, who submit a packet which must be approved by the unit commander, primary care physician and nurse case manager.

Incoming WTU soldiers are managed through what is known as the "Triad of Care," which is composed of a nurse case manager, squad leader and primary care physician. Triad members work together to ensure soldiers' needs are met, with the focus on recovery, rehabilitation and reintegration.

Soldiers generally stay in the WTU for a minimum of 180 days and are released when a medical review board has determined that they have reached Maximum Medical Benefit.

At that time, the soldier is recommended for return to the Army or medical retirement. The Soldier & Family Assistance Center, which caters solely to soldiers assigned to the Fort Meade WTU, offers a plethora of programs to prepare soldiers, as well as their families, for life after the WTU.