Posted on May 14, 2018
SPC Military Police
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I've been in the Army for 5 years. MOS-T currently @ AIT. My back flared up during hill runs my first week here. I went to my PSG to seek advice about going to sick-call as it was pretty serious pain. PSG told me I can either a) Take the APFT and suffer through it or b) be removed from the course due to 350-6 regulations on not enrolling MOS-T students into class that are currently on profile.

The pain was bad enough that I decided to put myself first and seek treatment. I was given a profile for 3 weeks (expired this morning). My PSG/Commander gave me a tentative plan to take my APFT post-profile, then begin class if all goes well which I thought was more than reasonable; this resolution also contradicted my PSG's initial ultimatum. For the last three weeks during profile, I received 'SPOT' treatment 3x weekly. Essentially, this treatment was stretching and applying medical tape to my back.

I had my follow-up appointment today with the goal of removing my profile, even though I am still experiencing moderate pain. The doctor here used a tool on my back to test for spasms, and they were severe. In lieu of this, he chose to: A.) Extend my temporary profile another three weeks and B.) Change my treatment from SPOT to actual physical therapy at the hospital.

Following my appointment today, I immediately went to my PSG and told him. He was not impressed, and told me there is a good chance I will not be staying in the course, but will discuss with the commander. I want to be here, and I've shown it. I have been conducting moderated PT 2x a day and I truly believe my leadership understands this is not a matter of laziness or wanting to skip out on PT. My record APFT score is a 293 on AKO, and have never had injury issues or APFT issues. At this point, I don't know how to best approach this to move forward with my school with this current issue. I cannot lie to the doctor just to take the APFT, as I failed the spasm test this morning.

Any advice is much appreciated. Thank you.
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Responses: 4
COL Strategic Plans Chief
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SPC (Join to see), yeah...you can be sent home for being on a profile if you can't meet the standards. Couple of things. Go se a chiropractor and get an adjustment. That may fix it temporarily. You never know. Another option is to med-up, suck it up and take the test to pass. They don't need you to get a 296. they need you to get a 180. Do the minimum in the events and get up. Move on to the next station. Get it done as quickly as possible to minimize damage. I think a chiropractor would really help in the long run.
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TSgt David Holman
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My best advice is this, as medical professionals we look at your health first and foremost, and when we make recommendations for quarters/profiles, we do that because that is in your best interest. If you are still experiencing moderate pain, especially with the back, it is best to let it heal fully before exposing it to increased loads. If the course is designed to be extremely physical, having back pain can lead to decreased performance, or worst case scenario, exacerbation of the underlying condition that could limit your future mobility.
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SPC Ews (Early Warning Systems) Operator
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I have seen plenty of people removed mid-AIT for a profile if it interferes with any mandatory training.
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