Posted on Aug 13, 2023
Carrie Latimer
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My son left 8/8 called me today stating that he passed out yesterday while training and was taken to the hospital on back with his platoon in reception he said he chest was tight and it was hard to breathe. Temp with heat index was 105. I think he might have over pushed himself running. He said he has to sign papers tomorrow and worries he could he be getting discharged because of it. Nothing was said to him about what kind of paperwork. No one in the platoon has received IDs or anything yet. What's your thoughts?
Posted in these groups: 89f09e68 Fort Jackson
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Carrie Latimer, I hope your son is doing much better. On the presumption that this was a heat related injury, if he was admitted to the hospital for treatment might the "discharge" paperwork simply be discharge from the hospital?

If this was a heat-related injury he is likely to receive a medical recommendation that imposes a 'temporary' training restriction on his activities so he can recuperate while still participating in training within the limits imposed by his medical caregivers. This documentation is a customary practice and your Son will receive this paperwork, which includes a signature block for his commander to sign.

Alternatively, should this be an injury that necessitates comprehensive physical therapy for complete rehabilitation, he could be temporarily reassigned to a unit focussed on expedited recovery and reintegration back into training. This paperwork is NOT discharge from the Army paperwork; the goal is to get the Trainee back to a fit for duty status and back into training.

Medical discharges during U.S. Army basic training do occur in cases where it is the recommendation from the medical caregiver (Doctor). These are cases of serious injuries, and this is not the read I get from your comment above.

Medical discharges can also occur in cases where a Trainee's pre-service injury surfaces within the initial six months of Active Duty (injuries not disclosed during recruitment and reception into the Army). Based on the type of injury, the Soldier may face administrative separation per Army Regulation 635-200, chapter 5. The Soldier can petition for a waiver to continue Active Duty as per Army Regulation 635-40, chapter 5, or the Soldier can be referred to evaluation by a Medical Evaluation Board (MEB). The subject of an MEB discussion is an entirely distinct matter. I hope this last paragraph is not relevant to your Son.
SFC Casey O'Mally
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It is highly unlikely.

Heat injuries happen. They suck. But most of the time we don't hold them against the person who got injured. (Unless it was due to him refusing to follow guidance or something like that.)

Now, if the hospital uncovers some sort of medical deficiency which was not found at MEPS, that may be different. But generally speaking, he will recover and get back to training. Maybe have to spend a bit more time in Basic while he recovers and gets into a new training cycle, but probably not discharged.
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MSG Intermediate Care Technician
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Without knowing what papers he signed, all I can say it highly unlikely he'll get discharged. It's Jackson in the summer. Heat will affect a lot of people.
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