How many leaders are out there on physical profile for one reason or another and still conducting regular PT with their Soldiers?

2014-06-24T09:03:24-04:00

Background:
I have a torn meniscus and require surgery. I put off the surgery so that I could deploy and will get the procedure done when I return. I was put on a temporary profile that basically says I’m dead below the waist.
Situtaion:
I went to sick call this morning to get my profile updated so that I can take an APFT. I’m not trying to sham or anything. I actually want to take an APFT. One of the medics recognized me from the run route around the base and asked why I ran it if I was on profile. I told him because I can’t let my Soldiers out do me. It has been my mentality since I joined the Army that as a leader you should be out there setting the standard. He then went and grabbed the provider and basically ratted me out. I understand that they are looking out for my health, but I know my limitations and I’m not going to push myself to the point of making it worse. I’m not trying to be some super hardcore NCO but I’m not going to let my guys see me walk around a track with the other walkers while they go out and kick ass.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 29 at 2014 2:48 PM

2014-06-29T14:48:23-04:00

When I injured my leg a couple years back I felt horrible for walking in PT when everyone else was running, I just had to keep telling myself that things need time to heal. To rush it and injure yourself more is useless, you have a life after the millitary and you have to preserve that.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 5 at 2014 2:48 PM

2014-07-05T14:48:58-04:00

There is nothing wrong with pushing yourself to the limits. But remember, you only have the body god gave you. The Army is only 20 years of your life....hopefully you have another 40 years on this earth after you hang up your uniform. Listen to the professionals.

Response by SFC A.M. Drake made Jul 7 at 2014 12:24 AM

2014-07-07T00:24:47-04:00

SSG De la Rosa,

I applaud you for going all out for your troops, however you forgot the main piece of the puzzle: YOUR FAMILY...they have to deal with your injury way after you get out of the military, besides who wants a broken dad, when you cant play ball, or escort your daughter down the aisle one day, or hold your grandchild? Who cares what others will think of you? Your soldiers? While they are important, your family is priceless. Don't miss the forest for a few trees. Chew on that.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 7 at 2014 7:43 AM

2014-07-07T07:43:00-04:00

I do not have troops to do PT with but I do it nonetheless. I have 2 herniated discs, a ruptured disc, a torn labrum and now my left knee is going out. I knew I should have gotten the extended warranty.
I don't care what the Army opinion is anymore, I do PT for me. So I will never score a 300, I am still in the opinion of others a great leader. Too bad the promotion boards don't see it that way.
However in the end when I finally hang up these dusty boots I want everything to work as close to normal as possible so I will not push it anymore. The minute I step off the retirement stage the Army has forgotten all about me so whatever time I have left is about taking care of me. For many years I refrained from getting a profile so I could PT with my troops only to worsen things. I will reiterate my opinion that a high PT score does not denote high leadership ability.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 1 at 2014 11:10 PM

2014-12-01T23:10:47-05:00

To answer your original question - I have a permanent profile and do PT with the non-profile guys sometimes, the guys on profiles sometimes, and, when things are feeling horrible, I do some kind of intense gym workout or stick only to exercises (like calisthenics) that do not make things worse.

First - the medic was just doing his job. Don't be too hard on him for that.

Second - I'm 27 and have had 2 knee surgeries courtesy of the US Army. Both were combination MCL/meniscal tears. I have a permanent profile for not running, but regularly break my own profile and, occasionally, pay for it (like tonight - RICE ATW). I will not comment on the efficacy of surgeries incurred under the care of the US Army; however, I will say this - setting the example works in both situations. You set the example when you hold off on surgery to deploy and when you push your guys to do better, but you also set the example when you recognize an injury and take care of it. Musculoskeletal injuries are our #1 physical problem in the Army and why so many people are getting profiles / med boards. Listen to doc and take care of the problem. Believe me, the discipline it takes to slow down, have surgery, recover and come back strong is immense. It's much better to have the long-term profile now and be able to rescind it later than to be stuck with a P2 because you didn't take care of the problem early.

Third - As most others said, the Army will not care about you once you hang up the blues for the last time, but your kids/grandkids/spouse/dog/etc will.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 5 at 2014 10:06 AM

2014-12-05T10:06:49-05:00

SSG Private RallyPoint Member , I wouldn't sweat it. I also have physical limitations. Two torn ligaments in my right ankle, torn meniscus in my left knee, and a torn rotator cuff in right shoulder. I have put all of it off... again. and again. Now I am paying for it. I can't wake up without my shoulder hurting from the scar tissue, and my ankle swells daily even with naproxen. I would focus on getting better and then show your Soldiers what it takes to get back to form. They will see that you cannot just be lazy, and flip a switch.

Good Luck.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 5 at 2014 6:19 PM

2014-12-05T18:19:19-05:00

Most of us tend to downplay or 'hide' injuries so we can continue to participate with the troops and deploy. Injuries can tend to make us look or feel inferior or weak and we can't have that! We put off medical care and tell ourselves we will deal with it when we get ready to retire. Be careful about that! A few words of caution from a recently retired trooper.

If a medical professional gave you a profile, who are you to modify or break it? I know you know your body and limitations better than anyone else and what you are capable of, but what is the big picture here and what are your Joe's going to be thinking. If you have a profile, which is better: set the example by adhering to your profile, and then making your Soldier's adhere to theirs, and showing your concern for their health, well being and recovery; or showing your Soldier's you're going to ignore your profile, do PT with them, with the implication being profiles don't matter or PT is more important?

As a leader, can you be depended upon to do the right thing. You would never make a Soldier break a profile for PT (right??) - enforce the same standard on yourself. I will say what you do on your own time away from the Joe's is your own business and only you have to worry about it and live with it - let you morals guide you.

Maybe some of you out there can help enlighten me if this is true or not - I've been told and always operated under the premise if you break your profile (ie. running if you are only supposed to walk at your own pace), and cause additional damage, the additional damage is considered willful, and the Army isn't responsible for medical care and you are subject to UCMJ? I understand knowing/proving what the 'additional' damage is could be a can of worms, but just know dealing with the Army and then the medical sides, it would be all kinds of hell and not worth the risk or trouble.

It takes a while to get everything fixed that you put off for all those years. For me, two procedures and four surgeries and numerous dental appointments took nearly 12 months for scheduling, procedures and recovery - make sure to plan your time. Of course you can always get it done after you get out, but I don't recommend that!

Response by SFC Stephen King made Apr 29 at 2015 5:43 AM

2015-04-29T05:43:31-04:00

Physical profiles can be very humbling. As a P2 profile I have had the same thoughts as all of you My take is physical is only one part of a leader. Having to accept that demonstrates being mentally tough. Be the best leader you can. Know that others are looking to you for perspective. Lastly, Do your best to lead in action and word respectively.

Response by SGT Tomas "Huey" Husted made Aug 28 at 2018 12:01 AM

2018-08-28T00:01:01-04:00

My kids now have to help me around like I was in my 80's. I hate it but some times it's necessary. If I had taken care of my body this might be necessary. I have fused disks, I've had ankle surgery, knee surgery major calf surgery. I may have to have my ankle fused. I have no cartilage left in my hip. And all this is on my right leg, all of it. Don't be a man for your troops be a man for those who love you.