If a soldier is wounded during a training exercise(FTX, gun range, etc), can the wounded soldier be awarded anything?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 16 Sep 2021 10:23:27 -0400

I'm asking this question because I understand that soldier's can get awarded a purple heart if injured in combat against hostile forces. Would that be possible if it was in a training environment?

Response by SFC James Cameron made Sep 16 at 2021 10:55 AM

SFC James Cameron — Thu, 16 Sep 2021 10:55:06 -0400

That Soldier can receive medical treatment. OPFOR and enemy combatants are on two polar opposites in regards to both intent and threat.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Sep 16 at 2021 11:08 AM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Thu, 16 Sep 2021 11:08:04 -0400

Purple Hearts are for wounds received in combat. There are no purple hearts or purple heart equivalent for being injured during a training exercise.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Sep 16 at 2021 11:11 AM

SGM Bill Frazer — Thu, 16 Sep 2021 11:11:41 -0400

No, but better get it into their medical records for the VA

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Sep 16 at 2021 11:52 AM

CW3 Kevin Storm — Thu, 16 Sep 2021 11:52:06 -0400

Years ago at Fort Sill a cannon unit fired out the box and hit a Basic unit at an MG range. I ended up working with one of the soldiers who was in that basic unit. They got nothing. Those who were actually wounded/injured would get disability and that is about it as I recall. This was over 30 years ago so times may have changed.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 16 at 2021 12:38 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 16 Sep 2021 12:38:00 -0400

Nothing along the lines of an award for their injury because it wasn't combat related. I believe they updated the Purple Heart to allow for friendly fire, but again only if in a combat environment.

However, you may be able to recognize individuals who under the given situation took appropriate actions or rendered aid. For example, I know of a Soldier who was injured in a rollover. While injured he took control of the scene, called for aid, got his fellow Soldiers out of the vehicle, and provided what medical aid he could until help arrived. He was awarded with an ARCOM by the BDE and a Coin with COA by the CG for his actions.

Response by SFC Kelly Fuerhoff made Sep 16 at 2021 12:42 PM

SFC Kelly Fuerhoff — Thu, 16 Sep 2021 12:42:25 -0400

Why would they be awarded for being injured in a training environment or garrison?

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Sep 16 at 2021 12:50 PM

SFC Casey O'Mally — Thu, 16 Sep 2021 12:50:59 -0400

Yes, they can. VA disability.

But that's about it.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 16 at 2021 1:03 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 16 Sep 2021 13:03:10 -0400

No awards. You will get a I’m sorry this happened to you and medical care for whatever injuries you sustained for the rest of your life

Response by Maj John Bell made Sep 16 at 2021 2:01 PM

Maj John Bell — Thu, 16 Sep 2021 14:01:00 -0400

OMG, really? What would you call it? The GTF outta the way ribbon?

If a soldier is wounded/injured in training here's what should happen:
_Conduct a preliminary investigation to determine if the injury was caused by simple negligence, gross negligence or misconduct. The investigation should focus on whoever was the Safety Officer/Safety SNCO.
_If appropriate, the "award" should be administrative or punitive action against the Safety Officer/Safety SNCO or the person injured.

To answer your question directly, no. I'm sorry but this is the result of "participation trophy" mentality and the Army's culture of hanging more ribbons, trinkets, doo-dads, and gee-gaws on a uniform than the Girls scouts attending the Kentucky Derby.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 16 at 2021 3:06 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 16 Sep 2021 15:06:17 -0400

Purple Heart? Really? You need to read the regulations on the criteria for the Purple Heart. That can be found in AR 600-8-22. I'm also redoing your TAGs because I have no idea why you chose the tags you did.

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Sep 16 at 2021 3:24 PM

SSG Edward Tilton — Thu, 16 Sep 2021 15:24:28 -0400

Which do you want, a medal, or a parade?

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 16 at 2021 3:28 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 16 Sep 2021 15:28:11 -0400

If they got hit with a blunt object they might get an IMPACT award…

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 16 at 2021 3:52 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 16 Sep 2021 15:52:38 -0400

I was embarrassed to even read this question.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Sep 16 at 2021 4:04 PM

SGM Erik Marquez — Thu, 16 Sep 2021 16:04:49 -0400

"Would that be possible if it was in a training environment?"

If the actual cause of injury were from an unauthorized action, failure to follow procedure, policy or regulation, that Soldier could be awarded a LOR or action under the UCMJ for their injury.

If the injury was obtained while saving the life of another, the SM could be put in for an award yes.

If the SM fell in a ditch while walking patrol at night, then no an award is not going to be recommended.

Response by SPC Kurt Hesselden made Sep 16 at 2021 5:42 PM

SPC Kurt Hesselden — Thu, 16 Sep 2021 17:42:26 -0400

No, you have to be in combat, or enemy indirect fire, or friendly fire that happened for fire meant for the enemy to receive an Enemy Marksman Medal.

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Sep 16 at 2021 6:41 PM

SPC Margaret Higgins — Thu, 16 Sep 2021 18:41:56 -0400

SGT Private RallyPoint Member I have menti0oned this before on Rally Point: my late Adored Grandfather was awarded the Purple Heart.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 16 at 2021 9:26 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 16 Sep 2021 21:26:52 -0400

Yes a 15-6

Response by LTC John Griscom made Sep 16 at 2021 10:23 PM

LTC John Griscom — Thu, 16 Sep 2021 22:23:32 -0400

No way.

Response by SSG Brian G. made Sep 16 at 2021 11:56 PM

SSG Brian G. — Thu, 16 Sep 2021 23:56:57 -0400

The only way they might be awarded anything is if the whatever occured in a warzone. Then they might get a purple heart. Other than that the only thing they get is a stop at the medic and here is your sign.

Response by SGM Steve Wettstein made Sep 17 at 2021 6:19 AM

SGM Steve Wettstein — Fri, 17 Sep 2021 06:19:31 -0400

They can be awarded with an MEB and medical retirement.

Response by PFC David Meeuwes made Sep 19 at 2021 2:00 AM

PFC David Meeuwes — Sun, 19 Sep 2021 02:00:39 -0400

I served with a Marine who got shot 7 times (friendly fire) by a SAW , In Iraq. 7 rounds through one side of his rib cage and out the other. He didn’t get a purple for it.

Response by SPC Donn Sinclair made Sep 20 at 2021 6:47 AM

SPC Donn Sinclair — Mon, 20 Sep 2021 06:47:14 -0400

Since you've opened yourself up for any number of snarky responses, I'll keep it simple and polite, no.

Response by SSG Shawn Mcfadden made Sep 23 at 2021 9:03 AM

SSG Shawn Mcfadden — Thu, 23 Sep 2021 09:03:55 -0400

Hahahahaha. Seriously? Okay, i'm going to use you for entertainment. Why? Because one of my Soldiers went through this. The only"awards" you're going to get is convalescent leave, surgery, and if you're lucky morphine. THE PURPLE HEART IS AWARDED IF YOU HAVE BEEN WOUNDED BY AN ARMED ENEMY!! Transmission ends.

Response by SGT Hugh Bowman made Sep 25 at 2021 8:15 PM

SGT Hugh Bowman — Sat, 25 Sep 2021 20:15:59 -0400

This happens. I don’t think slot. But if during train. In the line of duty. This includes driving to morning pt. How ever. Going home may not qualify for in the line of duty. I seen where this both happened. So early med retirement aka med board is about all they get

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Oct 21 at 2021 9:00 AM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 09:00:16 -0400

Yes, an article 15 if it was due to negligence.

Response by SP5 Bernard Cook made Oct 28 at 2021 12:32 PM

SP5 Bernard Cook — Thu, 28 Oct 2021 12:32:33 -0400

Why would you want anything?? I get tired of hearing ppl, some who have even served, constantly mistake the "awarding" of a medal or other commendation, you don't "win" anything, it is awarded by those who have seen and observed your valor or your combat wounds, it is not a contest where there is a winner.

Response by SN Kristi Kalis made Nov 7 at 2021 2:39 PM

SN Kristi Kalis — Sun, 07 Nov 2021 14:39:21 -0500

Injuries during training (in the Army) are required to be filed on a LOD/LOI form. That's a line of duty/list of injuries form, which is used for documentation for benefits. That does not equal being given an award for sustaining injuries.
The specific criteria for a Purple Heart to be awarded are -
a) any action against an enemy of the United States;
b) any action with an opposing armed force of a foreign country in which the Armed Forces of the United States are or have been engaged;
c) while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party;
d) as a result of an act of any such enemy or opposing armed forces; or
e) as a result of an act of any hostile foreign force.

Response by Maj Tom E made Nov 8 at 2021 8:31 PM

Maj Tom E — Mon, 08 Nov 2021 20:31:29 -0500

Maybe a medical discharge

Response by SSgt Elizabeth Foster made Nov 9 at 2021 8:14 AM

SSgt Elizabeth Foster — Tue, 09 Nov 2021 08:14:55 -0500

HEEEEELL NO!!! I was injured (roll over simulation) during training. I received basic care & a "ur fine, u can walk and still hold a rifle so ur fine" I suffer with major back pain now due to that incident and multiple others being a contributing factor.

Response by SSG Marcus Johnson made Nov 9 at 2021 9:21 AM

SSG Marcus Johnson — Tue, 09 Nov 2021 09:21:19 -0500

No. But said soldier should insure that he or she get proper care and incident gets into records.

Response by SSG Marcus Johnson made Nov 9 at 2021 9:21 AM

SSG Marcus Johnson — Tue, 09 Nov 2021 09:21:34 -0500

Response by GySgt Kenneth Pepper made Nov 9 at 2021 2:11 PM

GySgt Kenneth Pepper — Tue, 09 Nov 2021 14:11:10 -0500

Yes , they can be awarded a disability percentage by the VA.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 9 at 2021 2:54 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 09 Nov 2021 14:54:48 -0500

Wow.....

Response by 1SG Jeffrey Mullett made Nov 9 at 2021 7:21 PM

1SG Jeffrey Mullett — Tue, 09 Nov 2021 19:21:41 -0500

Depends completely on the circumstances of the injury.
Basic is the initial phase of military service, as a result, until you pass Basic, you are NOT a Soldier, Sailor, Airmen or Marine. If the issue was negligence, then it depends on who's negligence. If it is a matter of protecting another Trainee, then it is worthy of an award.
Basic is set up with several layers of safety involved. It's been done for a long time, and things are set up to be done in specific ways. So, there is little wiggle room when it comes to training related injuries.

Response by SGT Jeff Long made Nov 10 at 2021 12:12 PM

SGT Jeff Long — Wed, 10 Nov 2021 12:12:22 -0500

If by “awarded” you mean 100% medically retired, why yes, he or she can. A friend of mine took a brown recluse bite to the leg while doing business in the portajohn while training at Camp Bullis. The end result was an amputation below the knee and thus total service connected disability. But no Purple Heart here.

Response by SSG Brian MacBain made Nov 10 at 2021 7:09 PM

SSG Brian MacBain — Wed, 10 Nov 2021 19:09:23 -0500

SPC Tucker, really? If that was the case, everyone in the Army/Navy/Air Force/Marines would have a purple heart because they just might have twisted an ankle during a PT test, or doing a ruck march.

Response by SFC Edward Ermey made Nov 10 at 2021 7:39 PM

SFC Edward Ermey — Wed, 10 Nov 2021 19:39:43 -0500

No, but a LOD investigation will occur.

Response by MAJ Alexander Kaleta made Nov 10 at 2021 8:30 PM

MAJ Alexander Kaleta — Wed, 10 Nov 2021 20:30:54 -0500

I sure to hope not. The Purple Heart should only be awarded for injuries in combat; not in training.

Response by SPC William RT Tyler made Nov 11 at 2021 12:23 AM

SPC William RT Tyler — Thu, 11 Nov 2021 00:23:51 -0500

In regards to your question, after Desert Storm Army regulations regarding the Purple Heart was changed. In effect you must be in a Combat Theatre and be injured in combat to receive the Purple Heart. Mind you I was told this in 2001, but I have read the regulation and its very clear on how or when it was awarded. If you are looking for promotion points, I would direct you towards volunteering for training such as Air Assault, Soldier's Leadership Development Course, PLDC, HazMat, and other assorted training as it will get you points quickly. If you are looking for a medal, my only suggestion is to work harder and be more valuable to your unit. The alternative is combat.

Response by SP5 John Taylor made Nov 11 at 2021 3:35 PM

SP5 John Taylor — Thu, 11 Nov 2021 15:35:05 -0500

I have a different twist on the question asked. If a soldier is wounded by friendly fire while on alert In. acompact zone. Would that change the possibility of PH being awarded?

Response by SPC Ramon Urias made Nov 11 at 2021 4:12 PM

SPC Ramon Urias — Thu, 11 Nov 2021 16:12:12 -0500

Just like in sports, the stats don’t count in practice, but the injuries do. Get it documented

Response by SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 12 at 2021 7:22 AM

SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 12 Nov 2021 07:22:11 -0500

I really think civilians make this sh!t up to get a response from viewers. My only comment…. I saw plenty of Purple Heart recipients. They earned their medals in the dirt of Afghanistan. Many were double and triple amputees. Unfortunately some of the AKA were so devastating it was almost impossible to stop the bleeding and they passed on. They were also awarded Purple Hearts. So, do I think someone “injured” while training it at the same level….. are you kidding??

Response by SGT Mike Palella made Nov 12 at 2021 12:15 PM

SGT Mike Palella — Fri, 12 Nov 2021 12:15:56 -0500

The one award that one could receive (pending on the severity of the injury) is no pay due. Just saying.

Response by TSgt Tommy Amparano made Nov 12 at 2021 12:45 PM

TSgt Tommy Amparano — Fri, 12 Nov 2021 12:45:13 -0500

A disability pension?

Response by MSG Bob S made Nov 12 at 2021 3:17 PM

MSG Bob S — Fri, 12 Nov 2021 15:17:27 -0500

That award is called VA Disability at whatever rate these injuries merit

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 12 at 2021 3:40 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 12 Nov 2021 15:40:59 -0500

that has to be the Best of the Year in Specialists Questions. The Answer is NO. Don't you think you would be disenfranchising those that were awarded the Purple Heart in combat?
You are awarded free medical care and time off with pay. During a training environment, the injury would be under investigation (even in combat, there is a investigation and a board). Negligence is usually the cause for mishaps in training. What type of wound would you get from blanks? Your Blank Adapter got too hot to touch? Concealing smoke got in your eyes, inhaled?
It sounds like you are farming for medals. Easy Killer, the more you serve, the more you will get... the more you have to maintain on the Service Uniform...

Response by SSG Andrew Chriss made Nov 13 at 2021 12:07 AM

SSG Andrew Chriss — Sat, 13 Nov 2021 00:07:34 -0500

Simple answer, no.
Compensation would be considered at ets by the Army/VA.
Follow on issues: B/c the answer is no, units often struggle with awarding meritorious behavior before and after injury. Fact. They start with that answer, no, and there is little to no effort to characterize all other efforts/results.

Response by SFC Michael Smith made Nov 13 at 2021 9:26 AM

SFC Michael Smith — Sat, 13 Nov 2021 09:26:29 -0500

Must be the Lts’ that come up with this stuff.

Response by SPC Terry Roy made Nov 13 at 2021 12:25 PM

SPC Terry Roy — Sat, 13 Nov 2021 12:25:52 -0500

It's an interesting question. While I agree the Purple Heart is an earned medal for being injured during combat, there should be something for soldiers who are permanently injured during non-combat related incidents that recognizes their sacrifice for their country. Sure they get VA benefits but frankly they treat you like they are doing you a favor. I would not be opposed to a medal of some sort for those with a permanent disability that was caused by no blatantly negligent fault of their own. A vet in a wheelchair the rest of their lives is still vet in a wheelchair the rest of their life because of their service. Training to face the enemy can be dangerous when dealing with things like armored vehicles and explosives. A purple heart is for those who faced the enemy. Perhaps a DOD medal awarded post discharge for people deemed at least 50% disabled getting the lowest level of award and 100% permanent and total getting the highest. Something like a medal with Caduceus on it called the Sacrifice Through Service award. Just something saying we see you and your Country thanks you for your sacrifice. Again not to compete with the PH which is always held in the highest esteem because it includes a level of bravery and risk of death at the hands of the enemy. This would just be a recognition of self sacrifice while in the service of your Country.

Response by SPC Roger D. Pemberton Jr. made Nov 13 at 2021 2:22 PM

SPC Roger D. Pemberton Jr. — Sat, 13 Nov 2021 14:22:14 -0500

I am like others when it comes to asking about an award. Really, an award? On the other hand I'm not going to go as far as saying that the injured should be hung out to dry after some lengthy investigation to find negligence or fault unless the injury is extreme such as being paralyzed, amputation, or death. Troops get hurt in the military that's just part of it more times than not. Looking for an award because of getting injured during training is beyond ridiculous though. Report the injury so it is documented and in your file and be content that you will get care for that injury the rest of your life.

Response by SPC Karl Jungel made Nov 13 at 2021 3:01 PM

SPC Karl Jungel — Sat, 13 Nov 2021 15:01:52 -0500

If that should happen then there should be an award for 'THE MOST UNLUCKIEST SOLDIER TODAY'!!! Injuries happen in training, I had one, but does not rise to the level of the requirements for a Purple Heart. It would be absurd to have such a thing. Just saying....

Response by SSgt Daniel d'Errico made Nov 13 at 2021 9:07 PM

SSgt Daniel d'Errico — Sat, 13 Nov 2021 21:07:42 -0500

Unfortunately there isn't an award for being "wounded" during a training action. The wounded member will either be told to be "careful next time" or be blamed for being careless.

Response by SPC Jonathan Lee made Nov 15 at 2021 9:09 AM

SPC Jonathan Lee — Mon, 15 Nov 2021 09:09:08 -0500

You will be awarded with a trip to hospital first.
If you are injured with your own negligence, you might get awarded with a UCMJ.

Response by SGT Shane Serna made Nov 15 at 2021 9:33 PM

SGT Shane Serna — Mon, 15 Nov 2021 21:33:04 -0500

Seen a really messed up soldier. Lose most his arm in a mortor misshap on big island. Injury like that wasn’t his fault and I wouldn’t have minded him getting something like a Purple Heart even if it wasn’t a battle wound.

Response by SSG Martin Reyna made Nov 15 at 2021 11:55 PM

SSG Martin Reyna — Mon, 15 Nov 2021 23:55:31 -0500

The soldier could possibly be awarded some time of and profile PT

Response by SSG Gregg Mourizen made Nov 21 at 2021 12:09 AM

SSG Gregg Mourizen — Sun, 21 Nov 2021 00:09:29 -0500

You would probably get the Boo Boo badge. You know, the bandage everyone gets to see. You might get the Gimp award, you know, a limp.
On a serious note.
Unless you did something particularly heroic, to get said injury, I doubt you would see much more than a coin, if even that.
You know, getting injured saving someones life, or preventing a disaster.
You would be getting rewarded for the action causing said injury, not the injury itself. The injury might factor in towards the level fo the award you might get.

The injury in itself? No. Very unlikely.

Response by CPT Clay Edwards made Nov 25 at 2021 7:48 PM

CPT Clay Edwards — Thu, 25 Nov 2021 19:48:21 -0500

General Petraeus when he was a LTC got shot in the chest by one of his soldiers. He got a free ride to the hospital in Nashville on an Army Blackhawk helicopter.

Response by SFC John Fourquet made Dec 26 at 2021 7:08 PM

SFC John Fourquet — Sun, 26 Dec 2021 19:08:47 -0500

Hell no!

Response by SPC Chris Ison made Jan 9 at 2022 9:11 PM

SPC Chris Ison — Sun, 09 Jan 2022 21:11:02 -0500

Yes they may be awarded an article 15 or even a court martial for negligence.

Response by TSgt Paul Munsel made Jan 13 at 2022 9:57 AM

TSgt Paul Munsel — Thu, 13 Jan 2022 09:57:51 -0500

I have a good friend who was seriously wounded during a training session. Range was called cold so targets could be taken care of. His Sgt grabbed up a weapon firing down range. Struck my buddy and 1 other before being stopped. I do not remember what the NCO's reasoning for this was. My buddy was clearly in the right. His NCO 3asn5, and was dealt with.
He and the other soldier were seriously wounded. He has a large depression in his head where the round almost took his entire head off. He has gone through extensive rehabilitation to get him comfortable around people, to get him to walk without assistance, and to be able to read and write.
Robert may not be a Purple Heart Hero, but he damned sure beat a lot of odds, for something that WAS NOT his fault. Not all "accidents" are the fault of the injured.
Me? I'm no one special. USAF awarded me a prosthetic leg for duty in a f***in' jungle someplace on the other side of the World. USAF does have a few folks who don't just Fly A Desk...
Thank you to those who have served.

Response by 1LT Rich Voss made Oct 20 at 2022 5:40 PM

1LT Rich Voss — Thu, 20 Oct 2022 17:40:31 -0400

During my active duty time there were unfortunate deaths during training exercises. Even road marches in which a vehicle overturned. None of those soldiers got awards. A commander had to call/and or write to their loved ones (we were in West Germany). I doubt anyone will call SGLI benefits an “award”, other than as an insurance term.