Why the Devil Would the Army Keep Someone Who Gets a Permanent Profile in AIT?

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 29 Jan 2015 12:01:26 -0500

I understand if someone has a few years in and has some experience to contribute gets injured and needs a permanent profile. But I just had a trainee walk in who now has a permanent no-run profile. Even when I was in AIT, I saw that. Dude got a pushups-and-walk profile in AIT and was retained. We know from the get-go that Soldier can't contribute the same, but we pass them on, ostensibly so they can get paid the same as a Soldier who can do *everything* the Army asks of them. And right now, we're downsizing. I don't really lay awake at night thinking about this kind of thing, but I'm curious as to other peoples' thoughts.

Response by TSgt Jackie Jones made Jan 29 at 2015 12:02 PM

TSgt Jackie Jones — Thu, 29 Jan 2015 12:02:35 -0500

How did they pass if they couldn't perform?!?!

Response by SrA David Steyer made Nov 23 at 2015 1:48 AM

SrA David Steyer — Mon, 23 Nov 2015 01:48:13 -0500

I wouldn't worry too much.

I used to do record reviews for AF profiles. Obviously, a different system than the Army but what I can tell you in my experience is this: A lot of junior members who played the profile game weren’t too long for the service. I saw commanders and providers press harder for an MEB than someone who had been in a minute. Unfortunately, while quite a few were retained if they met an MEB, the majority of those members left the service shortly after for other reasons not always related to medical, or if they miraculously got better, they didn't reenlist.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 9 at 2016 8:33 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 09 Jun 2016 08:33:53 -0400

I've always HATED permanent profiles. I can understand having maybe one, but having a permanent profile for multiple things is ridiculous. I had back surgery in 2005 and I have absolutely struggled with sit ups. I don't even have a temporary profile. I think a permanent profile in AIT is grounds for separation, your already combat ineffective and you haven't done anything yet. Just get out and get that disability.

Response by FN Elisha Torres made Apr 6 at 2018 12:44 PM

FN Elisha Torres — Fri, 06 Apr 2018 12:44:36 -0400

My husband has a permanent profile. Six months after he graduated from Army boot camp he was in a motorcycle accident that left him with metal in his leg, pelvis, and dominent arm. Not only can he not run because of the injuries, he also has nerve damage in his dominant arm that prevents him from lifting more than 5lbs., but I will tell you what, he perseveres. Yes, he has limiitations, but he pushes past them as much as he can even with a permanent profile. It is easy to sit back and judge when you aren't the one in that predicament, but until you walk a mile in someone's shoes, then you really shouldn't speak on the matter. Being prior military myself and working in the healthcare industry, I see more people not on profiles trying to get out of PT events than I do on profiles. Not everyone on a permanent profile throws that profile around. Sure, it's rare, but you can't assume. Prior to the Army, he did 4 years Navy and never went to medical. He faced a terrible tragedy that nearly cost him his life and he STILL fights to stay in the Army. Could he get out on a Medboard, sure.. but he wants to do the honorable thing and finish out his term. He is three years into a six year contact and he still drills and performs his job effectively. He may not be able to run or do push-ups, but he would be a valuable asset to any team because SOME people on profiles do not use their limitations to get out of completeing a task.

Response by SPC David Willis made Apr 6 at 2018 1:24 PM

SPC David Willis — Fri, 06 Apr 2018 13:24:23 -0400

I never understood it either. I don't think all people or even most on permanent profiles are malingerers or shit bags. Things happen to people that are out of their control and unfortunately it can leave them hurting for a very long time its unfortunate but at the same time and on the other side of the coin the Army is a warfighting force. You need to be able to do your job and especially in the current conflicts anyone could find themselves in contact at any time so even if you can use a computer at your desk for 8 hours, if you cant drag a soldier out of the kill zone after your transportation convoy is blown up... you may not be in the right job.