A Leader's Guide to Trauma in the Unit - US Army War College

Army War College Spouses’ Project
ILLNESS/INJURY IN THE UNIT
“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and
convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”
--Martin Luther King, Jr.
WHY IT MATTERS
When illness or injury strikes the unit, the impact can be almost as devastating as a loss.
Because of the varying degrees and seriousness of illnesses and injuries, those in support
roles may be confused about, or have questions concerning, the best way to give support.
Knowing what to do and, sometimes, what not to do, can make a world of difference in
the lives of the injured or ill person and their family.
MILITARY ROLE
If a soldier is injured or taken seriously ill while deployed, the spouse will be notified
according to the unit/installation policy. Usually, if the servicemember is Very Seriously
Ill/Injured (VSI) or Seriously Ill/Injured (SI), telephonic notification will be made.
Telephonic notification is not usually made for servicemembers not seriously ill/injured
(NSI) due to hostile action. Casualty reports are not generated for non-hostile NSI
servicemembers. For further information see DODI 1300.18.
Preparation by the military sponsor is key. Servicemembers should ensure the following
are updated periodically and kept current:
• DD Form 93
• SGLI forms
• Power of Attorney
• Family Care Plan
• Wills
• Survivor Contingency Plan
The servicemember and spouse may consider making preparations by doing the
following:
• Designate several personal points of contact for help/support.
• Ask them if they will be responsible for specific roles such as:
o transportation of children to and from school
o transportation to and from medical facilities
o pet care
o taking care of gate access for any visiting family/friends that are non-ID
card holders
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A Leader’s Guide to Trauma in the Unit April 2004