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• OT in the U.S. Army Fact Sheet

Occupational Therapy (OT) has been a part of the Army Medical Specialist Corps since its inception in the Army in April 1947. OT's have a long, proud history of service dating back to Work War I as reconstruction aides. Since that time, Army OT's have served our country throughout the world in times of war and peace.

The Army Occupational Therapy Mission:

• To promote Soldier readiness, healthy living, and optimal performance among all Department of Defense (DoD) beneficiaries using occupational therapy principles and practices.
• Provide OT services that reflect best clinical practices, are timely, and are cost efficient.
• Serve in primary care to diagnose and treat upper extremity injuries and illnesses.
• Develop ergonomic strategies, policies, and programs to prevent injuries and decrease human and economic costs of injuries in the DoD.
• Provide OT services within Warrior Transition Units (WTU) for reintegration of Soldiers as they return to work and productive living.
• Develop versatile, competent OT leaders who successfully manage clinic operations and serve in branch immaterial positions throughout the Army Medical Department (AMEDD).

Occupational Therapy and Warriors in Transition:

A Warrior in Transition (WT) is a term used by the Army to describe any Active Duty Soldier who requires extended rehabilitation or a Medical Evaluation Board (MEB). The primary mission of a Soldier assigned to a Warrior Transition Unit (WTU) is to heal. Warriors in Transition focus on activities that promote healing in the physical, mental, social, and spiritual domains of life. A familiar military living environment, medical and rehabilitation services, and set daily routines with individualized goals promotes the healing process.

Occupational Therapy's role within a Warrior Transition Unit (WTU) is to help Soldiers attain optimal occupational performance and gain a sense of mastery as they transition back to independent, productive living. The WTU OT promotes the Soldier's return to the role of worker, whether military or civilian.

OT practitioners promote, improve, conserve, and restore the skills, abilities and aptitudes of the Warrior in Transition. They help guide Soldiers toward reasonable short and long-term goals that reflect the Soldier's avocational (non-paid or volunteer) and vocational interests.

A supportive military environment and engagement in purposeful work activities that match Soldiers' interests and skills helps them to overcome physical, mental, or emotional barriers. As a result, Soldiers will learn to view themselves as competent workers capable of taking responsibility for their future by gaining control over their daily lives.