An editorial excerpt in the July/August 2014 edition of The American Journal of Occupational Therapy highlighted this dynamic period for servicemembers and the potential impact Occupational Therapy (OT) could have for military personnel. Dr. Mary Vining Radomski, OTR/L, FAOTA, and Lieutenant Colonel (Dr.) Teresa Brininger, OTR/L, CHT, came together to focus on the transition experience of Post-9/11 servicemembers who were engaged primarily in military operations in Afghanistan and Iraq and form the largest group of veterans today. They noted, “Although many servicemembers easily adjust to life after deployment, others with and without injuries struggle to resume family life, work, and community engagement (i.e., occupations of daily life)” (Radomski & Brininger, 2014). The editorial goes on to ask the following critical questions: (1) “What can we (OT) do as a profession to honor the service and sacrifice of our fellow citizens?” and (2) “What are the societal responsibilities of our profession?” (Radomski & Brininger, 2014). Now, 12 years later these same transition difficulties still exist, and this is OT’s moment to make an impact.

     
In my upcoming new continuing education course, we will look at the current Congressionally mandated offerings of TAP and updated statistics for various aspects of the military-to-civilian transition process. We will also spend time examining the concept of Military Identity and reviewing two relevant theories. Afterwards, we will move on to explore Community Reintegration and how OT can begin to address the questions raised above by Dr. Radomski and LTC Brininger. We will conclude by learning about assessments and interventions which hold great promise.

     
My new course is the third in a series which seeks to educate allied health professionals about the unique aspects of military servicemembers who all will be returning to civilian communities at some point. OT has always been exemplary in providing client-centered care designed to address numerous facets of a person’s life and this course will provide additional tools to help you give servicemembers the positive sense of recovery, resilience, and reintegration they deserve.

Reference:

Radomski, M.V., & Brininger, T.L. (2014). From the Desk of the Guest Editors – Occupational therapy for servicemember and veteran recovery, resilience, and reintegration: Opportunities for societal contribution and professional transformation. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 68, 379-380. http://dx.doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2014.013060