Physical Profiles and Military Service

Why do Soldiers with a physical profile receive less respect? Are these Soldiers less capable of performing their specific duties? Are these Soldiers less capable of leading other Soldiers? The Army recognizes the fact that Soldiers get injuries and ailments. Army regulations specifically address physical injuries and ailments and contain guidelines as to caring for these Soldiers. One step in the healing, recovery, and/or recuperation phase of an injury or ailment may include a physical profile. Physical profiles serve an important purpose. Profiles allow Soldiers to recover from injuries and illness, and help keep Soldiers from relapsing or reinjuring themselves. Since 2001, according to the Army's Medical Command and Pentagon statistics more than 40 percent of the active-duty personnel seeking medical attention received a temporary or permanent profile. Additionally, statistics suggest that another 20 percent of the active force need to seek medical attention for injuries or ailments. In addition, the Army currently cares for 320 combat-related amputees and must decide if these Soldiers are capable of continued service. Many of these injured Soldiers still perform their duties within fl.1e limits of their profile and continue to lead Soldiers. So why do we treat them differently and respect them less?