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2014 QDR Cover
Though overseas conflicts are drawing to a close, the care and successful transition of wounded, ill and injured Service members remains a top priority for the Department of Defense, as outlined in the DoD’s 2014 Quadrennial Defense Review (QDR), released on March 4.
“As the Department undertakes this transition from wartime, we will continue to ensure that Service members whose sacrifices have resulted in wounds, illnesses, or injuries receive top quality physical and psychological care. The Department of Defense is committed to supporting the approximately 14,000 wounded warriors and their families recovering from, and coping with, injuries sustained during global operations. The Department will invest in initiatives like the Recovery Coordination Program, which assigns a single point of contact to help Service members from the moment of an injury to when they return to active duty or leave active service. And we will sustain efforts to build the strongest possible support network for the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces who are in hospitals, rehabilitation, or are otherwise recovering.” – 2014 Quadrennial Defense Review (pg. 44, lines 1-10)
You can find the full version of the QDR here: http://www.defense.gov/home/features/2014/0314_sdr/qdr.aspx
The Recovery Coordination Program, administered by the DoD’s Office of Warrior Care Policy, is a critical part of this mission to support the Nation’s wounded warriors. Through the Recovery Coordination Program eligible wounded, ill and injured Service members are assigned a non-medical care coordinator who serves as a single point of contact for Service members and their families from the point of injury, through recovery and rehabilitation, and up to the Service member’s separation from the military or return to duty.
There are currently 452 non-medical care coordinators supporting Service members, families and caregivers around the world. They assist with everything from scheduling and remembering medical appointments, to enrolling in internship programs, to connecting Service members and families with the resources they need most, such as financial aid or home adaptations. Care coordinators use tools such as the
National Resource Directory and
Military OneSource to assist them in their work.
The Recovery Coordination Program includes several other initiatives designed to assist recovering Service members and families through recovery, rehabilitation and reintegration.
Operation Warfighter is a Federal internship program that places recovering Service members in supportive work environments that positively impact their recovery, and give recovering Service members the opportunity to gain real-world, on-the-job experience through internships across the Federal government.
The Education and Employment Initiative assists Service members early in their recovery process to identify their skills and help match them with the education and career opportunities that will help them successfully transition to civilian life.
Through the Military Adaptive Sports Program, recovering Service members with both physical and psychological wounds can participate in recreational and competitive athletic activities, improving both their physical and emotional health and well-being.
For more information about the Recovery Coordination Program and the Office of Warrior Care Policy, please visit
www.warriorcare.mil. For Service-specific information including eligibility requirements and the process of being assigned a non-medical care coordinator, please contact the applicable wounded warrior program using the links below.
Army AW2 Program
Marine Corps Wounded Warrior Regiment
Air Force AFW2 Program
Navy Safe Harbor
SOCOM Care Coalition