Not enough staff for injured soldiers

The House Armed Services Committee acknowledged that the improvements of centers provided for injured soldiers trying to transition back into civilian and military life, but insisted that the Army’s efforts have fallen short, particularly in staffing.

During a visit to Fort Hood, Texas in June 2008, the committee noticed a severe shortage of staff. After the discovery of inadequate care at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center, the Army issued the Army Medical Action Plan (AMAP) to improve facilities and services in June 2007.

Since the AMAP began, the number of soldiers in transition has doubled. In June 2007, there were 6,000 soldiers, but a year later, 12,000. As these numbers increase, the care centers are unable to keep up with the AMAP staffing standards. The AMAP ratio of squad leaders to soldiers is one to 12 and nurses to soldiers is one to 18. The shortage of nurses in the centers is a problem, said Lt. Gen. Michael D. Rochelle, Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel. In Fort Hood, the number of nurses required by AMAP is 74, but the committee staff counted 38 on its visit.

Rep. John M. McHugh (R-N.Y.) said the point of the hearing was to address the shortfalls of transition programs and learn from mistakes. Lt. Gen. Robert Wilson, Assistant Chief of Staff for Installation Management, cited the 35 sites under his command where wounded, ill, and injured soldiers are being treated.

Maj. Gen. David Rubenstein, Deputy Surgeon General of the U.S. Army, said that if the staff is overwhelmed with soldiers, the plan is to fall back on civilian companies, which is currently being done.