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If a Soldier is
found unfit for duty by the PEB, under certain circumstances he/she may
request a "Continuation on Active Duty" or a "Continuation on Active
Reserve" status. Special requirements have to be met in order for this
to be approved.
Who is eligible to apply for COAD/COAR?
All Soldiers found unfit by Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) or Medical Evaluation Board (MEB) proceedings can request COAD/COAR.
COAD/COAR application, approval, and assignment procedures regulations can be found in AR 635-40 (Physical Evaluation for Retention, Retirement, or Separation) and AR 614-200 (Enlisted Assignments and Utilization Management).
Is there additional eligibility Criteria?
To be eligible for COAD/COAR, a Soldier must meet at least one of the
following requirements:
Has served 15-20 years of service for COAD or 15-20 qualifying years of service for non-regular retirement for COAR
Is qualified in a critical skill or shortage Military
Occupational Specialty (MOS)
Has a disability as a result of combat or terrorism
Soldiers must be able to work in a military environment without adversely
affecting their health or requiring extensive medical care. They will be
periodically re-evaluated to determine if further duty is harmful to their
health or detrimental to their interests or the Army’s. Soldiers who later
incur a service obligation remain liable to complete that obligation up to
the expiration of the COAD/COAR agreement. If a Soldier’s disability
increases to the point that the Soldier is no longer able to perform duty
with proper limitations he can apply to be released from the remainder of
the obligation.
How does an AW2 Advocate assist in the COAD/COAR process?
Identifies interested AW2 Soldiers prior to the Medical Evaluation
Board/Physical Evaluation Board (MEB/PEB)
Provides comprehensive counseling to ensure Soldiers understand
their options and can visualize their future in the force
Utilizes a financial calculator to complete a detailed income
report assisting the Soldier and Family with their "stay on active
duty vs. medically retire" decision
Assists in facilitating the COAD/COAR process for AW2 Soldiers
interested in continuing their careers
Am I still competitive for Promotion?
Yes, you are eligible for promotion and still competitive. In FY08, the selection rate for promotion of AW2 Soldiers was higher than the Army average. The AR 600-8-19 and Warrior Transition Unit (WTU) Consolidated guidance govern promotion rules, policy, and procedure.
How long can I stay in?
Once approved for COAD, Soldiers may remain on active duty (provided otherwise qualified) until their retention control point (RCP), mandatory removal or retirement date (MRD), age 62 for active duty or age 60 for Active, Guard, or Reserve (AGR), whichever comes first.
Once approved for COAR, Soldiers may serve to their maximum years of service (MYOS), MRD, or age 60 or whichever occurs first. They will be required to reenlist if the period for which their COAD or COAR was approved extends beyond their contractual enlistment.
When does the COAD Process begin?
Although a Soldier may show interest at varying times. The COAD request goes forward to Physical Disability Agency (PDA) and the proceeding boards after the Soldier receives their unfit rating and indicated that they desire to pursue COAD.
Who is the disapproval authority for AW2 COAD/COAR Request?
The U.S. Army Deputy Chief of Staff, G-1
Will I remain in the same Military Occupational Specialty (MOS)?
Most Soldiers remain in their current MOS and are assigned in accordance with their limitations.
Can I revoke/withdraw my COAD/COAR application?
Yes a Soldier may request to revoke/withdraw their application through their local Physical Evaluation Board Liaison Officer (PEBLO).
How does Human Resources Command (HRC) determine my future assignments?
Your Assignment Manager will discuss assignment opportunities with you. However; COAD/COAR assignments depend on Physical limitations, available medical services at the gaining installation, and professional development, and the needs of the Army.
Can I reenlist?
Yes, you are allowed to reenlist. Soldiers are not required to meet medical standards for the disabilities for which they were continued. However, they may be denied reenlistment if their disabilities have worsened or if they have new medical impairments which fall below the medical retention standards of AR 40-501, chapter 3.
What is a 5 Year Plan?
The 5 Year Plan is created and developed in a series of discussion with the Soldier and their branch manager. It is a projected career path and timeline all AW2 Soldiers which encompasses and identifies Non-Commissioned Officer Education System (NCOES) Requirements, possible assignments, short term goals, promotion eligibility and Soldier and Family considerations. The 5 Year Plan usually is followed as closely as possible (it is not a contract). However, as stated before things are subject to change, to include the soldier health and limitations; which may also affect the 5 Year Plan.
Will I still attend NCOES?
Yes. AW2 Soldiers who are eligible to attend NCOES may be selected for attendance for any service schools.
How Do I become WTU Cadre?
Discuss your desire as early as possible with your WTU triad of care leadership, AW2 Advocate, and Branch Manager. If selected by the Leadership, they can request you be assigned as cadre.
I want an AW2 Soldier assigned to my unit or organization. How do I request a Soldier?
There are several options- contact AW2 Career and Education or AW2 Human Resources for further information. Keep in mind that in order for a Soldier to be assigned to a unit they must fill a valid position. If you do not have a valid position, contact Operation Warfighter.
Can I deploy again?
Yes, you may. AW2 Soldiers are not automatically considered non-deployable. Deployment status is based on the soldier’s limitations (Physical capacity/stamina, Upper extremities, Lower extremities, Hearing/ear, Eyes, Psychiatric (PULHES) and Profile), assignment, and projected theater of operations.
What is Operation Warfighter?
Its temporary assignment or internship program for Soldiers in the national Capitol Region undergoing therapy at Military Treatment Facilities. It is designed to provide meaningful activities outside of the hospital environment. This program is set for expansion to Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC) next year.
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