MEDICAL SERVICES AFTER ACTION REPORT (UNDATED)

File: aaatw_01.txt
Page: 01
Total Pages: 1
SUBJECT:  MEDICAL SERVICES AFTER ACTION REPORT (UNDATED)

			MEDICAL LESSONS LEARNED
			    DESERT SHIELD/STORM
         
CATEGORY: MANPOWER AND PERSONNEL
         
ISSUE ITEM #:
         
SUBJECT: PHYSICAL QUALIFICATIONS
         
BACKGROUND: Reservists reported for active duty with medical and
dental problems which should have disqualified them from
worldwide duty.
         
DISCUSSION: This problem has many facets. First, reservists do
not report all medical problems for fear of being thrown out of
the reserves. Secondly, dental problems are frequently not
covered under civilian health insurance plans and are not taken
care of until absolutely necessary. Lastly, reserve physicians
and dentists may be aware of the reservist's problems and not
disqualify the individual because of lack of knowledge or because
of pressure to keep someone active until they qualify for
retirement. The pressure to keep individuals that are not
medically qualified stems in part from the fact that reservists
do not have vesting in their retirement and can be discharged for
medical reasons at any time before they complete 20 years. Such a
discharge means the individual will not receive any compensation
for all their years of service.
         
ACTION RECOMMENDED: This problem was not serious from the medical
point of view, but did effect large numbers of people from the
dental viewpoint.  One solution might be to offer reservists an
inexpensive dental treatment plan. Renewed emphasis also
needed on worldwide qualification parameters.  ROA and other
organizations need to be made aware of the problems caused by the
lack of vesting in retirement.
  
SUGGESTED OPR(s), OCR(s): AFRES, REM, REL, RA,
         
COL KOENIGSBERG
AF/REM     [(b)(2)]