February 3, 2008: The U.S. Army has
established 32 Warrior Transition Units (WTUs). These are to look after the
needs of soldiers requiring six months or more of medical care before they are
well again. Most have combat injuries, but there are many with accident
injuries, and a few recovering from diseases contracted overseas. Each WTU is
staffed with a few officers and 15-20 NCOs (platoon sergeants and squad
leaders). In addition there are nurses and other medical professionals. The WTU
staff sees to it that those under their care receive the proper medical
treatment on a timely and sufficient basis. The WTU staff deal with any
paperwork problems, helping the patients cope with the many bureaucracies that
come out of the woodwork. The WTU NCOs have the hardest jobs, because they are
often combat veterans themselves, relate well to the patients, and they are the
main problem solvers. This is particularly useful for WTU patients who are
reservists, and are not familiar with a lot of the active duty paperwork and
procedures. Because of the stress placed on the WTU NCOs, they will be
special-duty pay of $225 a month. Sort of like combat pay, but given to any
troops in particularly difficult jobs.