WTB to brief Army's WTB leaders on Reception Platoon

As Fort Benning's Warrior Transition Battalion streamlines inprocessing for Soldiers, it is taking its mission of improving Soldier care Armywide. Fort Benning's WTB command will brief WTB commanders nationwide at a medical symposium hosted by the Association of the U.S. Army in San Antonio Tuesday to Friday. Leadership from Fort Benning's WTB will speak on its recently unveiled project, a Reception Platoon, said CPT Robert Strawley, commander of Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, WTB. The platoon, which activated June 29, streamlines inprocessing requirements to ensure Soldiers are well-informed and prepared for life at the WTB. If successful, the Reception Platoon could become a model for other WTB's Armywide, he said. In the past, Soldiers came to the unit and were immediately assigned to a company, Strawley said. A squad leader was tasked to ensure the Soldier met with a nurse case manager, made billeting arrangements, and inprocessed through the various agencies. However, squad leaders were taxed between caring for their squad members and helping new Soldiers navigate the complex inprocessing requirements, Strawley said. The result was a stressful situation that placed a lot of anxiety on Soldiers new to the unit and pulled squad leaders in many different directions, he said. "The process was haphazard and we weren't providing Soldiers with a seamless transition," he said. In December, the WTB formulated a plan to give Soldiers a two-week transition time to take care of administrative and initial medical needs before being assigned to a company, said 1SG Gary French, of HHD and Reception Platoon. In June, the WTBs goal was realized when the Reception Platoon activated. Now the experience for incoming Soldiers is better, Strawley said. "We've implemented a new business model to provide a smoother transition in inprocessing. Phase one, which is Reception Platoon, includes reception, inprocessing, goals and assessment," Strawley said. "Things that were once spread out within the companies are now combined and moved to a dedicated element." French said that upon arrival, Soldiers receive their billets, an orientation packet, and a briefing from the commander on what to expect while at the WTB. They also receive an inprocessing checklist, meal card, free cell phone with 450 minutes each month, comprehensive transition plan and an interview conducted by a platoon sergeant or squad leader. Within 24 hours, new Soldiers must meet with a nurse case manager, behavioral health and primary care manager per Medical Command policy. Soldiers have 72 hours to meet with occupational therapy, he said. Previously, the first few days were not used efficiently, but now everything is scheduled and there is less chance Soldiers will fall through the cracks, Strawley said. The Soldiers attend mandatory classes during the first two weeks ranging from family and financial readiness to resume writing, he said. "We want to address all the non-medical issues Soldiers may be bringing with them," Strawley said. SGT Jonathon Fret has been assigned to WTB since he damaged his shoulder in 2008. Fret recalled his experience inprocessing with the WTB at the time as "hectic and full of unknowns." Fret said he already sees a positive change since the Reception Platoon began. "I see a major difference in the outlook of new Soldiers. They're more positive and less stressed," he said. "It's a support team," said CPL Tim "Pop" Seckel, another Soldier in the WTB. "Newer Soldiers are at an advantage. They may be injured, but if they get through their worry, they will transition better." Strawley said he expects the project will be well-received at the symposium next week. "Other WTB's will be curious to see how we've implemented it," Strawley said. "This will change the dynamics of how warrior care is being done."