Demobilization Process prepares 45th IBCT Soldiers to transition back to civilian lives

FORT MEADE, Md. - The ultimate goal for more than 3,000 Oklahoma National Guard Soldiers returning from eight-month deployments to Afghanistan and Kuwait is to complete the demobilization process at Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center, Miss., and return home as soon as possible. Already, more than 2,000 Soldiers have made that transition and are now home with their friends and families.

And while leaders for the 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, the Oklahoma Joint Force Headquarters, First Army Division East, Army Medical Command, and the Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center support that goal, they work hard to ensure all Soldiers receive the care, transition support, and understand all the benefits due to them before they depart the demobilization site.

"This is an important effort, and we are committed to taking care of every Soldier as they transition back home," explained Maj. Gen. Kevin Wendel, First Army Division East Commander. First Army has the responsibility of overseeing the demobilization process for all redeploying Reserve Component Soldiers.

"While Soldiers are anxious to return home as quickly as possible, it is absolutely essential they fully understand their benefits, get dedicated access to health care if they need it, and are aware of the employment and education opportunities beyond serving their nation overseas. They have done a tremendous job downrange; they deserve every opportunity to receive the benefits they have so honorably earned," Wendel said.

The 45th IBCT Commander, Col. Joel Ward, agrees. He said he began explaining the process to Soldiers before they left the theater of operations to ensure they understood its importance.

"We stressed to them that we have to reset Soldiers just like we reset equipment. We've missed that in the past; we didn't pay enough attention to our Soldiers. It is critical that we identify each Soldier's needs and get them fixed. We must identify needs at the demobilization station and then ensure they continue their care either when they go home or by keeping them on active duty in a Warrior Transition Unit."

Ward said the demobilization process has been a positive experience, and he's pleased with the support the 45th IBCT Soldiers have received.

"The care that my Soldiers are receiving here is super. They are given the option of taking care of their needs here or transferring their care to home station without risk of losing their benefits or at cost to them. It's a super evolution since the last time I demobilized in 2004. I've watched the process evolve since 2003, and it continues to get better. The process really came together for us here on the ground at Camp Shelby.

When Soldiers tell Ward they just want to go home, he said he tells them so does he. "The goal is to get them the care they need as soon as possible so they can get home to their families. The options providers gave me accomplished that goal. I made an informed decision and am going home to my family with the follow-on care I need."

While there are sometimes delays in getting access for very specialized medical care, the medical team ensures Soldiers see the right health care providers before the 14-day process is completed.

"We have surged significant resources to Camp Shelby for the sole purpose of ensuring our Soldiers are properly cared for, and we will continue this surge until all our Soldiers are home," said Maj. Gen. Myles Deering, The Adjutant General for Oklahoma. "I don't want Soldiers delayed beyond what is absolutely necessary to ensure they are medically and administratively cared for, but I don't want Soldiers rushed through the process and not receive what they need."

"Most of the recently returned Oklahoma Soldiers are spending six to seven days at the demobilization site from the time they get off the plane in Gulfport until they are able to return to Oklahoma City," Deering added, "which I believe is very reasonable."

First Army tailors the redeployment process to meet each unit's specific needs. Additionally, the State, Army Medical Command and Camp Shelby's Medical Team coordinate provider support and specialty care not available at Camp Shelby with medical assets from the local community. Representatives from the Department of Veterans Affairs, Employer Support to the Guard and Reserve Program, and many others are available and assist in the process.

In addition to medical, dental and behavioral health support, Soldiers receive information and resources on benefits, programs, and access to care to assist them as they transition back home. This includes TRICARE, Veteran's Health Administration information and assistance, employment information and resources and administrative and financial assistance. Soldiers who wish to apply for benefits and jobs can do so with assistance from representatives on-site.

Soldiers do not leave Camp Shelby until their needs have been satisfactorily addressed and validated explained Col. Dale Kuehl, 177th Armored Brigade, First Army Division East, commander. Kuehl oversees the requirements-based demobilization process at Camp Shelby. He emphasized the whole process is a team effort with the unit, State leadership, and all partners. Throughout the process, Soldiers receive individualized attention, appropriate medical and other transition support assistance. The Soldier's chain of command remains involved every step of the way, helping the Soldier make informed decisions either to stay on active duty for additional medical care, or return home and receive that care from hometown providers.

Soldiers who elect not to stay on active duty and receive care at a hometown medical treatment facility must first meet with and discuss their situation with Col. Mike Kinnison, the 45th IBCT's demobilization officer.

"I'm the last stop," Kinnison said. "In some cases we just have to draw a line in the sand and make sure they get the care they need."

Lt. Col. George Kyle, First Army Division East Surgeon, has overseen the medical portion of the 45th IBCT's demob process. "Sometimes the medical process takes a bit longer if Soldiers require more support or specialized care. The goal is for every Soldier and their unit chain of command to know and understand their medical needs and how to access care."

According to Kyle, the Camp Shelby medical team identified specialized requirements for some 45th IBCT Soldiers. These Soldiers require additional time for follow up care to resolve issues including orthopedics and audiology and other specialized follow-up appointments.

The amount of time Soldiers spend at Camp Shelby depends on the individual Soldier's needs and his/her path of care. "We are fully engaged in making arrangements with the right medical providers and specialists so we can return these Soldiers to grateful families and communities. We do not rush the process; it is too important," said Kyle.

Additional support comes from the Department of Veterans Affairs. "They are an integral part of the process. Their presence and integration here ensures Soldiers returning home understand and have access to the support they may need at their local VA facility," said Kuehl.

Currently, more than 2,000 45th IBCT Soldiers have completed the demobilization process at Camp Shelby since February and have returned home to their families. Ward departs Camp Shelby this weekend, but before he leaves he wanted to thank Camp Shelby and surrounding communities for their support, assistance and hospitality.

"A lot of the treatment my Soldiers and I received took place in town (Hattiesburg). I'm a witness to the response we received from citizens and support from the civilian providers. I could tell they were working hard to get us through and home. I'm confident my soldiers are getting the care they need and deserve. To the families, I want to say we're going to get your Soldiers back home just as soon as they are able."