The human element is ever-present in every facet of the U.S. Army. None, however, arguably more so than the health and well-being of Soldiers. The Army’s Soldier Recovery Unit (SRU) has a specific mission in this regard in being there for Soldiers who need medical assistance. Consisting of a mix of military and civilian personnel, SRUs are a vital part of ensuring our Soldiers are ready to go back on the battlefield and transition into civilian life. They also advocate for health-related issues in the military community.

Suggested read:

How To Use the Army Blue Book To Get Settled Into Service

The Purpose of the Soldier Recovery Unit

Throughout the United States, there are 14 Soldier Recovery Units. Each Soldier Recovery Unit has the goal of rehabilitating Soldiers so that they can either transition into civilian life or continue on as a warrior on the battlefield. This means healing a wide variety of injuries and handling each case to ensure that both the best care and path are provided to the affected Soldier. Specifically, for Soldiers requiring over six months of rehabilitation. Here are the 14 Army Soldier Recovery Unit locations:

1. Fort Belvoir, VA
2. Fort Benning, GA
3. Fort Bliss, TX
4. Fort Bragg, NC
5. Fort Campbell, NY
6. Fort Carson, CO
7. Fort Drum, NY
8. Fort Hood, TX
9. Fort Riley, KS
10. Fort Stewart, GA
11. Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA
12. Joint Base San Antonio, TX
13. Schofield Barracks, HI
14. Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, MD

Each one of these SRUs plays a vital role in getting medical care to Soldiers in need. This is an increasingly difficult job as technology and procedures evolve, making rehabilitation more effective, yet more complex in logistics. However, one has emerged as the best in the service. During the annual Army Recovery Care Program Senior Leadership Summit, the Fort Hood Soldier Recovery Unit earned the title of Best SRU in the Army.

Fort Hood Is Leading the Way

On December 9, 2022, Fort Hood’s Soldier Recovery Unit would be crowned as the top SRU in the nation. This prestigious accomplishment would come a year after the unit placed runner-up for the same award. “This is a token representing what our SRU has done, and it is no small feat to be the best SRU in the Army. It’s not something that we take lightly. Taking care of our wounded warriors and returning them to duty or assisting them on to the next phase of their lives is absolutely yeoman’s work,” said Col. Daniel Moore, a Commander at the Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center. Since becoming activated in 2007, Fort Hood’s SRU has provided care to over 55,000 Soldiers. One of the key areas many believe is the difference maker for the Soldier Recovery Unit at Fort Hood is the level of personal care and emotion put into their healthcare services. “All of the cadre, civilians, and everybody that works here, put the Soldiers first. I think the Soldiers see that, and I think that’s the most important thing. As long as we keep doing that, we probably stand a chance of winning the award again,” said Capt. Adam West, Commander, HHC SRU.

The Army Recovery Care Program Provides Each Soldier Recovery Unit With Insight

The Army Recovery Care Program (ARCP) helps Soldiers find their way back to serving or transitioning as a Veteran throughout their rehabilitation. This initiative was previously called the Warrior Care and Transition Program. Since 2007, over 80,000 Soldiers have been treated. ARCP helps each SRU with its program and works to provide Soldiers with the necessary medical care they need in regard to their health and career. In order to qualify, here’s who can become a part of the program under the SRU single-entry criteria:

• The Soldier either has or will need over six months of care. As a result, their ability to complete their duties is hindered, and clinical case management is necessary.
• Alternatively, a Soldier is suffering from a psychological condition that could be a danger to the Soldier or others if they were to remain with their unit.

Soldiers must meet these criteria, as they cover both mental and physical issues. The Triad of Leadership reviews applications and makes decisions for entry no later than 14 training days after the packet is received by an SRU. Any way you look at it, every Soldier Recovery Unit serves as an integral part of healing our Soldiers and setting them up for success both on the battlefield and as a civilian. Overall, they make our military and communities a better place as a result.

Read next:

Cooper Hayes Completes 3 Difficult Army Schools in a Year

The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement. | Army/Rodney Jackson