Air Force changes wounded warriors policy Published Feb. 25, 2009 By 375th Airlift Wing Public Affairs 375th AW SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- New policies regarding Air Force Wounded Warriors went into effect Feb. 10. These policies apply to any Airman who has become wounded due to hazardous service or performance of duty under conditions simulating war or through an instrumentality of war. Classification Under the former policy, Airmen disqualified in their Air Force Specialty Code had to withdraw from that AFSC and Airmen who could not retrain were involuntarily separated. As of Feb. 10, AFPC updates the member's record with a reporting identifier classifying them as a Wounded Warrior when they receive an AFSC disqualification from the member's commander. The reporting identifier code allows retention of the wounded warrior, and any involuntary separation actions require approval from the member's major command. Promotions Previously, no special promotion considerations were given to those who missed promotion testing cycles while recovering or have physical limitations that prevent them from testing while recovering. Now, airman and airman first class promotions remain the same upon meeting the proper time-in-grade requirements. Senior airman promotions will also remain the same upon meeting time-in-grade and time-in-service requirements. Senior airman below-the-zone promotions will be conducted with home station units or through a base center selection board if assigned to a patient squadron. Professional military education waivers will be approved after promotions are authorized. Warriors can continue to compete for Stripes for Exceptional Performers, or STEP, promotions. The Chief of Staff of the Air Force also has the ability to spot promote Airmen. Staff through master sergeant promotions will still take place if members are eligible and WAPS test. Airmen will test Air Force-wide with SKT-exempt Airman until they are reclassified into their previous AFSC or new AFSC. Members who are medically unable to test will be promoted by computing the average time-in-grade for selectees in their control Air Force Specialty Code. Senior master sergeant and chief master sergeant promotions will take place if the member is eligible and tests. Wounded members will go against other wounded members. Evaluations There was no way in the past to evaluate Airmen classified as patients, which created a gap in personnel records and no record of service. Now, the squadron commander or patient squadron commander will submit a letter of evaluation stating "member under the Wounded Warrior Program." Retraining Members wishing to retrain formerly had no special provisions to retrain as the result of a wound and were considered for retraining with the general Airmen population. Now, AFPC Enlisted Skills Management will give Warriors retraining priority for Airmen who wish to remain on active duty but have been disqualified from their former AFSC. Retention In the case of retention, Warriors unfit for duty were previously offered separation or medical retirement through the Disability Evaluation System. Now, AFPC Disability and AFPC Skills Management are using the limited assignment status program to retain Airmen with priority retraining opportunities. If a member is found unfit for continued duty, the case will be forwarded to Air Force personnel for a final decision. The goal of the Air Force is to return Wounded Warriors to productive military service and/or civilian life.