When I was in the Airborne and Infantry then later, "yak" a cook. I developed a knee problem that resulted in 3 operations with a possible knee replacement later on and then eventually a medical release. When I first got notified that I was no longer able to do the duties of a Infanteer and had to remuster, big drag. I got together with Don Lemna(who was on his way out, Med Release) to discuss the benefits of being medically released he suggested that I should put in a claim in to Veterans Affairs for a medical pension and also apply for SISIP for retraining and a disability pension plus a bunch of other stuff. I'm glad I did because once I'm finished my retirement leave I go to one of their doctor's for an accessment of my leg and the percentage I might be recieving(percentages, 20%=Shi-ite, 40%=average, any thing above 50% is pretty good)regardless of how much you might recieve you have to remember that it is tax free and you'll get it till you die, One point to remember is if you do get it do not go for the buy out because if you do you'll get a lump sum and that's it, Charlie. For me it only took close to 5 years before I finally got a positive reply and, of course, I ran into a couple snags. Anyway my point is alot of troops do not know about this and other important shit that is offered to them and when they find out its to late,(IE: A recuit artillery troop was here in Shilo and got released for being medically unfit for duty because he screwed his leg up doing the Army thing. He comes into the kitchen bumming out, so I ask him what happened he said the Doctor told him he might as well quit because his career is finished. Without any help or guidance he quit! I asked him if anyone mentioned to him about putting a claim in for his injury and he said, no! I explained to him about injuries recieved while serving in the Forces and how he might be entitled to one, needless to say he said f--- it.)

The point is the majority of the troops being released don't know what to do and then end up finally getting it done after their released and then waiting for awhile before they get a reply. All I can say is guys its a phone call and a signature on 2 release forms for your med docs and they do all the rest.Here are some points to remember when you get that dreaded or happy note: sorry ace, your being medically released!

1. * Have a copy of your med docs or apply to have them and others you want ie, service record, criminal record(hee, hee, hee)etc you can get these by going to the orderly room and asking the clerk "nicely" to help you fill out the form: privacy act or something like that. This takes sometime before they come in but the pensions bureau will have your orginals, try to do this before you call. You should do this soonest even if your not injured for future references, fire starter, whatever! Bottom line: you do not have to be out of the service to start a medical pension you just can't collect it while serving unless its a U.N. Related injury

2. Depending on how much time you have ask your M.O. to get you an appointment for a 2nd opinion on your injury from another specialist and ask the doc if this was caused by the military have him put in his report that the injury was indeed from parachuting or whatever reason: When I first applied I was turned down because they said my injury was not the services fault! The reason for their desision was the injury was not recorded when it happened so there wasn't enough info?. After I got back to base I requested to see Dr. Buckley at NDMC and explained to him what happened I then asked him if my injury was attributed to being in the Grunts and Airborne. He reviewed my file and positively said definitely. I had him write me a letter for proof for the board that yes this occured doing my time with the Combat Arms. Bottom Line: ensure your Medical Officer writes down everything if your unsure about anything like dates, type of surgery or if he wrote down everything Ask and explain your applying for a medical pension. You want a solid case with facts!

3. Next get hold of your local SISIP Representive if unsure ask the BPSO's office who the local SISIP guy is they should know. You should put a claim in with him for the SISIP benifits you might be entitled for. Depending on your injury upon release and you might receive this benifit, if you qualify for it, SISIP will pay you a disability pension and pay to retrain you. Ask the SISIP Rep for more info. Right now I've been waiting for 5 months for a reply Hopefully I'll get it. Bottom line: phone the SISIP Rep. ASAP

4. * Make a appointment to see the BPSO for schooling each member is entitled $2500.00 for continued education plus other money for university(for a degree). Upgrade yourself, GED, Computer Courses, Taxidermist, whatever, Ask!.

5. * Attend any SCAN Seminars that are being held, lots of info for a guy with a 3a or 3b release.

6. * Ask the BPSO about getting college credits from your courses you've taken within the military and in civiland. Here in Shilo, I applied for these credits at Adhuntsic College and I recieved them. This cost you $50.00 but once you get the receipt from the College take it in to the BPSO and you'll get your $50.00 back(upgrading)

7. Yes, if your released from the military because of a medical your entitled to unemployment, put an application in for it as a backup. Right now I'm waiting until my retirement lve is over in March to see if I get the SISIP package if not I can use U.I. for retraining(still have to apply myself)

8. If you have no plans to move right away after release then stay on the base(if your married) or close to it.Reason: by the time you do all this leg work you'll know everyone thats important to you and the support from the base is there for your claims from your school upgrading etc. For the married guys you can stay on base for 2 yrs after your release date and approval from Base Housing. Once again confirm this

9. Keep a track of everything you apply for and be persistent in getting all the information from each area. Look out for #1 because when your released 9 times out of 10 once your out its a pain in the ass to get the info from the military and all your files will be in Ottawa and we know how hard it is to get contact with a real person other then automated services press 1 for this press 2 for english blah, blah, blah!.

10. Dont wait for the last minute get it done now, trust me

11. If you think you can do this yourself, carry on, but if you run into a problem join the Legion first and they will be more then happy to help you out. Sometimes I wish I went that route but so far everything seems to be rocking on (gulp).

12. Lastly even if your not injured you can do some of this to help you out later on. The * means able-bodied troops can do these steps also, Good luck with this, Troops!