Consequences of Getting Injured While Serving in the US Marines

The consequences of getting injured while serving in the US Marines, or any other branch of the military, can vary widely depending on several factors. Understanding these factors is crucial for service members and their families.

Types of Injuries and Their Impact

There are different types of injuries that can occur during military service, each with its own set of potential consequences. These include accidental injuries, deliberate self-inflicted injuries, and injuries incurred during training or operations. The significance of an injury can also be determined by its severity and the circumstances surrounding it. For instance, a minor injury might only require temporary leave and minimal impact on rank or pay, while a severe injury could result in permanent disability and changes in career trajectory.

Impact of Injuries on Service Members

The impact of military injuries can vary based on several factors, including the nature of the injury, the service member's unit status, and the overall circumstances of their deployment or service. Let's explore some real-life scenarios:

Example 1: Sunburn and Unqualified Uniform

One instance involved a Marine who failed to take necessary precautions and suffered a severe sunburn, rendering them unable to wear their uniform. Despite this, the Marine was not discharged from the service but lost a rank and pay as a result of the incident. Similar cases have been observed in other branches of the military, highlighting the importance of safety measures and proper care in military environments.

Example 2: Injured During Training

A more serious example involved a Naval Aviation Ordnance naval service member who suffered a severe knee injury during a drill under blackout conditions. After nearly two months in the hospital, the service member was able to leave before their unit deployed to Iraq. Despite their injury, they were given the choice between a medical discharge and an honorable discharge, which they ultimately opted for. Though they hoped to return to service, the long-term impact of the injury left them partially disabled and unable to fully recover. This example underscores the complexity of balancing necessary medical care with career persistence.

Example 3: Post-Deployment Medical Discharge

Another military service member, a member of the Army Special Operations Airborne unit, served for 18 years and was injured during service in Afghanistan. They were medically discharged, receiving full pay and VA benefits as if they had served 20 years, with additional VA benefits provided. This case illustrates the potential for long-term medical support and compensation for service members.

Legal and Medical Considerations

While the military typically takes a supportive approach to treating injuries, there are also legal and medical considerations that come into play. For instance, accidents occurring off-base, unrelated to military duties, such as car accidents, are generally covered by military medical services until the injured party can return to duty or is found to be permanently disabled.

However, whether legal actions can be pursued in such cases can be complex. The complexity of determining responsibility and the possibility of pursuing legal recourse must be carefully considered by service members and their families. Additionally, injuries sustained in service are handled by Marine or Navy medical personnel until the service member can resume their duties or prove the injury has rendered them permanently disabled.

Overall, if the injury is not self-inflicted on purpose, the service member will typically need to report the incident and receive necessary medical care. This may result in temporary loss of training time but should not lead to disciplinary action, barring unrelated incidents.