Breaking a bone during basic training or boot camp can be a significant setback for a new recruit. However, the response will vary depending on the severity of the fracture, the bone that is broken, and the policies of the specific military branch.
Initial Treatment
If a bone is broken during a training exercise or other activity, the recruit will immediately receive first aid from their drill instructors or on-site medics. The injured limb will be immobilized using a splint or sling, and ice may be applied to limit swelling. The recruit will then be transported to the base medical clinic for evaluation by doctors.
At the clinic, an x-ray will be taken to confirm the fracture and determine its severity. The doctor will then recommend a treatment plan based on the location and type of fracture. Some fractures, like a broken finger or toe, can be buddy taped to the adjacent digit and healed with rest and limitation of activities. More severe fractures will require a hard cast or even surgery.
Medical Leave
Once a fracture had been diagnosed, the recruit will usually be placed on medical leave or light duty for a period of recovery. The exact duration will depend on factors like:
- Location of the fracture
- Completeness of the break
- Need for surgery
- Projected healing time
For example, a incomplete fracture of a finger may require 1-2 weeks of light duty, while a broken leg could take 6-8 weeks to heal enough for return to full duty. Stress fractures of weight bearing bones often require at least 4 weeks rest.
Limited Duty
During medical leave, the recruit will be assigned to limited duty status. This means they are excused from strenuous physical activities like marching, running, and obstacle courses, but can still participate in classroom training and non-weight bearing activities. They will be required to check in periodically with medical staff and may need to have casts changed or x-rays taken to follow healing.
Recovery Timeline
The following timeline provides a general overview of the recovery and rehabilitation process after a fracture:
| Stage | Time Frame | Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Initial immobilization | 0-2 weeks | Casting or splinting of fracture |
| Delayed mobilization | 2-6 weeks | Gradually increased range of motion exercises |
| Remodeling phase | 3-12 weeks | Progressive weight bearing and resistance exercises |
| Late rehabilitation | 3+ months | Impact activities and sports re-training |
This timeline will vary based on the bone fractured and complexity of the injury. Fracture healing can take 3-4 months for most major long bones.
Impact on Training
Suffering a broken bone during initial entry training will inevitably set a recruit back from their platoon. The exact impact will depend on these factors:
Missed Training Time
The length of medical leave will determine how much flight, platoon, or company training is missed. This can range from a few days for minor fractures up to 2 months for complex breaks requiring prolonged immobilization and healing. Recruits may have to be cycled back into a new training platoon once medically cleared.
Physical Deconditioning
Prolonged immobilization and light duty can result in significant physical deconditioning. Recruits may lose muscle strength, endurance, and cardiovascular fitness during medical leave. Once the bone has healed, they will need to undergo physical therapy and re-conditioning before returning to full duty.
Impact on Graduation
The biggest consequence of an injured recruit is a delay in program completion and graduation. Healing fractures requires time for bone remodeling that cannot be rushed. Recruits who are set back due to a broken bone may need to be cycled into a later class, adding time to their training.
Stress Fracture Risk
Returning to strenuous activity too quickly after a fracture increases the risk of developing recurrent or stress fractures. These are breaks resulting from repetitive stress and overuse. New recruits need to gradually return to running, marching and impact activities when cleared for full duty.
Permanent Medical Separation
In rare cases, a serious fracture or bone injury during initial training could lead to permanent medical discharge from military service. This is more likely with complex fractures that cause lasting complications or impair function. However, most fractures will heal fully if given adequate time.
What to Expect from Your Command
Military leaders understand that fractures and other injuries are common during the grueling weeks of boot camp. However, policies vary among branches regarding medical leave. Expectations may include:
Infantry Training
In the Marine Corps or Army Infantry school, broken bones often lead to immediate recycling or set back. Healing time is built into the course, so graduation dates cannot be adjusted.
Academic Training
For officer training or lengthy schools like intelligence or linguist courses, there is more flexibility to grant medical leave without penalty. Graduation dates can often be adjusted.
Administrative Discharge
In very rare cases, an injury may be grounds for administrative separation if it precludes completing training requirements. This is decided on a case-by-case basis by medical and command staff.
Return to Training
Most commands want to graduate recruits who have put in the time and commitment. Unless the fracture is disqualifying, the expectation will be to allow healing and return to finish training.
Preventing Fractures in Boot Camp
While broken bones during initial entry training are common, there are things recruits can do to lower their risk. Prevention tips include:
Proper Footwear
Wearing issued boots that fit properly can help prevent stress fractures. Uniform alterations can provide better fit.
Balanced Nutrition
Eating a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D supports bone health and healing.
Listen to Your Body
Pay attention to pain signals and avoid training through an injury. Inform drill instructors immediately if you have bone or joint pain.
Sufficient Rest
Taking advantage of limited free time to allow the body to recover between training sessions can prevent overuse injuries.
Proper Form
Using correct form and technique during marching, running, and lifting minimizes undue stress on the musculoskeletal system.
Conclusion
Breaking a bone during military basic training can certainly be a major setback. However, with proper treatment and rehabilitation, most recruits are able to recover fully and continue their training when healed. The timeline varies based on the severity and location of the fracture. With commitment and patience through the recovery process, graduation is still achievable. Prevention through fitness, nutrition, rest, and biomechanics can help reduce the chances of a traumatic fracture occurring during this intensive phase of the military training life cycle.