Expanded medical continuation division provides ARC Airmen with appropriate benefits, compensation Published Sept. 13, 2013 By Debbie Gildea Air Force Personnel Center Public Affairs Washington (AFNS) -- In early 2013, the Air Force stood up the Air Reserve Component Case Management Division at the Air Force Personnel Center to serve wounded, ill and injured ARC Airmen, Air Force officials announced. Created to provide an enhanced medical continuation program, the division completed its initial operational capability phase in July. "Total Force professionals assigned to the new division are implementing an efficient case management system to expedite medical continuation orders processing and medical evaluation and treatment of Airmen until they regain the ability to perform military duties or enter the Integrated Disability Evaluation System," said Randy Tillery, AFPC Airman and Family Care director. According to Air Force Personnel Center Commander Maj. Gen. Peggy Poore, the new division and its mission are the physical manifestation of the Air Force's commitment to caring for all Airmen and their families. "The Air Force Personnel Center serves the needs of all Airmen - active duty, reserve, guard, civilians, retirees and their families, and this division is one example of initiatives we are implementing to ensure all Airmen are treated equitably and compassionately," Poore said. Airmen may be eligible for MEDCON orders when they incur or aggravate an illness, injury, or disease in the line of duty and that condition renders the Airman unable to perform military duties. "The finding of 'unable to perform military duties' is based on a medical evaluation by a credentialed military health care provider," said Colonel Mark Gaul, Director, Air National Guard Medical Services. "There must be an unresolved health condition requiring treatment that keeps the Airman from meeting mobility or retention standards." "The Air Force has a long-standing tradition of caring for Airmen, but achieving that goal has become more complicated as lines between active duty and reserve service have blurred. Reserve component Airmen more frequently find themselves in need of support that once was common only to active duty forces," said Lt. Gen. James Jackson, commander, Air Force Reserve Command. "Taking care of all Airmen is our first priority, and this division will help us accomplish that." While on MEDCON orders, Airmen report to their unit of assignment and perform duties allowable by their medical profile. "An Airman's first priority while on MEDCON is to get the medical care he or she needs," said Lt. Gen. Stanley E. "Sid" Clarke III, Director, Air National Guard Bureau. "The ARC Case Management Division will help validate and expedite MEDCON order requests and then coordinate necessary medical treatment. We expect visible positive results in standardization, efficiency and accountability." MEDCON orders are issued with the consent of the Airman and may be declined by the Airman at any time, Tillery said. The initial orders will be certified for a period of time consistent with the member's validated medical treatment plan. "All Airmen should be confident that the Air Force will care for them," said Tillery. "This division is committed to communicating our genuine concern for and support of all Airmen." For more information about medical continuation and other personnel issues, visit the myPers website at https://mypers.af.mil.