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Center (LRMC) in Germany prior to return to the U.S., families are strongly advised against
traveling to Germany to see their Soldier. This is due to the fact that most patients only
remain in Germany for a very short time before being returned to the U.S. and it is very
likely that the Soldier would be on his/her way home before you could get a flight to Europe
and arrive at the hospital. Only in extreme circumstances, such as a very seriously ill or
injured Soldier who is not expected to survive for long, are families brought to LRMC. In
these cases, the travel is arranged by the Army and you will be notified as such.
Your first chance to see your Soldier will most likely be in the U.S. Prior to leaving
Germany, all patients are scheduled for arrival at the next hospital in the line of treatment.
For most patients, this will be Walter Reed Army Medical Center (WRAMC) in Washington,
D.C. There are some patients, however, who will have a different destination hospital based
on the level of care that is required for the given injury or illness. Sometimes, the destination
hospital may even change en route due to a change in the patient’s condition. For these
reasons, even if you know when your Soldier is due to arrive back in the U.S., you are
advised to not begin travel until the destination and initial length of stay is confirmed. There
are too many stories of families traveling to Washington, D.C. only to arrive and find out that
their Soldier was sent to another hospital or only needed to stay for a few hours and then was
sent somewhere else. The Army and your Rear Detachment will be able to confirm your
Soldier’s destination hospital and the practicality of your traveling there and advise you of
the best course of action.
Once your Soldier has arrived at a medical treatment facility that is amenable to your
visiting, the Army will arrange travel orders for the designated next of kin and/or caregiver
and up to two other family members/designated persons. These orders are called
“invitational travel orders” (ITO) and will entitle you to such benefits as paid airfare, housing in
military lodging facilities or paid hotel stays, and per diem allowance (money for food and
incidental living expenses). You are STRONGLY encouraged to wait for these orders prior
to conducting any travel to see your Soldier. That way, you know you are going to the right
place, at the right time, and will not incur any undue financial hardship upon your family by
having to pay for your own travel and expenses. These orders are also the way that the
destination hospital knows you are coming because they keep track of the orders and, by
doing so, your travel details. The Division and your unit’s Rear Detachment personnel will
assist you with obtaining invitational travel orders and making your initial travel
arrangements. Remember, even though it may seem like waiting for the orders is taking a
long time, it is by far the most efficient and financially beneficial way to see your Soldier
while making sure you receive the focused attention you deserve upon your arrival.
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