Physical Therapist (Combat Air Forces)

This requirement supports Air Force fighter squadrons in Air Combat Command (ACC), Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC), Pacific Air Forces (PACAF), United States Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa (USAFE-AFAFRICA), and other MAJCOMs as needed. The Chief of Staff of the Air Force, noting a shortage of fighter aircrew due to suboptimal retention, directed a task force to investigate the causes of premature departures. One key issue identified was pain and disability from neck and back injuries caused by the extreme physical demands of flying fighters. Aircrew surveys from 2020 to 2024 indicate up to 99% of fighter pilots experience flying-related spinal pain during their careers. These issues—affecting the neck, upper back, and lower back—impact cockpit performance, daily activities, readiness, and retention. Additionally, as the U.S. Air Force continues to prepare for conflict against peer competitors, our Warfighters face increasing cognitive performance demand, driven by rapidly advancing technologies leveraged both by allies and adversaries. Effective integration of physical and cognitive performance training is required for success in complex, denied environments. The OHWS program addresses these concerns by preparing aircrew for the unique demands of fighter operations. Additionally, Government Accountability Office (GAO) reports estimate replacement costs exceed $10M per pilot, reinforcing the high return on investment for Optimizing the Human Weapons System (OHWS) services in improving retention and readiness.

The objective will be accomplished by increasing the physical and mental capacity of fighter aircrew, decreasing the rate of injuries, and accelerating return to duty. Contractor personnel shall collaborate with active duty (AD), Air National Guard (ANG), and Air Force Reserve Component (AFRC) fighter aircrew to optimize physical and mental performance with a focus on neck and back pain prevention while monitoring, analyzing, and resolving associated musculoskeletal (MSK) physical readiness concerns.

Position Objective: To serve as a Physical Therapist in support of all permanently assigned or visiting active-duty Air Force Fighter Aircrew (11Fs/12Fs/11RXJ) responsible for all administrative and clinical management within scope of practice for HPO services as an independent embedded healthcare provider. Utilize a range of principles and methodologies to provide examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, intervention, and outcome assessment for assigned personnel to include but not limited to operational provision of care associated with individual assessments, injury prevention and human performance interventions of musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions in support of personnel readiness.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Complete all unit and Medical Group (MDG) in-processing requirements, to include computer-based trainings as required by the Department of Defense, Air Force, or the Medical Group training, on-line Relias health training, Military Health System (MHS) Genesis training, and newcomer's orientation.
• Complete an in-processing evaluation/assessment for all newly assigned personnel.
• Examine, diagnose, treat and manage neuromusculoskeletal disorders, injuries, associated structures and systems that may impair movement or function.
• Provide direct access (i.e., no referral needed) evaluation for acute MSK and neuromuscular conditions in an embedded setting.
• Order diagnostic laboratory, imaging studies, consultations and refers patients to Military Health Providers (MHP).
• Perform and recommend physical rehabilitation, injury prevention, performance optimization, ergonomic evaluation, wellness, screening, concussion, acute injury management and promotion of health lifestyle activities.
• Educate patients on the rehabilitation process.
• Initiate, continue and terminate temporary profiles to include placing patients on quarters.
• Perform work assignments in compliance with instructions, policies, or accepted practices of Defense Health Agency (DHA) and MDG requirements
• Conduct required clinical and non-clinical administrative responsibilities and maintains patient care records IAW the latest DHA PM 6025.02 Volume 1.
• Advise unit commanders on matters related to injury prevention and rehabilitation. Identify opportunities for improvement to include developing protocols and standard operating procedures (SOP) for PT programs.
• Advise the site Government POC of administrative matters, purchasing of required supplies and equipment, and supplemental fiscal requests related to interventions and professional services provided.
• Ensure safe and effective operation of equipment is used for patient care and contributes to a safe working environment.
• Attend all unit and Military Treatment Facility (MTF) meetings as required or as requested by the Unit Commander or his/her designee.
• Prepare and submit data to a comprehensive Human Performance Measures of Effectiveness Report (HP-MER).
• Document Aircrew assessments, encounters, and contacts as directed by the OHWS Program Office within 72 hours of assessments, encounters, or contacts with Aircrew Members. As needed, provide associated information, data, and support to other Government entities (e.g. Air Force Research Lab). All such submissions must first be routed through the OHWS Program Office for review and written concurrence. The OHWS Program Office and COR will verify adherence to formatting, cybersecurity, and information handling requirements, including Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) markings, prior to final submission to any external entities. This process is intended to preserve the integrity and effectiveness of the OHWS program.
• Provide Individual Training Plans after initial assessment, including individual fitness assessment results, feedback sessions, unique training plans, and any modifications as appropriate to achieve goals.
• Monitor access to care and employs electronic systems, software programs, and databases for patient care documentation and administrative responsibilities within 72 hours of assessments, encounters or contacts with Aircrew members.