Army medical readiness is the process of ensuring that Soldiers are able to deploy and perform their assigned military duties. It involves making sure that Soldiers are current on their periodic health assessments and annual dental examinations. It also means ensuring that Soldiers have the right medications, medical equipment, and supplies. Medical readiness is a critical priority for the Army, and it’s first-line leaders’ responsibility to ensure their Soldiers stay up to date.
In the Army, medical readiness is determined by healthcare providers using a standardized system for all service members. It includes a classification of medically deployable (MRC), deployable with limitations (DL), and non-deployable (ND). Commanders use this information to determine whether their unit is ready to deploy. They follow guidelines for determining their unit’s medical readiness in accordance with the requirements of AR 220-1 and DA Pam 220-1. Soldiers classified in MRC 1 and 2 are automatically medically deployable, while Soldiers in DL codes 3 through 7 can be deployed only after meeting certain conditions and following the appropriate guidance for deployment reporting.
A DL status requires the Soldier to undergo an evaluation by an MMRB or MEB to ensure they are not medically unfit for duty. This assessment is based on a review of the Soldier’s history, current condition, and potential impact to the unit’s operational capability.
Army Medical Readiness Codes List
Medical readiness codes are used to measure a Soldier’s ability to deploy and perform military duties. They are standardized across the Force and are based on a Soldier’s overall health and specific medical conditions. They are important because they provide commanders with information that can help them make informed decisions about a Soldier’s deployment status.
In addition to medical readiness codes, the Army also uses other health information to track and protect Soldiers. These include medical history and medical records, vaccinations, and screening tests. The Army also maintains a database that provides health and wellness information on every soldier. This information is used to ensure that Soldiers receive the best possible care and treatment. The database can also be used to identify trends and patterns in medical care.
The U.S. Army Medical Readiness Classification, also known as MEDPROS (Medical Protection System), is a system used to assess the medical readiness of soldiers. Soldiers are assigned Medical Readiness Classification Codes (MRC) based on their current medical status. These codes provide information about a soldier’s ability to deploy and perform their duties effectively. The codes range from 1 to 4, with additional modifiers, and are subject to change based on a soldier’s medical status.
Medical Readiness Classification Codes (MRC)
- MRC 1: Fully Medically Ready
- Soldiers in this category are fully medically ready and can deploy without restrictions. They are up to date on all required medical and dental exams and have no disqualifying medical conditions.
- MRC 2: Fully Medically Ready (with exceptions)
- Soldiers in this category are also fully medically ready but may have minor medical conditions that do not affect their deployability. These conditions are generally temporary or minor in nature.
- MRC 3: Not Medically Ready (Temporarily)
- Soldiers in this category are temporarily not medically ready for deployment due to medical or dental issues that are expected to be resolved in a reasonable timeframe.
- MRC 4: Not Medically Ready (Permanently)
- Soldiers in this category are not medically ready for deployment, and their medical conditions are unlikely to be resolved. This category includes soldiers with disqualifying medical conditions.
Modifiers
- A: Pregnancy
- B: Temporary/Permanent Profile
- C: Dental
- D: Dental and Medical
- E: Temporary/Permanent Limited Deployability
- F: Medical Limited Deployability
- G: Medical Limited Deployability (Dental)
- H: HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)
- I: Immunizations
- J: Temporary Medical Limited Deployability (Pregnancy)
- L: Medical (Reserve Component Only)
- O: Permanent Limited Deployability (Pregnancy)
- P: HIV (Pregnancy)
- R: Retirement/Retention
- T: Temporary Medical Limited Deployability (Mental Health)
- X: Not Medically Qualified (Non-Waiverable)
Medical Services: Medical Readiness Procedures
The armed forces are required to have 75 percent of their active service members medically ready. This includes those on active duty and in the Reserves. Those who do not meet this standard are considered to be below medical retention standards and may be placed on a temporary profile or classified as non-deployable. The armed services must keep a record of these medically limited conditions so that they can be re-evaluated in the future.
The Army’s medical readiness procedures are described in Department of the Army pamphlet 40-502, “Medical Services: Medical Readiness Procedures.” This guide describes the process and procedures that must be followed to determine if a Soldier is medically fit for duty. It also outlines how commanders should report the medical readiness code of their Soldiers.