The Casualty Administration and Support framework, implemented in 2010, was established to support wounded soldiers and the recovery process. Army continues to learn from our experience of managing wounded, injured and ill soldiers and continues to evolve this framework as the Army Support to Wounded, Injured and Ill Program (SWIIP). SWIIP recognises that, regardless of the mechanism of wounding, injury or illness, we must work to help overcome the challenges our soldiers face on the road to recovery.
The Wounded, Injured and Ill Diggers Forum has allowed Army's senior leadership to listen and learn from its wounded, injured and ill soldiers and their families. This forum is very useful in understanding the challenges faced during recovery. Feedback allows us to move quickly in focussing the efforts of all agencies in comprehensively supporting you.
Your Commanding Officer and Chain of Command play a central role in your recovery and are always the first point of contact for support. Commanders will always retain responsibility for the health and welfare of soldiers. Army's welfare system, including Individual Welfare Boards for seriously wounded, injured and ill soldiers, ensure we can understand all aspects of what is required for an effective recovery.
We are committed to offering seriously wounded, injured or ill soldiers more opportunities in preparing for civilian life after service in Army. This includes providing targeted training and education as part of extended transition. Army's involvement in the ADF Paralympic Sports Program is another element of SWIIP in supporting the recovery process.
The SWIIP also works closely with the Department of Veterans' Affairs and other relevant agencies like ComSuper, in ensuring the transition of in-service support and your access to relevant benefits.
I am immensely proud of how our soldiers and families have responded to the challenges presented to them following wounding, injury and illness. I encourage you all to help make SWIIP a robust and relevant program for Army.
David Morrison, AO
Lieutenant General
Chief of Army