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Permanent Profile Regulation in 2025

Army Permanent Profile
Army Permanent Profile

A permanent profile is a medical profile in the US Army that outlines a soldier’s physical limitations and restrictions; the army will then use this profile to determine their ability to perform their specific military duties. 

A permanent is also referred to as PULHES with the following meaning attached to each of the letters.

  • P means Physical capacity or stamina
  • U means Upper extremities (Arms, Hands, and Fingers)
  • L means Lower extremities (Legs, Feet, and Toes)
  • H means Hearing and ears
  • E means Eyes & Vision
  • S means Psychological & Emotional Status

The permanent profile ensures soldiers are assigned to duties appropriate for their physical and mental abilities.

However, a permanent profile can also limit the soldier’s ability to perform the ACFT and meet the standards in the Army Combat Fitness Test 2025; the Grader will test alternative ACFT events, such as the ACFT bike standards.

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How do Soldiers get Permanent Profiles?

If a soldier got injured while on duty, or let’s say they sprained their ankle, or some injury happened while they were doing the physical test (PT), or while they’re doing a training exercise, something like that, they may go on what is called a temporary profile. 

This means they have some restrictions on what they can and can’t do, and they may need a recovery time frame to try to recover from this injury and then get reevaluated to come off of this temporary profile.

Sometimes, they don’t necessarily come off that temporary profile because it didn’t heal properly or will not heal correctly. But, whatever the case, a soldier may receive a permanent profile.

This is usually for some injury that may not necessarily result in them not doing their army job anymore. However, they have certain little restrictions that they must abide by while at work. 

It’s not severe enough for them to get medically chaptered out of the army or discharged. With some limitations, they can continue to do their army job and carry out this permanent profile for the rest of their army career, for several years, or whatever the case may be.

Doctors evaluate a permanent profile. They determine whether it’s a permanent profile or something just temporary and all that stuff.

Re-evaluation of Permanent Profiles

Periodic Reviews

  • Even though it’s termed “permanent,” it’s not always indefinite. 
  • Soldiers with permanent profiles may undergo periodic reviews to determine if their condition has improved or worsened. 
  • Depending on the findings, the profile may be adjusted or removed.

Reclassification and Reassignment

  • In certain cases, a permanent profile might mean that a soldier can no longer perform their specific job (MOS) duties. 
  • They might be reclassified into a different job role that suits their physical and mental condition.

Army Permanent Profile Impact on Career Progression

Army Promotions

  • Having a permanent profile might impact certain promotional opportunities. 
  • Some career advancements may require physical fitness or other conditions that a soldier with a permanent profile might not meet.

Special Assignments

  • Certain specialized roles, deployments, or pieces of training may have strict physical or psychological requirements. 
  • A permanent profile could limit a soldier’s chances of being selected for these assignments.

Rights and Responsibilities

Accommodations 

  • Soldiers with a permanent profile are entitled to reasonable accommodations to help them perform their duties. 
  • This could be in the form of modified equipment, adjusted work hours, or other necessary changes.

Responsibility

  • It’s the soldier’s responsibility to inform their superiors and peers about their limitations to ensure safety and efficiency. 
  • They must also carry a copy of their profile, especially during activities like training or deployment.

Profile Serial System

The PULHES includes a numerical system from 1 to 4, each number denoting the degree of severity or restriction in that area. For instance:

  • 1: Fit for all military duties
  • 2: Fit for most military duties
  • 3: Fit for some military duties
  • 4: Unfit for any military duties

This numerical rating provides a clearer picture of the soldier’s limitations and capabilities.

Transitioning Out of Service

  • While a permanent profile might not immediately mean a soldier is discharged, it could, in extreme cases, lead to a Medical Evaluation Board (MEB) or Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) review. 
  • The outcome of these reviews could lead to a medical retirement if it’s determined the soldier can no longer meet the physical demands of service.

In conclusion, while a permanent profile is designed to assist soldiers with limitations, it’s crucial for the individual to understand its implications fully. Regular consultations with medical professionals and the chain of command will help ensure that the soldier remains an effective and valued team member.

George N.
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