What does the Unit Commander do in the MEB process?

• A. Provides an assessment of the member's ability to perform their assigned duties with potentially unfitting condition(s) and provides support to the member throughout DES process
• B. Provides medical treatment and schedules appointments
• C. Determines retirement eligibility
• D. Drafts the PEBLO's DES plan

Answer: (A)

The Unit Commander’s role in the DES process is to assess whether the member can continue performing their assigned duties given a potentially unfitting condition and to support the member throughout the process. This means the commander identifies duty limitations, looks for fitness-for-duty concerns, and advocates for the member while the DES steps proceed. The commander coordinates with medical teams and the PEBLO to keep the member informed, ensure appropriate accommodations if feasible, and help navigate the process, without directly providing medical treatment, determining retirement eligibility, or drafting the DES plan.