Licensed Physical Therapist – Optimizing the Human Weapon System (OHWS) – Tulsa, OK

Licensed Physical Therapist – Optimizing the Human Weapon System (OHWS) – Tulsa, OK



Introduction
The Oklahoma Air National Guard’s 138th Fighter Wing is implementing the Optimizing the Human Weapon System (OHWS) initiative to reduce spinal injuries, improve readiness, and enhance long‑term quality of life for fighter pilots. The Licensed Physical Therapist will serve as a core clinical specialist delivering injury prevention, rehabilitation, spinal health optimization, and performance enhancement services to rated aircrew. This role is central to decreasing injury rates, improving pilot performance, and supporting pilot retention.

Background
Up to 85% of fighter aircrew report spine discomfort during their career, and neck pain significantly impacts pilot performance and quality of life. The OHWS program provides a comprehensive, multidisciplinary physical training and rehabilitation system focused on spinal musculoskeletal strength, injury mitigation, and optimized human performance. The Physical Therapist is a key provider in this system, delivering specialized care tailored to the unique demands of fighter aviation.

Contract Type
Base Year + Two Option Years

Clearance/Access
CAC Eligibility & NACI Required

Place of Performance

• 138th Fighter Wing, Tulsa Air National Guard Base (TANGB).

Normal Pilot Duty Hours:

• Mon–Thu: 6:45 AM – 5:30 PM
• Saturday (RSD): 7:00 AM – 4:30 PM
• Sunday (RSD): 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM
• Night Flying Weeks: Hours fluctuate but do not exceed a 10‑hour day; may run as late as 3:00 PM – 1:30 AM during summer months.
• Government provides two weeks’ notice for schedule changes.

Recognized Holidays (No Services Performed)

• New Year’s Day
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day
• President’s Day
• Memorial Day
• Juneteenth
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Columbus Day
• Veterans Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• Christmas Day

Position Summary
The Licensed Physical Therapist provides injury prevention, rehabilitation, spinal health optimization, ergonomic assessment, performance training, and post‑flight treatment for fighter aircrew. The PT conducts initial assessments, develops individualized treatment plans, delivers corrective exercise programs, and collaborates with other OHWS specialists (ATC, S&C Coach, Massage Therapist) to ensure comprehensive care.

Qualifications

• Current Licensed Physical Therapist authorized to practice in the State of Oklahoma.
• Hold a degree from an American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) accredited institution specifically for “Physical Therapy”. 
• Minimum of one year of clinical experience. 
• Physical Therapist shall possess current certification in basic Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) to include Automated External Defibrillator (AED) training.
• Ability to work in a military environment and comply with installation access, security, and safety requirements.
• Contractors shall adhere to professional standards of the Accreditation for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC), and as defined in the government’s Performance Work Statement (PWS).
• Must obtain and maintain:
  • NACI background check (required for healthcare workers).
  • CAC eligibility (FBI fingerprint check + identity verification).
  • Annual IA, OPSEC, AT Level I training.
• Spine focused clinical work is preferred.  Experience with spinal rehabilitation, musculoskeletal assessment, and performance optimization strongly preferred.
• Physical Therapist is recommended to have a NSCA or USAWA certification for strength and conditioning.

Key Responsibilities & Tasks
Clinical Care & Assessment

• Conduct initial assessments for all rated aircrew entering the OHWS program.
• Provide injury prevention, mitigation, and rehabilitation services for neck, spine, and musculoskeletal conditions.
• Deliver post‑flight treatments addressing acute or chronic spinal stress.
• Perform isometric strength testing using specialized spinal strengthening equipment.
• Develop individualized corrective exercise programs and rehabilitation plans.

Human Performance Optimization

• Provide subject matter expertise in:
  • Pre‑habilitation evaluation
  • Injury prevention strategies
  • Ergonomic assessment and implementation
  • Remedial training
  • Strength & conditioning for fighter aircrew
• Support pilots in executing physical training plans during duty hours and RSDs.

Documentation & Reporting

• Utilize HIPAA‑compliant EMR software for all documentation and communication.
• Maintain accurate treatment records, assessments, and progress notes.
• Provide consultation and reports similar to commercial rehabilitation facilities.

Collaboration & Program Support

• Work closely with squadron medical personnel, government POC, and other OHWS specialists.
• Participate in post‑award conferences and periodic performance meetings.
• Ensure compliance with all installation regulations, safety protocols, and security requirements.

Equipment & Facility Management

• Ensure proper use and maintenance of treatment surfaces, spinal strengthening machines, and testing equipment.
• Maintain cleanliness, sanitation, and infection control standards for the treatment area.

Security, Compliance & Training Requirements

• Adhere to COMSEC, IA, OPSEC, and physical security protocols.
• Complete mandatory annual training (IA, OPSEC, AT Level I).
• Protect all PII and comply with DoD privacy regulations.
• Maintain CAC and installation access credentials.

Workforce Expectations

• Maintain continuity of care—government prefers the same PT consistently treating pilots.
• Telecommuting is not authorized.
• Must be available to support fluctuating schedules during night‑flying weeks.

Why This Role Matters
This position directly impacts pilot readiness, injury reduction, and long‑term spinal health—critical factors in sustaining fighter pilot performance and retention. The PT becomes a trusted clinical expert embedded within the fighter wing’s daily operations, shaping the health and resilience of elite aviators.