The growth of the profession of occupational therapy

Occupational therapy is a frequently unknown and misunderstood profession. However, occupational therapy practitioners have a rich history in the US Army, from the inception of the profession to current challenges. The article is a chronicle of historical highlights of occupational therapy which discusses how this history is harmonious with that of occupational therapy in the US Army. In researching this topic, several concepts emerged: (1) occupational therapy grew from a belief that people need occupation, or activity, to remain healthy; (2) people learn the best through purposeful activity; (3) the number of occupational therapists in the US Army decreases during peacetime, but in time of war the benefit of this profession is recognized and its numbers increase; (4) although models of health care change, the primary focus of occupational therapy remains constant; and (5) there is a direct correlation between the philosophy of occupational therapy and the philosophy of treating Soldiers with combat stress reactions, a "go-to-war" mission of Army occupational therapy practitioners. As such, the management of these Soldiers is enhanced by the unique skills offered by this profession.