Licensed Physical Therapist – Optimizing Human Weapon System; OHWS Tulsa, OK

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

• Tulsa, OK
• Government/Military

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

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.

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.

Base Year + Two Option Years

CAC Eligibility & NACI Required

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

• 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.

• 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

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.

• 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.

• Conduct initial assessments for all rated aircrew entering the OHWS program.
• Provide injury prevention, mitigation, and rehabilitation services for neck, spine, and musculoskeletal conditions.
• Del…