Physical Therapist (DPT)
Tactical Human Performance / Fighter Aircrew
Tulsa, Oklahoma – 138th Fighter Wing, Oklahoma Air National Guard
Full-Time | Threat Management Group, LLC (TMG)
Threat Management Group is seeking an exceptional Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) to support fighter aircrew assigned to the 138th Fighter Wing in Tulsa, Oklahoma as part of the Air Force’s Optimizing the Human Weapon System (OHWS) initiative.
This is not a traditional outpatient physical therapy position. The selected DPT will work directly with fighter pilots to help prevent injury, improve recovery, address the unique neck and spinal demands associated with high-performance military aviation, and optimize long-term physical performance and readiness.
Anticipated Start Date: September 28, 2026 (contingent upon contract award)
The Role
The DPT will serve as the primary on-site human performance provider supporting approximately 25–35 rated aircrew members. The position combines physical therapy, injury prevention, pre-habilitation, strength and conditioning, post-flight recovery, and human-performance optimization.
· Conduct comprehensive initial evaluations and assessments of fighter aircrew.
· Develop individualized injury-prevention and pre-habilitation programs.
· Evaluate movement, strength, mobility, flexibility, and other physical-performance factors.
· Provide rehabilitation and corrective exercise interventions.
· Develop strength and conditioning programs with particular emphasis on the neck, spine, and supporting musculoskeletal systems.
· Provide post-flight treatment and recovery services following flying operations.
· Identify ergonomic and biomechanical factors contributing to discomfort or injury.
· Monitor progress and modify treatment and performance plans accordingly.
· Provide education regarding injury prevention, recovery, and long-term musculoskeletal health.
· Coordinate care with Flight Medicine physicians and other military and civilian healthcare providers.
· Maintain appropriate clinical documentation using a HIPAA-compliant electronic medical record.
· Track participation, outcomes, utilization, and other program metrics.
· Assist with required monthly reporting to program leadership and Flight Medicine.
· Manage appointments and accommodate changes in flying and training schedules.
· Maintain the immediate clinical/work area and equipment.
· Potentially travel with supported aircrew for training or flying operations.
Required Qualifications
· Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from an APTA-accredited Physical Therapy program.
· Current, unrestricted Physical Therapist license.
· Ability to obtain and maintain licensure to practice in the State of Oklahoma.
· Minimum of one year of clinical experience.
· Current CPR/AED certification.
· Ability to physically demonstrate prescribed exercises and techniques.
· Ability to lift and manipulate weights and equipment up to approximately 55 lbs. (25 kg).
· Ability to meet requirements for access to a U.S. military installation and successfully complete required background screening.
· Experience working with Special Operations Forces, tactical athletes, Division I collegiate athletes, Olympic athletes, professional athletes, or other elite/high-performance populations is especially desirable.
Our Ideal Candidate
We are looking for more than someone who meets the minimum requirements. A particularly strong candidate will bring experience in one or more of the following:
· Sports or orthopedic physical therapy.
· Tactical or military human performance.
· Treatment of elite or high-performance athletes.
· Cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine rehabilitation.
· Strength and conditioning.
· Injury prevention and pre-habilitation.
· Movement assessment and corrective exercise.
· Performance programming.
· Aviation or fighter-aircrew populations.
Highly Preferred
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) certification through the National Strength and Conditioning Association is highly preferred. Candidates with other relevant strength, conditioning, sports-performance, or orthopedic credentials are also encouraged to apply.
Schedule
This position requires flexibility around the fighter wing’s operational flying schedule. Normal operations generally occur Monday through Thursday, with periodic Regularly Scheduled Drill weekends. Night-flying periods may require adjusted schedules, including evening or late-night hours. Telework is not authorized.
The DPT will also provide post-flight flex coverage aligned with scheduled aircraft landing times to address immediate flying-related musculoskeletal issues and recovery needs.
Travel
Occasional TDY travel may be required to support aircrew during training or flying operations at other locations within the United States and potentially overseas. Travel may total up to approximately 30 days per year.
Why This Position Is Different
This role offers the opportunity to work with a small, specialized population rather than moving through a traditional high-volume clinical caseload. You will develop familiarity with the individual pilots you support and work across the continuum of prevention, performance, treatment, and recovery—with the goal of keeping fighter aircrew healthy, capable, and mission-ready.
For a DPT interested in sports medicine, tactical human performance, and military aviation, this is an opportunity to apply clinical expertise in a uniquely demanding operational environment.
Threat Management Group, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Disability insurance
- Health insurance
- License reimbursement
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Education:
Experience:
- Physical therapy: 1 year (Required)
- elite athlete DPT: 1 year (Preferred)
License/Certification:
- unrestricted Physical Therapist license (Required)
- CPR/AED certification (Required)
Work Location: In person
