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New Member |
This is one problem that simple actions can have a major impact on. I've worked in this area for many years, and recognition, intervention , and treatment can save lives as well as returning warriors to active duty.
The key is education (not complicated), and not making bs judgements about the failings of the new generation--who after all have been stretched to the limits by the demands of the current war. |
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Member -------------------  Proud Member Derelict Veterans Group -------------------  |
 You take care of your troops, led from the front, and let them know that you care & that they can talk to you. Watch them likr\e a hawk, and when you see that they're struggling or withdrawn- talk with them. Get to the root of the problem and give them help. When you rotate home, make sure they cintinue to get the help they need. Keep a close tight knit unit and these problems will remain low Hooyah! |
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New Member |
Firstly, where is the Department of Defense? With the optempo as high as it is, how can DOD justify the fact that their medical staff isn't up to speed on PTSD issues. One would think that mental hygiene would be a priority, if only to field as many troops as possible for surge operations, etc. You could assume that the current situation, sending troops to the feild and returning them there in less than 100% condition, isn't an issue.
Secondly, where are the Veterans Organizations? With the exception of the Iraq Veterans, why aren't the American Legion, DAV, VFW, etc, screaming for investigations, better treatment, and the like. Untill the DOD treats those returning from combat with mental health issues as legitimate medical situations, there will unfortunately be no changes in the number of suicides. PTSD is not a "weakness". |
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Highly Experienced Member Ex-Moderator, Fired For Cause |
Good points, uscg. The vets' organizations haven't been the same since the WWII generation reached their sixties or above - membership waned, political clout followed.
There was a little bump when the VN folks came back, but nothing in the same numbers - and they were more fragmented and certainly more marginalized than WWII/Korea vets. IF the OIF/OEF veterans organize - or join the existing organizations, provided those organizations can modernize their agendas and programs (doubtful, based on past performance) - they might be a more effective force for change. That's especially true since these vets are very apt to use the internet and more modern media to get their messages across. |
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Member |
The Army is simply hard-pressed for numbers, and will deploy and deploy again rather questionable cases, until they can't send them anymore. The damage is then done. But it can't be helped. We cannot weigh the long-term against the short-term consequences. We must accomplish the mission with what and who we have at hand. In the meantime, our only recourse is to take ammo and/or weapons from Soldiers reporting trouble or anxiety in country.
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New Member |
It is both interesting and sad that this thread has had so little response. The military has always had a somewhat high suicide rate and it does seem to be worsening with the current conflicts at hand.
I guess the subject is "taboo" for us old soldiers, but it needs to be dealt with by various branches and the VA. Ol' "W" is slowly grinding our armed forces down asking more and more and more and I honeslty don't know how the troops are handling it. Our country is blessed to have the outstanding folks that we have in the military and thetyneed to be taken care of both physically and mentally. It is quite obvious that the mission at hand needs to be accomplished and Runsfeld was correct in his ascertion that you go to war with the army you have. However, the mind set of most soldiers is one that see's rinning off to the mental health clinic as a sign of weakness and our system also see's it that way. If you want to go far or maybe get into a felid that might require a TS clearence the last thing you want to do is explain the visit to the shrink to the investigor doing your background investigation. So until this kind of attitude is fixed within the military very few of our soldiers will be turning themselve into the white coat brigade. |
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Member |
As you and your father remember,We who served in Vietnam had to fight for our rights, I have known many who have just gave up. Remember that song Only The Strong Survive? there is a lot of truth to it. These young troopers have to be strong in mind and spirit as well as body to deal with the DOD and the VA, both branches want you to break and or give up. This sounds cold, but they could care less if you commit suicide unless it interferes with their career. The help is out there, you just have to choose to use it. Tanks |
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Highly Experienced Member Old Fart #00  |
I don't often find myself in agreement with IAVA or Paul Reickoff, but this article was making plain sense to me and I strongly hope that our government and the VA figure out how to deal with this problem and soon! Too many troops are returning from that meatgrinder after multiple deployments and are being cast aside for the VA to deal with. The first line of assistance should be with the active duty folks and then the records transferred to the VA for followup in treatment. These soldiers answered and they deserve nothing less that full acknowledgement of their problems by their counrty!
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Member |
VA Medical Centers have excellent resources.
If you have thoughts of suicide, seek help honestly. The war ends only for the dead and can play strange tricks on you the rest of your life.  |
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Now OldArmyLOVE ------------------- Founding Member ------------------- |
“The truth from an old Army Warrant Officer - that is an oxymoron, right?”  First allow me to thank you and your dad for your outstanding service. As a dad of a Coasty girl (MCPO-USCG), I know your dad’s pride in you is very great. Also, the N on your lapels gives you a special place in all of our hearts. We the living MUST be the spokesmen for those who gave their lives for freedom. I believe that a large number of the suicides are and should be considered “combat related deaths.” The military and VA are not doing enough to educate, screen and monitor to prevent these trading losses. At least that’s the way this old soldier sees it! WOPA! If you have to ask, you wouldn’t understand! And, if I told you … well you know how that goes.  A listening ear, a caring heart, an open mind and an extend hand may be all I can offer, but they are yours without charge or judgment. |
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Member |
The only base I knew that had a high sucide rate besides training bases was ellsworth in the eighties E-3 to E-6's and dependents were the main ones. Any other base had sucide prevention programs/training. Not ellsworth, until it got out of control.
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"Has Been 5" Lead Moderator Sound Off Forums  |
Suicide is a terrible problem that will not go away. Since my first year as a veterans service officer in 1977, I have lost 8 clients to suicide. It leaves all concerned helpless and wondering what could we have done in better prevention.
We have two excellent PTSD forums on Health and Fitness. We welcome those with PTSD, and family and friends of those who do to visit. Dave Barker http://forums.military.com/eve/forums/a/frm/f/4230026980001 and http://forums.military.com/eve/forums/a/frm/f/7420026980001 I will cast no stones. Another proud member, Derelict Veterans Group. “OF MUNERIS UT TOTUS” |
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