Poll Reasons for military PTSD

[Simon Marc]

MST - Military Sexual Trauma is not listed. That was my case however I had PTSD most likely before that (ample evidence and validated by family members and in therapy). I did though not have sexual traumas other than verbal sexual abuse before military service and my reaction to those was extreme and destructive. MST is a major thing in the military. It was so corrosive to my psyche (not just one MST trauma but several during service) that I had a "mandatory report order" to the chow hall because I dropped weight and would not eat - three times. Social Actions was bull shit. I had two people on my base who were not to come within 500 feet of me. Whoo f'ing hoo.

So you're saying that one trauma can cause another one ( MST--> PTSD)? Interesting, I will collect information on that type of disorder.

 

[The Albatross]

I am saying that Military Sexual Trauma causes PTSD independent of the things you list on your poll.

 

[The Albatross]

P.S. Ironically it was also my direct personal military experience that two coworkers and my squadron Chief Master Sergeant were preying on Tech Students. I was black sheeped during the reporting process and it fell on deaf ears until almost 3 years post military service (still had family member in the area and it hit the news). Attempted all to protect students at Keesler. MST is a taboo subject... or was. More comes to light all the time and it's impact is devastating for mission forward bands of brothers and sisters.

Likely to be the last post I have on this topic for a while.

 

[The Albatross]

Thank you @LuckiLee - lots of things I never shared there, and I over shared today. Appreciate the validation. I have continued to watch this issue since discharge.

 

[LuckiLee]

My big tough Ranger Man was also sexually assaulted. "Raped" while stationed in Germany. It was one of his first military traumas. And one of the last ones to be acknowledged by him.

Much love to you @The Albatross.
XO

 

[Freida]

MST is a huge problem in the military. As in one 1 of 3 women and 1 out of 7 men. That translates to thousands and thousands of victims. So ya, if you are going to do a poll on military ptsd you are going to want to put it in there. I think you will be shocked by the responses.

And MST is not something people get in trouble for. It's just one of the prices you pay for being in the military - you are expected to just suck it up and move on - which is why the ptsd rates are so high.

I'm curious about why you are doing the poll....??

 

[somerandomguy]

@Simon Marc - is this going to be part of your term paper? That would be extremely problematic if so because any poll here is going to be wildly unscientific.

I'm also not at all sure you even know what PTSD is.

 

[Friday]

MST is a huge problem in the military. As in one 1 of 3 women and 1 out of 7 men

In bootcamp we were told 4 out of 5 women would be raped in their first year, most of the rest by the end of their first tour. So to look out for each other.

I found that to be a pretty accurate assessment.

Every base I was stationed at had a “table” at morning chow. Sit there and get vodka in your orange juice, and a handful of pills (morning after pills, pain pills, & either the STD combo pack or a friendly navy medic who’d give you a shot in the ass, or stitch you up, off the books).

The ethos at the time was “If you wanna run with the Big Dogs? You’re gonna get bit.” That table? Was one of the only ways we could look out for each other.

 

[Rugby02]

@Simon Marc , military sexual trauma should be on the poll. So should career sabotage ( being held up for promotion, all females in squad bring chaptered out of the military, having CSM call next duty station to warn them that you’re coming)

 

[void]

I normally keep my nose out of military threads, b/c I do NOT belong...as a civ. I'm only violating that personal policy b/c of @Friday comments.

I'm very disturbed to read "In bootcamp we were told 4 out of 5 women would be raped in their first year, most of the rest by the end of their first tour. So to look out for each other.

I found that to be a pretty accurate assessment."

WOW! ??

Of course, I had heard that MST happens, but I am astonished to learn of the magnitude of the problem. It must be a deeply entrenched part of Military culture to be that common. 4 out of 5 means that it actually the "norm" for MST to occur!

My deepest sympathies to all the service women and men that have been affected by this travesty.

 

[Friday]

So you're saying that one trauma can cause another one ( MST--> PTSD)?

MST = Military Sexual Trauma (including sexual assault, rape, coerced sex & sex acts under the threat of death/imprisonment of yourself or others, torture, and other fun things) ....all of which can all cause PTSD.

Of course, I had heard that MST happens, but I am astonished to learn of the magnitude of the problem. It must be a deeply entrenched part of Military culture to be that common. 4 out of 5 means that it actually the "norm" for MST to occur!.

20 years ago it was normal. I have no idea how normal it is, now.

 

[Freida]

MST = Military Sexual Trauma (including sexual assault, rape, coerced sex & sex acts under the threat of death/imprisonment of yourself or others, torture, and other fun things) ....all of which can all cause PTSD.

20 years ago it was normal. I have no idea how normal it is, now.

Still pretty much the same...sadly. I knew it was bad with women but I had no idea how much it happens for the guys