Supporter Fighting For Soldiers

[AS1975]

For the sake of argument, or to get a grip on what, if any, remedial action you'd like to see taken, what would you like the Army (Defence Force) to do?

Personally speaking, I'd like PTSD (and other stress/anxiety disorders) to be regarded as an injury/wound, not as a career ending diagnosis. That isn't just within the military, it is also the case with many emergency services. It is what keeps people from admitting they have issues, or seeking help, well beyond the point where peer pressure stops operating. The fact is, that there are several rather high profile current or ex-serving officers and enlisted men (Gen. "Freddie" Franks for example) who have overcome serious physical injury/wounds and demonstrated they are fit to resume service AFTER treatment, ie. they are willing and able to fulfill their obligations and meet any test required, AFTER treatment.

 

[armywife67]

This is what I have proposed as far as punishments go. It is of course subjective, but then again when all punishment is the same regardless of the offense it's up to a commander to decide how severe to be.

7)The likelihood of a soldier having discipline problems with untreated conditions is high. Especially when there are two conditions such as SUD/Mental health. If one is treated and the other is not, the soldier is still not getting better and will exhibit poor behavior/relapses. a) A soldier should be punished for misbehavior and held accountable as with any person however, every effort should be made to make sure all avenues of treatment were offered to the soldier within a reasonable time. b) If the behavior came before a soldier was being fully treated for SUD and/or mental health condition consideration should be given and punishment suspended until soldier receives needed care and can prove they are getting better. c) DCoE What Leaders Need to Know: States a soldier should not be removed from a leadership position. Losing rank is not helping any soldier. d) Suspension should also be considered so the soldier does not have other worries while they are concentrating on recovery. Financial, sleep deprived from extra duty, etc.

 

[AS1975]

I would agree with that in principle, unfortunately PTSD and pretty much any "disorder" is viewed pretty much as a barrier to further service/deployment (it even precludes reenlistment) in the ADF.

 

[armywife67]

It really should simply be considered a wound/injury. The way it is treated at Fort Hood (and I'm sure at every military installation) is a discipline problem. The soldier can control what is going on even when they have received no help. I am so shocked and appalled at the ignorance of many if not most of command when it comes to treatment of soldiers. I have read plenty of papers/flyers/studies on how situations SHOULD be handled, but it just doesn't happen that way at lower command levels.

 

[AS1975]

Well it really ought to be a command and control/leadership component of junior leaders. When what works with new troops doesn't work with experienced troops, then it isn't the troops that are the problem. I'd be taking action, even trying petitions and getting the media involved using them. Troops shouldn't be disciplined or punished for systemic failures of junior "leaders".

 

[armywife67]

There was a complete breakdown of leadership. That is one of my main issues that I have outlined and sent to the Senator, Congressman and President. I have also filed IG Complaints and have a meeting set up with the General. Meanwhile I have met with a Colonel that is looking into it. Sadly, my husband already lost his rank because his superiors did not act when they saw a noticeable difference in my husband.

My feelings are that that the next higher rank should be the one looking out and reporting and/or addressing concerns. Not ignoring them until things are out of control. There is so much more too it, including his doctor not referring him to mental health when my husband went to see him for sleep problems and panic attacks.

It has helped me so much to have had the in pouring of letters from his Senior Officers and his peers speaking for his character and what an awesome person he is. So far it hasn't made a difference but I am not giving up. And if I can help other soldiers by pursuing this than it will be worth the past few months.

 

[AS1975]

There is plenty of ammunition there with which to interest the media, they are a tool (nothing more), but one that is hard to control. If it were to come out that the Army is ignoring the needs of soldiers and officers with experience, effectively managing them out of the system, because it would prefer to ignore the additional needs thereof, then there is a major problem. We might train to fight the last war, but armies cannot afford to lose those with valuable experience because it is 'too difficult' to make the effort needed to retain them. Stress disorders, including PTSD and adjustment disorders, are now recognised as being a major psychological response to the gaining of that experience, even just surviving unpleasant encounters, trying to manage out those who've actually been there and done that because they show a marked disinclination to accept petty bureaucratic nonsense, chickenshit tactics and the rest of the crap that goes with 'peacetime' soldiering, means the army is effectively trying to train for peacetime (or normal) operations at the expense of deployability and experience. Someone has to say something.