wrong direction. Don't look for pre-existing issues, they're obviously not reliable as a forecast mechanism, not what I intended at all.

Look for the mental outlook that can and will tolerate stress. Hire more sociopaths -- and yes, I'm quite serious.
Quote Originally Posted by reed11b View Post
...while a history of pre-existing mental health issues make PTSD more likely, the majority of soldiers diagnosed with PTSD have had NOsignificant MH history.
Obviously.
...There is also a large body of deployed soldiers w/ MH histories that have had no Combat related MH troubles.
Also obviously. I'd add that the combat flip out is variable, can occur early or later and that the number of triggers available on the battlefield is vast. MH issues in general do not show how well combat stress will be tolerated, people are too variable -- but the sociopathic trend, if not total, can aid in acceptance of most combat stressors.
...I appreciate your participation in the subject Ken, but on this matter I am closer to being a SME.
Gee, thanks. I appreciate your appreciation. Always good to deal with experts even if they do go in the wrong direction..
...Prevention of disciplinary failures in basic and early in enlistments may be more achievable through pre-screening however.Reed
Nothing to do with combat stress; in fact the guy with minor disciplinary problems is probably more tolerant of combat stress than the average straight arrow. We probably should stop trying to throw 'em all out of the service and exercise a little leadership.