Pre and post deployment support

[MikeF]

I'm gonna have to step out of academia and put my stetson and jump boots back on to dive into this one....

Any "mental health specialist" clown that thinks he can diagnose PSTD within five minutes should be rejected from any military sponsored assesment. The majority of my TBI soldiers lied to the medics, Docs, and 1SGs to get back into the fight. After 8-10 IED attacks, I forced them into submission. Now, they are trying to recover. Don't be fooled to be fooled with the assertion that universal assessment is the magic answer- the boys (and girls) can outwit any psychologist/psychiatrist looking for causation. Unfortunately, those truly affected with PTSD will surround themselves with layers upon layers of defense.

Others, the self-described 'victims' of the war- will tell any tale to receive benefits undeserved.

One of my best soldiers is currently in a WTU. He shared the following humorous story.

"Sir, I was given a free fishing trip for four wounded soldiers. In the WTU formation, I asked if anyone would like to take it. 30 soldiers came to me wishing to attend. I told them that only combat veterans could take the trip. 25 walked away. WTF??? Sir, what is going on here?"

I couldn't answer him. For the first time, I had to tell him that there was nothing I could do.

Back to Reed's original post. What do we do? What do we do for the warriors not the victims?

I don't know.

v/r

Mike