Just John's Scribblings
I've found that only those 'brothers' that have shared in similar combat experiences are the ONLY ones that can truly grasp it...
And are the only ones that you can count on and trust to help you get through the tough times and are always there for you no matter what.
Semper Fi 'Brother'.
There are people who think there is nothing to PTSD?
I kind of can't fathom that. I'm sorry if that's been your experience or if its been the experience of those you know.
@Elaina: It's been the experience of a couple of people I know. They've been told that it's a crutch, or an excuse.
While I don't think that people who have been through that type of thing should get a free pass on all transgressions, I think it needs to be widely recognized and acknowledged that they are going to have a few problems here and there.
This one is just sad: http://www.truthout.org/article/...sd-marine-
corps
Thanks for the link to the article. It is sad. And makes me wonder if that's why there's been such a big push to use the term "combat stress" and the combat operational stress control program and all? Because combat stress sounds less stigmatizing? I don't know. Just made me wonder.
Well, the program is supposed to be implemented in every major command, and is designed (as you probably already know) to help cope with stress at all levels.
How well it works is undoubtedly a factor of how enthusiastically it's used. I know that in some units, the chaplain, and a designated officer (often company or battalion XO's) are the only ones that even know anything about the program. The Marines get some mandatory training, sign an attendance roster, and punch out on block leave. It's getting better, but if a unit just goes through the motions, the program isn't going to do anything for them.
The stigma associated with these problems will probably always be there, but to what degree remains to be seen.
Do you think it would be more effective to educate senior enlisted, SNCO's and officers about PTSD/combat stress? Or would it make more sense, in your experience, to make sure that young Marines understood what it is, what is available (although not much) for them, etc? Seems to me it needs to be the commands themselves that need to understand these issues better. Because it seems to be (I know of instances of this personally too) that a lot of the breakdown comes when a Marine either knows he can't go to the command or when he does, meets with the response the Marines in that article received.
Also, do you think that mental health professionals with no active duty experience are well received? Maybe I should have sent you an email with these questions. LOL! I ask for a specific reason.
Well, we do currently educate SNCOs about combat stress, and techniques for combating it, at the SNCO academies. I don't know what type of education officers get, or at what level.
I think that our junior Marines definitely need greater involvement in the program. Until that takes place, I don't think ANY mental health professionals will be well received (as a whole). Involvement of our junior guys and gals would go a long way toward reducing the negative stigma associated with this whole mess.
Thanks!
I know, and love some folks that are suffering PTSD in one for or another..
I have never had ANY signs of it, maybe it's because of what I did, I never had a conscience anyway..
But I KNOW it's real, I have seen it's effects and anyone that doesn't believe it has NEVER been there...
Now all we have to do is get the V.A. and the military hospitals to treat it effectively. If that's even possible...
...and that's the kicker, getting the VA and military hospitals to effectively treat it. That has not been my experience up to this point.
Sorry, I know little about this. I was a cold war vet the period between Korea and Nam. I did have some cousins who served in Nam and one seems to be totally different upon his return and was easily upset when one began to talk about that conflict. Sorry I can't contribute more on this.
Eric, you were one of the *loved ones* I was refering to!
In a brotherly fashion!
Just ask my Dad or better my Mom.
I found the article sad - becuase I thought the military had finally recognised and were dealing with PTSD. If they are, it appears there is room for improvement.
My dad had been in Vietnam. He was a flyer, so I never connected his mood swings or his fondness of a drink or his anger with combat or PTSD.
At his funeral, one of his squadron buddies told us how they'd been shot down and on the run from the VC.
It all fell into place and I realised that in the 30 years, he never got over what happened there.
His name should be on that damn wall.
@kris: I wholeheartedly agree.
Gunny, The Marines under your charge are blessed with a fine Sergeant and real human being. I had a great First Sergeant in the Nam who kept me out of the stockade and got me home safely. Good Sergeants are truly the backbone of the military.
If things are still as bad as The Nation article portrays, not much has changed in 40 years. Not even the dreams.
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