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infinite monkey · 03-15-2012, 02:49 PM

Yes, which makes me wonder again about the other questions.

I've heard from friends in the service that they are really paying a lot more attention to the mental health of our servicepeople (which is a good thing: I can't imagine not being affected by the things they do, and I value them for their service.)

So if this is true I think a couple things may not be happening that should be, or are not happening enough, or...just like in anything, someone fell through the cracks.

1) Extra 'allotments' shouldn't happen (within reason.) I mean, 4 tours? Eh, we need warm bodies. Joe Schmoe just got back, let's send him in again.
2) If someone is volunteering for an awful lot of extra 'allotments' some assessment needs to happen.

I think we're doing a better job of understanding the trauma of combat. At least, I've seen organizations devoted to getting veterans, especially veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan, together. That they are 'not alone.' That even these tough brave people are human.

One of my friends did a tour in Iraq and a tour in Afghanistan. This guy is straight up the epitome of a Marine (great guy.) But his g-friend tells me he does have issues resulting from his experiences.

So either way, I'm skeptical that 'better' is being done.

03-15-2012, 02:49 PM	#343
infinite monkey Person who doesn't update the user title Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 13,002	Yes, which makes me wonder again about the other questions. I've heard from friends in the service that they are really paying a lot more attention to the mental health of our servicepeople (which is a good thing: I can't imagine not being affected by the things they do, and I value them for their service.) So if this is true I think a couple things may not be happening that should be, or are not happening enough, or...just like in anything, someone fell through the cracks. 1) Extra 'allotments' shouldn't happen (within reason.) I mean, 4 tours? Eh, we need warm bodies. Joe Schmoe just got back, let's send him in again. 2) If someone is volunteering for an awful lot of extra 'allotments' some assessment needs to happen. I think we're doing a better job of understanding the trauma of combat. At least, I've seen organizations devoted to getting veterans, especially veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan, together. That they are 'not alone.' That even these tough brave people are human. One of my friends did a tour in Iraq and a tour in Afghanistan. This guy is straight up the epitome of a Marine (great guy.) But his g-friend tells me he does have issues resulting from his experiences. So either way, I'm skeptical that 'better' is being done.