As reported in Stars and Stripes this week, the Department of Defense, beginning in October, will introduce stress coping techniques in basic training for all branches of the military.
The goal is to reduce the incidence of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), which by some estimates effects 20% of combat veterans. The current thinking is that mental toughness can be taught and, if true, such training can save lives.
In the meantime, combat stress clinics are being introduced in combat areas. These "restoration centers," as the military calls them, provide a place for service members to get a few days respite following an acute mental trauma. Having a chance to talk it through with medical staff can go a long way in minimizing the long term impact of such events.
Army medics are trained to look for signs of PTSD and mental health professionals conduct periodic psychological debriefings in the battle zone to help soldiers to deal with the combat stress they all face.
These proactive steps by the military are aimed at reducing PTSD, reducing suicides and reducing post deployment violence. I applaud these efforts.
