Uticopa Blog

In the days of yesteryear, WW1 soldiers returned from the fields of battle with all kinds of undiagnosed mental health injuries. But what of the soldiers in today's  battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan?  A recent investigation puts the spotlight on whether adequate care is offered to them.

In Baghdad, the U.S. military command recently launched an investigation into whether it offers adequate mental health care to its soldiers. This followed a tragic incident where a sergeant allegedly shot and killed five comrades at a clinic on a U.S. base.

Sgt. John M. Russell, from Texas, was taken into custody outside a mental health clinic following the recent shooting and was charged with five counts of murder and one of aggravated assault. The case, which is the deadliest of the war so far involving soldier-to-soldier violence, highlighted combat stress and the emotional problems resulting from fighting in the battle zones of Iraq and Afghanistan.

Up to one-fifth of the soldiers who have served in the two conflicts show symptoms of anxiety, depression and other emotional problems. This figure does not even count the number who need help but do not seek it.

Russell's father said his son felt poorly treated by the army's stress centre. He said he is pinning all his hopes on a verdict that his son ‘snapped' due to the battle pressure he was under.

In Baghdad, it emerged that Russell was sent to the mental health clinic by his superiors, presumably because of concern over his emotional state. However, he was soon asked to leave after he argued with the staff. The soldier then reportedly left, seized his escort's weapon, returned to the clinic and opened fire.

Importantly, in addition to the ongoing criminal investigation, a formal enquiry has been opened into the general availability of health care for US service personnel in Iraq, specifically the policies and procedures surrounding behavioural health services.

It is clear that the U.S. military has become increasingly concerned about mental health in its ranks following a steady rise in suicides - which the Army says have increased worldwide. In April, the Army reported at least 48 suicides. Thousands of other veterans are believed to suffer flashbacks, nightmares or spates of anger as they attempt to readjust to civilian life.

"One thing we learned from WW2, Korea and Vietnam is that not all injuries are physical," said Maj. Gen. Daniel P. Bolger, commander of the Multi-National Division in Baghdad.

Thankfully, the Army has now set up stress clinics in most major bases in Iraq, staffing them with mental health professionals, social workers and other specialists.
Army leaders are also trained to watch for signs of stress and refer soldiers to mental health professionals if needed.

However, some officials believe soldiers are reluctant to take advantage of the facilities because of the stigma attached to counselling in a military culture that promotes mental and physical toughness.

Clearly, combating the stigma is a challenge throughout society, especially in the Army which has a philosophy comprising physical, mental and emotional strength. What is clear is that our own British soldiers will be suffering similar levels of stress as the Americans. What our Army officials must do is train every soldier to recognise the signs of an impending mental crisis and to seek referral to a specialist stress clinic situated at every army base. Such training must emphasise that self-referral is a brave (not weak) thing to do, one which shows a soldier's own strength of will and his appreciation of the good of the whole battalion.