News Analysis: June 10, 2009
PTSD and pill-popping: the Pentagon’s advanced research agency is probing the potential of psychology and pills to stop battlefield stress before it begins. Meanwhile, the Army is closing some warrior transition units. It’s not just Fort Campbell that is suffering beneath the grim burdens of stress and suicide; It’s not just Fort Stewart, either. Suicides don’t just happen after deployments. Combat stress is a military-wide problem that the country must treat immediately — thankfully, the stigma that once prevented scores from seeking help is less pronounced in our younger troops than it used to be.
The Iraqi government is moving ahead with plans to hold a referendum on the security agreement with the US; and a powerful bombing killed at least 28 in Nasiriyah, proof that security can still be elusive in Iraq. Does the surge in Afghanistan change the equation?
The deployments continue and continue — even as the focus shifts to Afghanistan, with fleets designed for Iraq.
A bill to protect injured Guard and Reserve members from losing their jobs, or being demoted, while recovering from service-related injuries.
Can the VA change to better care for our women veterans? How about also expanding mental health coverage for all veterans?
With stop-loss on its way out, say hello to “incentive pay.”