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Shouldn't shock anybody. These guys are just dumped off at their house with PTSD and no counselling or long term support whatsoever. Remember all the Vietnem vets that "went Postal"? Here we go again.
Are these killing just random acts? Or are are they a symptom of a larger issue that the U.S. is going to have to deal with (again?)
Again??? As in when was the first time? Oh Rambo? That was a movie.
Vets are not an issue. Compare how many who serve and later commit murder to la gang violence. To Detroit violence.
Vet bashers. Dime a dozen.
I am a vet. I have served in combat. Ihave never considered murder nor have any of the men I knew when I served.
Murder is not a vet disease.
Of course this is not the case with every vet. But it is being commonly reported that troops coming back from Iraq have high levels of PTSD and under half receive any treatment. The National Vets Foundation is reporting about it. It is an issue that needs to be recognized and given more focus on. These guys need more support after they get back.
PTSD cases often surface long after troops leave combat. A VA study in 1988, 13 years after the last U.S. troops left Vietnam, showed that 31% of the 3.1 million male Vietnam veterans had PTSD at some point after their service.
The total of mental health cases among war veterans grew by 58% from 63,767 on June 30, 2006, to 100,580 on June 30, 2007, VA records show. The mental health issues include PTSD, drug and alcohol dependency and depression. They involve troops who left the military and sought health care from the veterans department.
Mental health is the second-largest area of illness for which Iraq and Afghanistan veterans seek treatment at VA hospitals and clinics. It follows orthopedic problems and is increasing at a faster rate, the VA says.
PTSD | National Veterans Foundation (http://www.nvf.org/story-topic/ptsd - broken link)
Mental health= violence that should result in a fear of all vets?
A VA study? Same place that uses foreign trained subpar doctors? Same place that allows these individuals to practice and learn on our vets?
Sorry the VA has very little credability with this vet. In this instance I happen to know more than a few vets who were fubar by the VA system.
Mental health= violence that should result in a fear of all vets?
A VA study? Same place that uses foreign trained subpar doctors? Same place that allows these individuals to practice and learn on our vets?
Sorry the VA has very little credability with this vet. In this instance I happen to know more than a few vets who were fubar by the VA system.
I understand what you are saying. The fact is that there are PTSD and mental health issues with many vets (which is UNDERSTANDABLE) that are today not being addressed and should be. I don't think people are bashing vets by recognizing this basic need that should be addressed better by the government.
This is a great link with lots of resources and information if anybody knows someone with PTSD and wants to see what options are available.
There are reports of how the military is discharging known military with PTSD as general psych disorders so they don't have to worry about the aftercare costs. Psych disorder discharges have gone up 40% since 2003.
Last edited by bily4; 01-13-2008 at 09:06 AM..
Reason: added a line
Something else to consider. Given the amount of vets who have served in Iraq and afghanistan how few violent crimes have been committed by them. Compare this to crime in the cities over the same period. Our vets are remarkably well behaved.
Inspite of the fact that some on the far left feel they are nothing less than blood thirsty killing machines good for little else.
One thing that was pointed out to me long ago (I'm a Viet-Nam era Navy vet) is that the stereotypical 'PTSD' -plagued serviceman of recent decades may have a basis in truth. The WWII and Korean-era vets often endured uspeakable horrors. But by and large, in those days, these guys traveled and operated as part of a "unit" from start to return stateside, and even later. Logistics in those days meant that return home normally meant a long ocean voyage, away from combat and usually in the company of one's 'buddies' all the way.
Beginning in the Viet Nam era, though, some troops were literally 'plucked' out of the horror of combat--ALONE--put on a plane, and in 24 hours, found themselves sitting 'home' at the family dinner table...either on leave, or awaiting discharge. No 'buddies', no time to decompress, nobody to talk to who 'understood'.. no one around at ALL, in fact, except civilians.
Looking at it that way, it's a wonder MORE people don't 'lose it' than DO. I don't know if the military has taken any steps to deal with this, or not--- but it illustrates one of the unintended negative side-effects of 'efficiency'. Anyone is going to need time to 'transition' out of a horrible experience like combat--some more than others...
I just hope we don't end up seeing as many Iraq vets end up homeless and destitute as we have today with VietNam Vets. The points you bring up mac are exactly why experts talk about higher rates of PTSD seen in VietNam and Iraq vets.
Beginning in the Viet Nam era, though, some troops were literally 'plucked' out of the horror of combat--ALONE--put on a plane, and in 24 hours, found themselves sitting 'home' ....No 'buddies', no time to decompress, nobody to talk to who 'understood'.. no one around at ALL, in fact, except civilians.
...
Many of whom hated my guts and secretly wished that I had been killed by their heroes, the VietCong, so that they could win their stupid political battles...
Scum.
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