Benson,
I’ll address this directly and I apologize for not returning sooner to review any answers.
First, when I quoted “all volunteer force” it was a quote, not scare quotes or implying anything else.
Second, Jules was implying that these numbers were inflated or otherwise manipulated to infer something that was not. Frankly, without seeing the data, I can’t tell whether Jules or CBS is providing anything more accurate as to actual suicides of veterans, the reasons or the purpose for quoting them. Everyone seems to have some sort of political agenda or attempting to discredit the media. Neither of which I care about.
My main concern is that we don’t treat PTS, PTSD or suicides among veterans as something that we should shrug off because it is some how less than at some other point in history or the numbers don’t jive with our conceptualization of the issue.
The main reason PTS and PTSD with attendant suicides is less than at other points is because we have taken great strides in studying the effects and instituting programs. Some of which are under staffed and under funded to make the impact that is needed.
As far as telling Crittendon to “shut up”, I hardly believe I have the ability or status to do so. Neither was it the intent. My concern, as I note, is that we spend a lot of time trying to debunk numbers and having discussions about who is doing what for what reasons. The best way to counter bad information is not only to debunk numbers, but to talk about the real issues sensibly. Further, we have a lot of veterans who read at many sites who may be put off exploring treatment or considering their situation because of these discussions. I’m afraid that we’re projecting the “shut up and suck it up” concept above a more healthy “check out this info”, “you’re normal if you feel this way”, “no you’re not crazy” and “no, we won’t think that you’re lame or weak if you’re experiencing these issues”.
Although, I recognize Mr. Crittendon making an attempt at that subject, it’s not his focus in this article. My request was simply to put a thought in Mr. Crittendon’s head about a possible future post on the subject.
If I simply wanted to support Mr. Crittendon’s points, I would tell him to go to the NCPTSD website and get the data regarding PTSD for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans compared to Vietnam Veterans that states 30/100 Vietnam veterans experienced PTSD as opposed to an estimated 18% for Iraq and 11% for Afghanistan. Iraq being higher due to more intense combat.
My view: I am less concerned about the media than I am about our veterans and returning soldiers. Some of whom might benefit from having the discussion and issues written about by someone who has shared their experiences, like Mr. Crittendon whom, I believe, was on the march up country?
We have 175k in Iraq with tens of thousands that have redeployed since 2005 when the last analysis occurred. Appx 20k in Afghanistan with an equal number who have redeployed in between. In Iraq, 2006 to mid 2007 was the most violent time period. thus, it is likely that there will be more veterans with combat related stress that were not considered in 2005 and were not considered during part of the budgeting process that is the VA funding bill that is still not passed today.
In other words, we are two years behind the gun on this issue.
How do I view the media coverage then? I dislike the sensationalism and the potential for stigmatizing our troops with such coverage, but I have come to view it as the proverbial two edged sword: stigma on one side and the potential to drive such issues as, yes, VA funding, added programs and the military continuing to find ways to address this situation up front where it makes the most difference.
As we know, American voters are notorious for being “emotional” voters. I imagine a nice scholarly conversation on the effects of PTSD, etc probably doesn’t drive them much. Sadly, sensationalism does.
For a thoughtful discussion on combat stress and other post deployment issues, please see the veterans at Blackfive: On Coming Home
