SENIOR LEADERS ARE SAYING
"Combat is inherently brutal and difficult, and it impacts humans in different ways. We have made significant improvements in the identification and treatment for PTSD and mild TBI, but we must aggressively work research, prevention and treatment of these injuries and encourage Soldiers and their Families to seek treatment."
-Gen. George Casey Jr., chief of staff of the Army
"We understand deployments place stress on our Soldiers. The purpose of the post-deployment health assessment and reassessment is to reach out to them, bring them in, educate them, ask them if they have any physical or psychological concerns, and get them the care they need. This is about reducing stigma and breaking down barriers to getting care, and it's working."
-Brig. Gen. Stephen L. Jones, assistant surgeon general for Force Protection, U.S. Army Medical Command.
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING
"I'll definitely miss my friends. And, some friends are upset that I am ditching them. But I'm looking at it for the future. I want to better myself."
- Brandon Srinamyom, who joined the Army along with his stepmother
Mother follows son into service TODAY'S FOCUS Behavioral Health What is it?
Behavioral health is just as important as physical health. Good health maintains good readiness. Good readiness keeps Soldiers in top condition.
What has the Army done?
The Army continues to reduce the stigma associated with seeking behavioral health care. In addition, it has increased its number of behavioral health care providers at stateside and deployed locations.
We implemented Battlemind training to remind Soldiers they are not alone. It familiarizes leaders, Soldiers, Family members and even Army Civilians with signs of Soldiers in distress, and how to get them help. There are pre- and post-deployment modules and resources for Families.
Resources now are available to help Soldiers get a handle on any changes in behavior or mood resulting from deployment. The ArmyÃÔ Behavioral Health Office has a Web site with helpful hints on what to do.
We train Soldiers and leaders in suicide-prevention awareness as part of our professional military education system and during the deployment process. Updated training materials are available.
Institutionalized training now also takes into consideration stateside/garrison environments and Soldiers deployed in support of combat operations
What continued efforts does the Army have planned for the future?
As Army culture adjusts to the increased availability of Behavioral Health resources, more leaders and Soldiers can take advantage of training and counseling, to learn how to help themselves and their battle buddies. In coming months, there will be an ongoing focus on reducing the stigma associated with seeking behavioral health care, on suicide prevention training and on providing the best care, support and services to Soldiers and their Families.
Why is this Important to the Army?
In this era of persistent conflict, we anticipate a continued high operational tempo for our Soldiers. This requires that our Soldiers and Families are continuously ready well-trained, well-led, well-equipped, and physically and mentally prepared. To ensure our readiness is sustained, we need Soldiers to seek behavioral health care, and leaders who encourage and enable Soldiers to get behavioral health care, just as they do for physical injuries.
Resources:
Battlemind Web site Army Behavioral Health Web site Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Video U.S. Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine Web site INFORMATION YOU CAN USE 2008 Strategic Communication Guide - Read the 2008 Army Strategic Communication Guide for key messages and updates
Strategic Communication Coordination Group (SCCG) Workspace Army Public Affairs Portal Stories of Valor A CULTURE OF ENGAGEMENT The Army Community Relations Calendar MND-B troops seek to help clinics in Baghdad Success is not just big-fish tale Claims program helps residents recoup losses CALENDAR Asian - Pacific Heritage Month Saturday, June 14, 2008: The U.S. Army Birthday Ball NEWS ABOUT THE ARMY - Woman gains Silver Star -- and removal from combat (WP)
- Army Wounded Warrior Program honors four years of service (ARNews)
- Lawmakers push for barracks hearing (AT)
- Problems corrected at Fort Bragg dorms (ARNews)
WAR ON TERROR NEWS - Fort Bragg Soldier awarded second highest award for valor (HC)
- Iraq's army- not ready yet (CSM)
- Iraqis reject extremist violence, coalition general says (AFIS)
- Pentagon discusses expanding role in Afghanistan (SDUT)
OF INTEREST - The Army sells out to the NFL (PB)
- Á´gt. Ken urges enlisted leaders to stress fitness (AFIS)
- Sesame Street releases new DVD for military children (ARNews)
- Medic says Army sergeant ordered him to suffocate Iraqi (HC)
- Army sergeant says he's innocent in Iraqi murder case (LCS)
WORLD VIEW - Sirens wail in tribute to victims of Nazi genocide (PR | Story)
- U.S.: Iran 'most active' sponsor of terror (JP | Story)
- Afghans see link to Qaeda in plot to shoot Karzai (IHT | Story)
- 'Next govts in U.S. , India likely to conclude N-deal' (TOI | Story)
WHAT'S BEING SAID IN BLOGS - Update: Army general 'mad' about condition of housing at Fort Bragg (USA)
- Army: Make us a mini-drone swarm (Wired)
- The PRT's over (HJ)
- Towards a sound Pakistan policy (WPR)
- When lesser men talk (KDIHH)
- Desperate much? (KDIHH)
- Wordless Wednesday (ABW)
- Something to be proud of (N2G)
Stand-To!- Behavioral Health - May 1, 2008 
Linear Mode
