I was an Army Chaplain for 30 years. I have observed the continuous threat of combat degrading the mental health of many soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines. We cannot expect such continuous deployments not to have devastating effects on the mental health of our military. I know it shouldn’t, but I am always amazed at how easily civilian leaders are willing to send our military into our way without considering the cost. It’s as if they consider Service members as expendable or that they can simply return from hostilities unfazed and unchanged. Part of the answer is limiting the use of military force to those global situations that involves existential threats to national security and to protect protecting threatened populations. It means using the soft power of diplomacy and negotiation in foreign affairs and not leading with military action. I am reminded of MacArthur’s words, “it is a soldier above all else that pray for peace for he must bear the deepest wounds and scars of war.” If only our civilian leaders would understand.
Here’s the thing. The fact that we have been constantly at war for over a hundred years IS the problem. That and the fact that you can’t just “fix” the damage done to those who fight those wars, physically or psychologically.
A sad but moving commentary anchored by General Smith's solid suggestions about how to deal with the problem of helping our warriors prepare for their return home, family and peace. I hope the Defense Department and the armed services, especially the Marines and Army, consider General Smith's ideas very seriously. Thank you, General Smith, for your trouble in writing and sending your post, and for your concern. Shaun, LCDR USNR, Vietnam 1967-69
I was an Army Chaplain for 30 years. I have observed the continuous threat of combat degrading the mental health of many soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines. We cannot expect such continuous deployments not to have devastating effects on the mental health of our military. I know it shouldn’t, but I am always amazed at how easily civilian leaders are willing to send our military into our way without considering the cost. It’s as if they consider Service members as expendable or that they can simply return from hostilities unfazed and unchanged. Part of the answer is limiting the use of military force to those global situations that involves existential threats to national security and to protect protecting threatened populations. It means using the soft power of diplomacy and negotiation in foreign affairs and not leading with military action. I am reminded of MacArthur’s words, “it is a soldier above all else that pray for peace for he must bear the deepest wounds and scars of war.” If only our civilian leaders would understand.
Here’s the thing. The fact that we have been constantly at war for over a hundred years IS the problem. That and the fact that you can’t just “fix” the damage done to those who fight those wars, physically or psychologically.
A sad but moving commentary anchored by General Smith's solid suggestions about how to deal with the problem of helping our warriors prepare for their return home, family and peace. I hope the Defense Department and the armed services, especially the Marines and Army, consider General Smith's ideas very seriously. Thank you, General Smith, for your trouble in writing and sending your post, and for your concern. Shaun, LCDR USNR, Vietnam 1967-69
I treat veterans who came back from combat. They are permanently different and very often have damage. The Armed Forces don’t care about broken toys.