I found this from Yahoo news this morning. Start with the 9 page NYT article here, then read the AP summary here.
I’m inclined to agree with the AP article. The NYT article doesn’t reveal it’s ‘scientific’ methods, nor does it offer statistical comparisons to national statistics. It doesn’t even define their ‘findings’ as a percentage of total OIF/OEF veterans. Nor does the article go into any depth to show that the military is doing more and more regarding PTSD and transitioning from deployment to home. Is it enough? Could we do more? I don’t know, and yes, we probably could and should do more. Is it an alarming epidemic? I don’t know. I don’t have the perspective, nor first hand experience to really say otherwise. Each case is certainly a tragedy in and of itself. I do know that the military is very concerned about overcoming veteran’s perceptions that seeking help is somehow a sign of weakness. That’s a tough cultural obstacle to overcome.
Don’t be surprised to see different groups latch onto, and exploit, this for various reasons.
-Blackhawk
Armed Liberal rips the NYT a new one (H/T Flaming Penguin, er, BCB)
There was a film following WWII called “The Best Years of our Lives” which dealt with problems Vet’s endured upon the return to civilian life. PTSD isn’t a new problem.