Sunday, May 24, 2009

Something to remember on Memorial Day weekend

A sad byproduct of the Mid-Eastern occupation with the long tours and stressful conditions for the U.S. military forces has been a disturbing rise in suicides by troops. From the WaPo:
The Army's biggest challenge is that its volunteer force is in uncharted territory. Many soldiers are now in the midst of their third or fourth combat tour, and Army surveys show that mental health deteriorates with each one. Senior Army officials said they are focusing more resources, including extra mental health counselors, where troops are returning from multiple deployments. This year, Fort Campbell, Ky., which is home to the frequently deployed 101st Airborne Division, has had 14 suicides.
You can read the whole thing here.

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