Re: US Marine (Sniper) Shot by New Mexico State Police
This is truly sad. Semper FI, and Rest Easy Brother.
Many men who come back are received by beahvioral health people who simply look at them, ask a few questions, then check the easy blocks and send them on their way to the Doc. The Doc then asks the same questions and checks the 'No Treatment Needed' Block and says,"Next!" As a former NCO I have seen this all too often and then had to watch as Soldier after Soldier went to a clinic to only be asked,"Why did they check these blocks?"
So many of our beloved Joes are coming back with Combat Stress, Anxiety Disorder, or full blown PTSD and not receiving the treatment they need.
This starts at the reverse SRC process in theater and continues through teh reverse SRC upon arrival back in country. It is further waived off on the 90 day Post Deployment Health Assessment. What happens next is that Joe has a mental break down and does something everyone regrets.
I believe it is up to the NCO's and TL's to look really hard at their joes and look for the symptoms that need to be further looked at. It is a overall symptom of the Type A Hardcore Warrior to not only hide these symptoms, but also to not really look for them too hard for the stigma it creates.
I probably say too much or appear to some as not making sound judgement on what I see, but as a Disabled Vet, I have seen these joes at the VA and the lucky ones are finally receiving the treatment they need. SO much for being the hardcore bad ass...some just can't handle the truth or reality, but that is what we all signed on for and dealing with it is part of the process.
I hope anyone who needs this kind of help receives it in the new year because I would love to see my country's warriors come home and stay at home in one piece
