Troop Depression
According to a recent article (http://www.military.com/NewsContent/0,13319,163432,00.html?ESRC=topstories.RSS), the cases of depression among troops in Afghanistan are on the rise. It is an interesting read because of the different reasons that “experts” claim could be the cause. Having lost a year of my life over there I think I can jump in and provide my “expert” opinion. A couple of reasons that that article highlights are a sharp increase in combat and the remoteness could also be a cause, but I don’t think it is because of the inability to get a mental health professional out to each FOB. How about the remoteness of being out with nothing more than a gun truck, one other American (maybe 2 if you are lucky) and 20-30 afghans that are as corrupt as they come. If you read any of the recent blogs on my website at www.bouhammer.com from Mike T and research back to some of mine when I was there you will find some striking similarities. Having incompetent people in high-ranking or leadership missions making decisions that could put a soldier and his team’s life at risk unnecessarily is a leading factor to depression if you ask me. American troops are awesome because they are more than willing to go into some distant land and look into the horrors of war, stare death down and take an enemy human life without remorse or hesitation. Yet, they will turn around and weep like a baby if an innocent child is being abused or gets hurt as a result of combat. Depression may also be on the rise there because of the repeated tours of troops and maybe their 3rd, 4th, or 5th tour that just happens to be in Afghanistan is just a bit much for them.
