Why is PTSD still a stigma within our ranks?

SFC Thomas Foreman
The cases where we punish less than the civilian world are the cases that would have received no conviction punishment in civil proceedings.

Ive seen bad briefings but there is no relationship between briefings good or bad and sexual assault instances. As for punishment, I've seen a Soldier go to Leavenworth for a he said she said that instance that likely wasn't "rape" until she woke up the next morning. In fact I've never been in a command that was anything but by the book on the topic out of fear of reprisal on themselves if they did anything otherwise.

I'm glad our soldiers still have due process, eliminating due process would be the only way to punish more.

LTC (Join to see) obviously it’s a very complicated issue with complex solutions. I don’t pretend to know a fix-all for it.

My particular reference to the briefings is exactly as you said, they don’t prevent anything, because they’re just briefings. A lot of commanders give the briefing, by the book, and write a command policy, by the book, and call it a day. They’ve met the Army standard. I’m suggesting that the standard isn’t good enough. It takes leader (and probably more importantly peer) engagement beyond the briefing and the memo. It’s creating that culture of trust, and a culture that tells every soldier that we won’t just do what we’re required to do, we’ll do everything we can do to keep you safe.

I don’t think we’re very far apart in our thoughts, and it’s clear to me you want what is best for the soldiers, so thank you for your thoughts.

SFC Thomas Foreman this has been an excellent discussion. My concern is too often the Army "does something", anything do show we are working on a problem. This has lead to a rush to implement programs that don't work and, i believe, a push to punish as much as we can get away with. My fear is with almost no due process we can bar reenlistment or give GO letters of reprimand that destroy careers without evidence. That shows that you're "doing something" but it certainly doesn't build trust.

LTC (Join to see) 100% agree there. Don’t just “do something” do the right thing.

And concur, really encouraging discussion.

We break joes then yell at them for being broken

SFC Thomas Foreman Pretty much.

Yes, You are sure correct about that, also being removed from duty or having restrictions. Most Military people don't want anything that removes them from the team they work with or any stigma real or imagined that they may have and often won't even seek help even when it's needed.