As a current junior Enlisted or junior NCO with a deployment under your belt

2015-12-01T18:16:55-05:00

After redeployment, several months go by and you are still feeling hyper vigilant or having nightmares or anything else that is bothering you mentally, would you feel better if you could talk to someone in your unit (no lower than battalion level) that was your branch? For instance, an 11B10 speaking to an 11B40 rather than the chaplain or mental health. This person would have the same experiences as you but with extra training to help them identify what is going on.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 1 at 2015 6:24 PM

2015-12-01T18:24:47-05:00

Interesting concept. I could see it help some (along the lines of understanding same MOS etc).

Would have to be careful not to overstep into areas that would trigger or make worse.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 1 at 2015 8:24 PM

2015-12-01T20:24:31-05:00

I'm not in the military anymore, and I lack the experience which others and you have but it seems like that kind of position would seem redundant. I wouldn't call it useless since all support channels for soldiers are useful, however there are a lot available. There are no support channels available that can actually benefit all your soldiers to their specific needs though. This is why you are an NCO. You are not there to only train your soldiers, but you need to be there to mentor them, and push them through the most difficult of times. Sometimes you should take off your NCO rank, and get at the level of your soldiers who may be in need. Regardless of the rank or age. Sometimes people need help. You can increase the morale of your team if you act as a human, like the rest of your team. It is a necessity. But never let that override your leadership.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Dec 2 at 2015 3:34 AM

2015-12-02T03:34:28-05:00

This could definitely work, a person who has experienced the same things you have helping you learn to cope with it!