Re-evaluating the Role of Mental Health in the Military Discharge Process

Chris Meek — Fri, 15 Jan 2021 15:54:06 -0500

In recent years the topic of military discharge has entered the public spotlight with the role of post-traumatic stress at the core of the discussion.

Though mental health is required for consideration during the discharge process, recent media accounts criticize the extent to which mental health considerations are actually weighed. Research indicating that post-combat mental health issues can be a significant factor in bad conduct that leads to discharge has underscored the importance of mental health within the discharge process.

Mental health issues that develop as a result of war, such as post-traumatic stress (PTS), depression, anxiety or a combination of these issues, culminate in a number of behaviors that can lead to destructive conduct if gone unchecked. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, symptoms of PTS that are often precursors to or agents of reckless actions can include irritability, aggression and impaired rationality. As many are aware, mental health struggles may also lead individuals to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol which present their own additional set of behaviors and challenges.

Marine Chief Warrant Officer Cooper Williams has made headlines lately for his fight to stay in the Corps following a potential discharge related to several DUIs. Williams, who struggles with PTS and a traumatic brain injury after surviving an explosion, used alcohol as a means to cope with war-related PTS that emerged on top of his parents’ murder-suicide.

BMC Psychiatry conducted a five-year study of Marines that found those with PTS or other psychiatric conditions were more likely to have a drug-related discharge compared to service members who did not experience similar mental health setbacks.

Alcoholism and drug addiction obviously play a significant role in determining the quality of an individual's overall mental health and as such, should be taken into consideration as valid setbacks when members are evaluated for discharge. These types of diseases should not simply be considered untoward or irresponsible behaviors, but instead should be seen in the bigger picture of other mental health struggles, like PTS, and subsequently be met with treatment instead of discharge.

Though the addition of a mental health evaluation in the discharge process in 2014 is certainly a necessary and positive step toward reaching an accurate and appropriate conclusion concerning an individual’s discharge classification, it currently benefits veterans in their attempts to change their discharge status after they have left the service. Unfortunately, it does little for active duty members, like Williams, as they wade through the process of attempting to remain on active duty.

In light of this, mental health conditions, including alcohol and drug addiction, that emerge and sometimes go undiagnosed during an individual’s military service should be considered before they are discharged and not after. It’s not only physical wounds of war that must be taken into account during the discharge classification process, but invisible wounds too, which can be long lasting and debilitating in their own right.

When we don’t acknowledge the invisible wounds of our nation’s heroes in the way we conduct our discharge system, we not only cheat them out of benefits, including healthcare, pensions and higher education, but also cheat them out of respect, validation and for many, seeking out the help they may need to lead them on a path of recovery. We may also cheat our nation out of quality active duty personnel who simply need and deserve more comprehensive treatment.

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Jan 15 at 2021 4:16 PM

Lt Col Charlie Brown — Fri, 15 Jan 2021 16:16:05 -0500

We need better evaluations during the discharge process

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jan 15 at 2021 4:31 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Fri, 15 Jan 2021 16:31:41 -0500

- We need better screening.
- We need to standardize how unit leaders treat those with mental problems.
- We need mental health therapists who understand PTSD better. We have regulations, SOPs, FMs but nothing like a standardized treatment plan for those who have PTSD.
- We need to educate the SMs better about the MEB process and the VA.
- We need to put the SMs in WTU/WTBs if they are available.

Response by MSG Michael Hankins made Jan 15 at 2021 5:20 PM

MSG Michael Hankins — Fri, 15 Jan 2021 17:20:12 -0500

The truth is you don't even know you have it most of the time until you leave service. Most take it just adjusting back into their civilian life as the obstacle not knowing they are in need of help. Also if you were like me ,going to sick call would trigger a negative reaction from your command and sort of put you on the radar. As i progressed in rank i adopted the same mind set that i incorporated in my style of leadership. Its like a never ending cycle and we are the ones to pay later if we try to file a claim and nothing is documented.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 15 at 2021 8:55 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 Jan 2021 20:55:01 -0500

I landed in Norton AFB on 15 April, 1991 after being In the gulf for 7 months. I ETSd from the USMC on 26 May, 1991. I did my final physical in 3 days and went on terminal leave on 01 May. The Navy doc handed me a card with a 1-800 number on it and said “if you start having mental problems, call this number.” I know Vietnam Vets who were told “have a nice day and don’t wear your uniform when you travel.” I understand what we have right now isn’t “great” but it is improving. But just like everything else the government sticks its fingers into, all the cooks get to screw up the soup.

Response by Wayne Soares made Jan 16 at 2021 7:12 PM

Wayne Soares — Sat, 16 Jan 2021 19:12:30 -0500

Great share Chris

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 16 at 2021 7:21 PM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 16 Jan 2021 19:21:52 -0500

We need to send them back into society in at least as good shape as we found them, if humanly possible. Ideally better shape. Screen before Seps, and provide a clear action plan before and after leaving service. Intent being to provide a roadmap, rather than obstacles.

Response by SSG Greg Miech made Jan 18 at 2021 4:18 PM

SSG Greg Miech — Mon, 18 Jan 2021 16:18:40 -0500

I think they need better screening of civilians as well.

Response by CPT Richard Trione made Jan 18 at 2021 4:54 PM

CPT Richard Trione — Mon, 18 Jan 2021 16:54:11 -0500

Yes, we certainly need more comprehensive and better evaluations during the discharge process.

Response by SSG Greg Miech made Jan 20 at 2021 2:02 PM

SSG Greg Miech — Wed, 20 Jan 2021 14:02:42 -0500

Perhaps for a 4 year Veteran a required mental, dental and health check (Free and pay say $100)? Do this at least annually. Mental monthly for the first year at a $100 for the ex serviceman to start. For you know this would be used for evaluations as well.
One odd thing in WWII for Infantry Training was they set pig guts and such in the obstacle course in the wire and such to help be prepared for it.
I guess with all these HALO warriors it has not helped them mentally. Perhaps a stint in a butcher shop might help for that High School Fetal Pig in Biology did not help.

Response by SFC Melvin Brandenburg made Jan 22 at 2021 2:22 PM

SFC Melvin Brandenburg — Fri, 22 Jan 2021 14:22:27 -0500

I got lucky. I had a COC who recognized my issues and was able to help me get what I needed to bet back on track and deal with my issues. It made the difference in my ability to reach retirement and be a contributor to the mission until I chose to retire.

Response by SFC Ralph E Kelley made Jan 30 at 2021 7:50 AM

SFC Ralph E Kelley — Sat, 30 Jan 2021 07:50:16 -0500

Jussaying#1314

Response by Capt Robert Vincelette made Mar 16 at 2021 6:18 PM

Capt Robert Vincelette — Tue, 16 Mar 2021 18:18:58 -0400

The civilian job market is so competitive it enjoys the luxury of discriminating against anyone with PTSD, especially if compounded with addiction and/or the effects of TBI. Itruins the lives of victims further by making involuntary unemployment and homelessness as dangerous and as physically punishing as many combat experiences. We need better than lip service and hostility against war veterans after they return to civilian life at such disadvantage.

Response by MAJ Jim Woods made Mar 26 at 2021 10:25 PM

MAJ Jim Woods — Fri, 26 Mar 2021 22:25:57 -0400

What LTC Brown said!

Response by SPC Mariah Baker made Apr 12 at 2021 5:21 PM

SPC Mariah Baker — Mon, 12 Apr 2021 17:21:11 -0400

These evaluations should be done by someone who has never served so that service members can be unequivocally compared to normal civilians.

Response by Alison Hansen made May 6 at 2021 2:22 PM

Alison Hansen — Thu, 06 May 2021 14:22:36 -0400

I wish that it wasn't always quoted as "alcohol and drug addiction", as if those were the only frequently seen coping mechanisms. Gambling is one. Thrill-seeking/adrenaline/high speed/BASE jumping, and SEX/porn are all self-destructive and compulsive behaviors very often exhibited by those with PTSD and especially TBI. And it lands them in the legal system without any of the compassion we have developed since Vietnam for Vets with "drug and alcohol" dependency. It destroys lives. LOTS of lives.