Fort Drum commanders defend soldier treatment

Fort Drum commanders defend soldier treatment

The Associated Press
Posted : Friday Feb 15, 2008 8:19:25 EST

FORT DRUM, N.Y. — A critical report on the mental health care provided at the Army’s Fort Drum highlighted previously identified shortcomings and incorrectly characterized other facets of support being provided to soldiers, 10th Mountain Division officials said Thursday.

The report released Wednesday by the Washington, D.C.-based Veterans for America cited problems with understaffing, a reliance on self-reporting of mental health problems and a prevailing attitude at the company level that treats mental health issues in an atmosphere of secrecy, shame and doubt.

It also said that some soldiers had to wait up to two months before they were seen by doctors.

“Are our processes as effective as we would like? No, but we’re working hard, and we remain fully committed as an Army and post to address our soldiers and family needs,” said Maj. Gen. Michael Oates, the division commander. “Helping our soldiers overcome the challenges of continued service in a time of war remains one of our top priorities.”

Among its recommendations, the report urged Fort Drum to establish more proactive mental health screening and treatment capabilities.

That shortcoming was recognized by Fort Drum medical staff in early 2007 and has already been addressed through temporary personnel realignments until permanent additions can be made, said Col. Jerome Penner III, Fort Drum’s Medical Department commander.
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http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/02/ap_drummental_080214/

"Early in 2007" you noticed that right? Early in 2007 when this is early in 2008. I know what the Army can get done when it wants to. I know what the Marines can get done when they want to. As a matter of fact, all branches can move mountains when they want to. The question is how badly do they want to do this?

How long does it take to get programs up and running to help the men and women in their command? How long does it take to get serious about doing some thing right? Is it that they still have no idea what PTSD is? You would think people who train all their lives to fight an enemy, spend every waking moment trying to figure out the best way to defeat the enemy, would spend the same amount of time trying to figure out how to defeat this enemy claiming the lives and futures of our armed forces. What's it going to take for them to treat PTSD like an enemy instead of those who have it? They better figure it out because all indications point toward this enemy overtaking a lot more of them.