December 27, 2007: The U.S. Army
noticed a pattern of self-destructive behavior among many troops returning from
Iraq and Afghanistan. Last year, some 120 soldiers died from accidents within
six months of returning to their home base. In the next six months, another 60
died. Two things figured in most of
these deaths; bad driving and alcohol. Especially in Iraq, troops learn to
drive fast and recklessly. That's the best way to avoid roadside bombs and
ambushes. Unlearning those driving habits, which are obviously dangerous back
in the United States, is more difficult than first thought. Another problem is
that troops often come back with a lot of cash. They can't spend a lot of money
over there, and they get paid extra (combat pay and the like.) This often leads
to buying a new car or, worse, a motorcycle. Lots of motorcycle accidents.
And then there's the booze angle. No
booze allowed in combat zones. Many troops develop a powerful thirst, and deal
with it when they get back. Mix that with a fast new car, and old Iraqi driving
habits, and you get accidents. Getting drunk makes one liable to all manner of
accidents. Then there's the hard charging attitude one develops in a combat
zone. It can be a life safer when you are getting shot at, but can lead to
accidents, sometimes fatal ones, back home.
To deal with the problem, the army has
made the troops, and their families, aware that the problem exists. That, in
itself, goes a long way towards helping troops avoid problems. The army also
developed a set of guidelines for how to safely adjust to life back home, and
how to recognize the symptoms of combat
fatigue (or PTSD, post-traumatic stress disorder). With all the attention PTSD
has gotten in the media, troops are more willing to seek treatment. Extreme
cases of PTSD are pretty obvious, but it's the more subtle ones that army wants
to catch early. These are easier to cure if caught early.
