These reports are disturbing, but more so are the disturbing comments of the war’s advocates to the posts about these things. Beyond denial, they attack those concerned about our troops. They love the war, but not our troops. Much like Senator McCain, who votes in favor of any war — but against veterans benefits (See About.com and this for details.).
- 2008 DoD Survey of Health Related Behaviors Among Active Duty Military Personnel — 50 meg PDF here
- Survey Summary
- “Navy attempted suicide rate nearly 3%“, Navy Times, 24 December 2009
When reading reports like this, focus on the direction and rate of change. America’s troops in many ways are the best of us, and it shows in the statistics about crime, alcoholism, drug use, and mental problems. Many are better than the overall population, but show rapid deterioration.
For more information
Other posts in this series:
- The Army’s greatest crisis, 7 January 2008
- The Army is losing good people. That is only a symptom of a more serious problem, 18 January 2008
- A look at the gradual decay of our armed forces, 28 December 2009
For a wealth of information about this topic see the FM Reference Page An Army near the Breaking Point – studies & reports.
