I did 20+ years in military, multiple tours. And I don't have PTSD. And a lot of soldiers coming back don't either. I'd like to address a couple of points which I think the public has become mixed up on, with the best of intentions, but is actually effecting soldiers chances of returning to normal life.
The first is this assumption "most soldiers probably have PTSD" is effecting their chances of employment. One of the best things can happen to a soldier with or without PTSD is to be able to transition into civilian life... Via a JOB!. Particularly for mature aged soldiers the assumption they may be prone to PTSD, even extreme violence or suicide is not doing any favours. Previously, an armed services background was CV booster, its starting to swing the other way again.
The second is soldier attitudes towards PTSD, too many treating pensions as a cash cow. Its an unfortunate reality that any system will be abused by some, and if its easy to abuse that some becomes many. The boys have the routes, doctors, best psychs to see, advocates and performances mapped out. I warn them if we overload the system the government will make it harder to approve, stop indexing or tax the current pensions (They are starting to do this already)Then the folks really needing the support will not get it, and we will be back with vietnam era support= Zero.
I also don't like the heavy drug protocols they recommend for soldiers reporting with any depressive issues. Too often they start with a mild complaint, go direct to anti depressants, end up on anti-psychotics with addictions and suicide issues. This is the wrong direction for treatment! The US is starting to have a strong look at this and I hope Australia will soon too
Some facts on soldiers which may or may not interest folk.
1. Only 1 in 7 soldiers have combat related roles. For every front line corps there are 6 cooks, drivers, medics, bandsmen, storeman, mechanics, dentists, callibrationists, etc.
2. Despite the Middle East being not a very nice place, and the risk of bombings, Australias role was not high combat risk in this war. 40 something deaths over 10 years still makes it safer than underground coalmining or offshore fishing. Not less fear no, but not the level the public assumes either. The facts and breakup of general soldiering do not support all the claims of "battle and bloodshed'. Most soldiers in fact will never see or hear of a person being killed in their area during a 6 month deployment.
