Thousand Oaks gunman went from Marine vet to mass shooter. (Insightful Facebook Post)

KRTV ^ | Nov 9, 2018

[Gene Eric]

The evil MSM is portraying him as a dressed Marine, and not the disheveled, lost individual he became.

The MSM is the Country’s greatest threat.

[Manly Warrior]

Thanks for your service too.

I have no experience with any Solider or Marine I served with being prescribed AD drugs in theater. Not sure how this was done, as the only place there were doctors other than Medics and a combat element was at the FOB (Fwd Operating Base). The only time troops went to the doctor outside of the BCT (Battalion or Brigade Combat Team) Med Staff ( Aid Station) was when they were either wounded or sick from DNBI (Disease/Nonbattle Injury). No one was seeing troopers regularly, we operated at our own COP (Cbt Outposts). A MD or DO was tasked with routine visits, but normally there was a PA or RN, along with our complement of Cbt Medics caring for us.

As a Cbt Engr Bn XO, I new who was fit/unfit for duty at all times, I also would know from daily reporting who was of concern mentally or physically. Again, no one was on MH type drugs and remained in the unit. We indeed lost manpower to all sorts of issues and I sure some were stress related, but again, resoundingly, such drugs were not being handed out like candy- NSAIDs, Antibiotics etc, you bet, but mind altering drugs? Nope.

I agree with the conclusions of both excerpts- ADs are a hoax, they mask real life and make people even more susceptible to self doubt and suidical/homicidal thoughts-I am amazed that the USDA even allows them to be marketed-just listen to the TV commercial.... PTSD is not what it is made out to be- again, IN MY personal experience over the decades of service, is that Soldiers who demonstrate sign sof Cbt stress were not treated at the field level, but were pulled out and moved rearward, if some were treated with such drugs, them they apparently were not often RTD (returned to duty) . I am certain the prescribing of many cocktails of such meds were/are the norm. I was offered several AA/ drugs too, I passed.
I know too many men and women ruined not by their combat experience but by “treatment” following. It is my personal belief and opinion that faith, strong moral boundaries, support of family and friends and comrades ( maybe most importantly?) makes the overall effect of death and destruction survivable.

My last CSM (Command Sergeant Major, 32 years of service when retired) put in perspective. He stated that he could tell who would make it in combat based on the same indictors of who would make in it garrison; those who stood up and asked for help in training and then mastered the task compared to those who complained that the situation was unfair, that their failure was not due to their own shortcomings. Ie Snowflakes.

Perhaps the references you present are focused on treating PTSD, which is not the same as CBT Stress, R&R, staying with your unit and having a strong support system where talking about experiences is the norm, while remaining focused on the mission has long proven to be the way to help us survive the irrationality of our duty. Patton was right, to a point. Meds are a wallpaper fix.

Like my tag line states. Still, there are “no free lunches for the dogs of war”.

My wife has stood beside me, behind me , in front of me making me understand that there is no greater love than what she has demonstrated over the last 36 years. Sadly, it is my turn to be there for her, now that she is disabled by an untimely stroke.

for such a time as this....

[antidisestablishment]

Partial list of proscribed medications in CENTCOM AOR:

8. Any CSA Schedule I-V controlled substance, including but not limited to the following:
a. Benzodiazepines: lorazepam (Ativan), alprazolam (Xanax), diazepam (Valium), flurazepam (Dalmane), clonazepam (Klonopin), etc.
b. Stimulants: methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta), amphetamine/dextroamphetamine (Adderall), dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine),

...

dexmethylphenidate (Focalin XR), lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse), modafinil (Provigil), armodafinil (Nuvigil), etc.
c. Sedative Hypnotics/Amnestics: zolpidem (Ambien, Ambien CR), eszopiclone (Lunesta), zaleplon (Sonata), estazolam (Prosom), triazolam (Halcion), temazepam (Restoril), etc. Note: single pill-count issuances for operational transition do not generally require a waiver.
d. Narcotics/narcotic combinations: oxycodone (Oxycontin, Percocet, Roxicet), hydrocodone (Lortab, Norco, Vicodin), hydromorphone (Dilaudid), meperidine (Demerol), tramadol (Ultram), etc.

...

9. Antipsychotics, including atypical antipsychotics: haloperidol (Haldol), fluphenazine (Prolixin), quetiapine (Seroquel), aripiprazole (Abilify), etc.
10. Antimanic (bipolar) agents: e.g., lithium.

SOURCE:

https://www.cpms.osd.mil/expeditionary/pdf/USCENTCOM-MOD-13_TAB-A.pdf

As for statistical use, and treatment of PTSD in Active Duty or VA, I have no source. Anecdotally, I have seen a demonstrable increase in military personnel taking these types of medications, and have personally known of soldiers deploying with 180 day supplies after getting waivers.

It’s easy enough to slip through the cracks. The tempo of operations remains high, and the rotation of personnel often makes it hard for follow up. Those who are visibly unstable are generally quickly returned CONUS. Those who get out after a regular enlistment—even those who are medically retired—can’t be forced into mental health compliance.

Our system is completely reactive. The costs of compulsory treatment goes far beyond dollars. Who do you trust to make the determination?