Some of those with multiple deployments, say more than three, probably should be encouraged to leave, before becoming emotionally or professionally burnt out (Post-Traumatic -Stress-Related). I say this because the high rate of suicide amongst our active military is quite high, if statistics are to be believed. Something’s definitely askew and either being overlooked or purposely allowed to occur.
That’s pure victim mentality propaganda BS that has infected our military leadership and politicians trying to score anti-Bush points. That’s when the suicide “epidemic” stories began and now its a PC narrative.
Their suicide rate is actually no worse than the general population’s here. After multiple deployments, if they want to stay in, THAT is when you send them to a school, send them to an accompanied tour somewhere out of combat, develop them professionally, and then send them back to forming units as respected seasoned leaders.
Instead, we send them to guys like Major Hassan for mandatory counseling, isolate them by unceremoniously kicking them to the curb, and throwing them into civilian life that has no concept of what they have seen.
Isolating them by separating them involuntarily from the Army, bad. Giving them a quiet assignment, letting them grow, and showing them due earned respect, good.
Of course, that was when we had a peacetime Army. Now we are in constant war with Eurasia! Or was it Eastasia? I cant remember anymore,,,
What is askew is that the stateside jobs that a returning combat vet might aspire to in the Army are filled with careerists, single moms, and officers who play the admin game and punch tickets.
They are very happy to flush away Officers who would bring good combat records and solid experience to the competition.