Army retraining for emotional well-being

By Sheilah Downey (sheilahd@foodconsumer.org)

One in five soldiers suffer from mental illnesses, including depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and suicide. To help combat the problem the United States Army will soon require that all of its soldiers undergo resiliency training.

A introductory class, to train 1,500 sergeants to implement the courses, was held at the University of Pennsylvania this week, according to an Army news release. The training is part of a program called "Comprehensive Soldier Fitness" and will provide Army families and soldiers better mental fitness resources.

The estimated $117 million program is based on programs presently used in middle schools. It will teach soldiers techniques to defuse anger and reduce mental stress.

Techniques will be taught at two military bases beginning in October and will eventually be used throughout all basic training.

A report of the American Psychological Association (APA) Task Force in February of 2007 called attention to the increasing mental health needs of military personnel.

According to the APA Report, a growing number of soldiers and their families report emotional problems resulting from deployment stress. While more than 30 percent of all soldiers met the criteria for a mental disorder, less than half, from 23 to 40 percent, sought help.

The figures in the report did not include those who didn't identify concerns or those who develop symptoms after returning from deployments.