Impact of Behavioral Health Issues on Soldiers Returning from Deployment -- Assessing the Programs for Reintegration of South Carolina National Guard Soldiers.

摘要

The National Guard, from its inception, has drawn Soldiers from all walks of life to defend the nation from threats at home and abroad. The Guard's unique structure creates significant challenges for leaders when facing critical issues concerning reintegration. The unprecedented deployments have had a significant impact on the force. The combined stress of multiple deployments, extended separation from family, and serving on an asymmetric battlefield have resulted in Soldiers experiencing a variety of behavioral health issues to include Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The significant reintegration issues that we face requires leaders at all levels of the National Guard to actively engage Soldiers on a more routine and personal basis to better understand the struggles they face in order to assist them in getting the care they need. The South Carolina National Guard (SCNG) State Family Programs and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Assistance Program (SCLEAP) are working together to conduct Post Deployment Seminars for Soldiers who have returned from deployment and are experiencing issues adjusting back to civilian life. This paper evaluates the objectives and outcomes of the SCNG State Family Programs to determine whether changes should be made to the programs.