Post-Deployment Memorial Ceremony: A Vital Link

摘要

The Army continues to transform into a modular expeditionary force during an era of persistent conflict. The Army readiness and force generation model (ARFORGEN) cycles units through predictable stages for availability to deploy. The Army recognizes the stress of frequent deployments on Soldiers. The Army has committed to care for Soldiers and families. Combat casualties are the greatest challenge that Soldiers, families, units and communities face with unit deployments. Connections between Soldiers, families, units, and communities may be maintained through the deployment cycle of units. These connections support unit cohesion and Soldier resiliency. Casualty response operations manage Army care to Soldiers and families. Research indicates that grief is cumulative. Additional research indicates that Soldiers benefit from communal grieving in unit memorial ceremonies. Rear detachment memorial ceremonies bolster connections between Soldiers, families, and community members at home station. Soldiers that do not adequately grieve for each combat casualty run the risk of psychological stress and possible post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Postdeployment memorial ceremonies provide the final link to connect Soldiers, families, units, and communities.