Vocalizing the Vindications of Our Veterans: Evaluating the Needs of Our Returning Soldiers

The soldiers of the United States devote their lives, families, and careers in order to ensure our limitless opportunities of liberty and justice. It is therefore our duty, as grateful citizens of America to meet their needs upon return from war. This research evaluates the effects that Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder places on the returning soldiers. This study proposes that in order to support our veterans, there must be established policies that will accommodate for their mental health conditions as well as the required treatments that pertain to such diagnosis. In an effort to evaluate the necessary treatments and conditions needed to properly support our veterans a U.S. veteran was interviewed to discuss his opinion and expedience with PTSD. In addition to this, numerous articles and manuals were referenced. Using this information, a formal definition of PTSD was formulated according to its conditions and criteria. The current methods of treatment and evaluation for PTSD were also evaluated to gain a strong understanding of this disorder. This study also provides evidence as to why PTSD treatments need to be mandated out of concern for both the soldiers as well as the public. With this information the study presents a suggested method of treatment, recommending that the Pentagon should increase “dwell time” and mandate group treatment in between deployments as a part of a comprehensive strategy to reduce the incidence of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder among returning veterans. It is intended for this work to contribute to future support and aid for our veterans