Military Mental Health
Shove the stiff upper lip bit that it wasn't a big issue, that is why it is a big issue with people being decried for not manning up.
It was a big issue, it was affecting your life, your job your family hence it was a big issue.
The numbers of Ex services in jail, on the streets or really gone off the deep end shows that it is not being dealt with.
There is a fear that once you get in the system it will be used against you.
About 10 years ago worked with guy called Bob who suffered from depression, 15 years previously in the company he worked with he had time off (early 1990's). He was terrified about returning to work, knowing everybody would know and treat hium differently. First morning back he said was bad, people threading on eggs shells, by lunchtime he almost walked away.
In the afternoon CEO of company appeared and called everybody together, then straight up said "Welcome Bob back as he has been off for 2 months with depression"............................ Bob thinking WTF, I'm gone.
Then CEO said I suffer from depression and have for 20 years, nothing I can do about it but do get support when I need it, destroyed first marraige and family by not seeking help but second wife knows the signs and helps.
This was unscripted and then a woman stands up and says she has sufffered Post Natal Depression 3 times and its harder each time, other stood up as well talking about it after bereavement, divorce that they or family members had suffered.
Bob cried his eyes out going home he said, but came back next day, first time he felt he wasn't alone in work.
He said he felt company culture changed that day. He still suffered from depression but he said others giving him support helps.
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Those of us who have had to use the Military mental health system also need to step up and not be afraid to talk those who fear their careers will be impacted by showing the mental strength at a time of perceived weakness to come forward and put their hand up. You are all right in that it needs to be normalised while one is serving and not after one has left, and not stigmatised. I know plenty of people across the military who probably desperately need help that will never come forward.
I was lucky, I went back to flying and it didn't seem to impact my career, but the 'system' just fixes you to get you flying again ASAP, it doesn't truly fix you. That's for the charities to deal with when you leave....
Just my tuppence worth.
I was lucky, I went back to flying and it didn't seem to impact my career, but the 'system' just fixes you to get you flying again ASAP, it doesn't truly fix you. That's for the charities to deal with when you leave....
Just my tuppence worth.
So some of us have had terrific support from Medics, Commanders and Mental Health staff, and yet others have had our careers tarnished or even cut short by seeking help (as have I).
The problem still exists that some military personnel fear the worst by speaking up.
The problem still exists that some military personnel fear the worst by speaking up.
I don't own this space under my name. I should have leased it while I still could
BEagle, correct about Wittering. Obviously the other two just before hand, xxxx was parachuted in to Scampton.
Last edited by Pontius Navigator; 29th Apr 2017 at 14:40. Reason: Amended as too easy to see who it had been
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Autism
I was pissed off that a LM discussed me (unwarranted, without permission!) with a random bloke on a Golf Course (Seems he was in Local Education authority), then mentioned to me that the golfer reckoned I was Autistic!
Spoke about this to my Mum, she reckoned he may be right! (Why didn't she mention this to me????)
I've observed several traits within me over the past few years which may fit into the Autism envelope!
Current Girlfriend is a teacher, and is in agreement with Mum...!
RAF is currently unaware and I'm posting this under an anon username....
UK Autism Centre is next door to RAF Digby, should I give them a call?
Spoke about this to my Mum, she reckoned he may be right! (Why didn't she mention this to me????)
I've observed several traits within me over the past few years which may fit into the Autism envelope!
Current Girlfriend is a teacher, and is in agreement with Mum...!
RAF is currently unaware and I'm posting this under an anon username....
UK Autism Centre is next door to RAF Digby, should I give them a call?
I feel I have to comment on this topic. In the latter part of my service career my mental health suffered due to operational experiences and I toughed it out for more than a few years, deterred from seeking help by the 'zip up your man suit' attitude of both my colleagues and my superiors. Huge mistake for me and my family, I should have sought help earlier it may have limited the damage. However, once I stuck my head above the parapet I was treated as a pariah by so called friends and chain of command alike, any sniff of a career was gone in an instant and I was hammered in annual assessments. I got help through several DCMHs but sadly I could not be fixed to a standard required for further service.
All I am trying to say is that in my experience the RAF has a very long way to go to actually deliver on the promise that it cares for its people and that the stigma associated with mental health problems is looming as large as it ever has. I was in a trade that trumpets its care for its members; don't make me laugh, their efforts were risible and mean absolutely nothing. From Med board to discharge was 12 months and I heard nothing from my chain of command throughout that period........ I even wrote to the then CG (gives you a clue as to my trade) explaining my experience; it took him three months to reply and even then the letter started "following your decision to leave the RAF".
This was not many moons ago, I left in 2015 and actually it was for the best but the treatment meted out by my chain of command has left a very bad taste in my mouth and the only help I have had is from a charity who have been brilliant. NB it was not my Service (Regiment) charity.
Finally I would give advice to anyone suffering to seek help early and reap the benefits to you personally of that help but beware that it will, or is very likely to limit or curtail your career in the present climate of all 'talk and no action' within the Service.
All I am trying to say is that in my experience the RAF has a very long way to go to actually deliver on the promise that it cares for its people and that the stigma associated with mental health problems is looming as large as it ever has. I was in a trade that trumpets its care for its members; don't make me laugh, their efforts were risible and mean absolutely nothing. From Med board to discharge was 12 months and I heard nothing from my chain of command throughout that period........ I even wrote to the then CG (gives you a clue as to my trade) explaining my experience; it took him three months to reply and even then the letter started "following your decision to leave the RAF".
This was not many moons ago, I left in 2015 and actually it was for the best but the treatment meted out by my chain of command has left a very bad taste in my mouth and the only help I have had is from a charity who have been brilliant. NB it was not my Service (Regiment) charity.
Finally I would give advice to anyone suffering to seek help early and reap the benefits to you personally of that help but beware that it will, or is very likely to limit or curtail your career in the present climate of all 'talk and no action' within the Service.
DCMH Brize were excellent. Less could be said about my route there. I approached my Sqn CoC, which promptly let the cat out of the bag and it became Sqn gossip. Went to see the padre just to see what help could be garnered from a friendly chat and an opportunity to 'off-gas'. The bloke barely concealed his contempt when I discussed my issues, especially about my failing marriage. The office door hit me so hard in the heels I felt I was being thrown out...
Nick makes at least three guys I know of this year who felt they had no where to turn. It makes me extremely sad that this has happened, especially that, as a whole, the British Military is definitely sitting on a mental health time bomb post Iraq and Afghanistan.....
Nick makes at least three guys I know of this year who felt they had no where to turn. It makes me extremely sad that this has happened, especially that, as a whole, the British Military is definitely sitting on a mental health time bomb post Iraq and Afghanistan.....
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it makes a refreshing change to read serious contributions on a topic which remains firmly taboo for many people, irrespective of their occupation.
As somebody who has suffered from depression, in varying levels, most of my adult life, there is NO stigma attached to admitting as much, at least as far as I'm concerned. The effects can be very debilitating and the adverse effects both in person, and on your friends / family should never be understated.
My first encounter came in the RAF in the late 70's, in Germany. I knew something was wrong and duly approached the chain of command in an attempt to resolve it. One memorable "interview" summates matters.
It was conducted with a J. Engo. feet on desk, saying he had no interest in my personal problems so you sort it out.
And some wonder why I have nothing but contempt for the "managerial capabilities " of the Eng / Admin Branches, even more so when a reprise as it were, albeit in different circumstances, has taken place in more recent times. At some point this will come into the public domain and it won't make pretty reading.
I went to see a M.O, at Bruggen, who listened ( which was a start ) and suggested a visit to Wegberg may be "useful "....thus I ended up having a couple of days there. The psychiatrist was, frankly, pretty damned good.
Once the causal factors had been identified, I was rapidly sent on my way , given about 10 days leave, and advised matters would be resolved.
They were...... and after returning to Bruggen, my circumstances changed, quite significantly, thanks entirely to the intervention of the medics. Whether those responsible for my circumstances suffered any detrimental effects on their careers, I will never know. Hopefully, they did.
The lighter side.
Only the RAF could decide it would be a good idea to admit me, before 17.00, on a Sunday, in Germany. Some on here will recognise the initials and personalities of what followed.
Enter "Phoenix Gliding Club" and one K.K. He decided the best way ( alcohol was, I have to admit, involved in the planning stages) to get me there was....in the Motor Falke and I am probably the only patient to arrive at Wegberg in this manner.
Off we went therefore, had a couple of field landing practices en-route and I duly plonked it onto, or into, the airfield. It was at reception that matters became "more entertaining"....cough !....after the form filling bit, was asked how I had arrived Car ? Service transport ? Friends?....erm, nope, came by glider actually. The medics face, bless him and given my destination, was, as they say, a sight to behold.
Arrive on the ward and the consultation takes place on Monday. Tuesday night, have some visitors from the GC, thoughtfully bringing some liquid therapy.
In my room is an alarm bell. One G.F. wonders out loud, what happens when.....the sound of running feet transpires, only to be greeted by a broad Scottish accent dryly commenting as to the fact he was a "wee bit slow there laddie".....and the late Pete Rock ( R.I.P ) ...shaking hands with the plants and socially introducing himself as it were.
One "less than impressed "medic retires threatening dire consequences for my visitors.
Later that evening.....I knew a nurse at Wegberg at the time, quite well so to speak, and she decided it would be a good idea to offer some decidedly non prescriptive therapy which, I have to say, worked very well. As we know, you can't disobey a direct order from your superior officer.
I left on the Wednesday morning.
Back to the serious side, and I understand the potential ramifications for service personnel, but, if you do find yourself suffering from a condition that affects 1:4 of the population, please, forget any of the "stiff upper lip / man up / macho" garbage.... and seek professional help.
As somebody who has suffered from depression, in varying levels, most of my adult life, there is NO stigma attached to admitting as much, at least as far as I'm concerned. The effects can be very debilitating and the adverse effects both in person, and on your friends / family should never be understated.
My first encounter came in the RAF in the late 70's, in Germany. I knew something was wrong and duly approached the chain of command in an attempt to resolve it. One memorable "interview" summates matters.
It was conducted with a J. Engo. feet on desk, saying he had no interest in my personal problems so you sort it out.
And some wonder why I have nothing but contempt for the "managerial capabilities " of the Eng / Admin Branches, even more so when a reprise as it were, albeit in different circumstances, has taken place in more recent times. At some point this will come into the public domain and it won't make pretty reading.
I went to see a M.O, at Bruggen, who listened ( which was a start ) and suggested a visit to Wegberg may be "useful "....thus I ended up having a couple of days there. The psychiatrist was, frankly, pretty damned good.
Once the causal factors had been identified, I was rapidly sent on my way , given about 10 days leave, and advised matters would be resolved.
They were...... and after returning to Bruggen, my circumstances changed, quite significantly, thanks entirely to the intervention of the medics. Whether those responsible for my circumstances suffered any detrimental effects on their careers, I will never know. Hopefully, they did.
The lighter side.
Only the RAF could decide it would be a good idea to admit me, before 17.00, on a Sunday, in Germany. Some on here will recognise the initials and personalities of what followed.
Enter "Phoenix Gliding Club" and one K.K. He decided the best way ( alcohol was, I have to admit, involved in the planning stages) to get me there was....in the Motor Falke and I am probably the only patient to arrive at Wegberg in this manner.
Off we went therefore, had a couple of field landing practices en-route and I duly plonked it onto, or into, the airfield. It was at reception that matters became "more entertaining"....cough !....after the form filling bit, was asked how I had arrived Car ? Service transport ? Friends?....erm, nope, came by glider actually. The medics face, bless him and given my destination, was, as they say, a sight to behold.
Arrive on the ward and the consultation takes place on Monday. Tuesday night, have some visitors from the GC, thoughtfully bringing some liquid therapy.
In my room is an alarm bell. One G.F. wonders out loud, what happens when.....the sound of running feet transpires, only to be greeted by a broad Scottish accent dryly commenting as to the fact he was a "wee bit slow there laddie".....and the late Pete Rock ( R.I.P ) ...shaking hands with the plants and socially introducing himself as it were.
One "less than impressed "medic retires threatening dire consequences for my visitors.
Later that evening.....I knew a nurse at Wegberg at the time, quite well so to speak, and she decided it would be a good idea to offer some decidedly non prescriptive therapy which, I have to say, worked very well. As we know, you can't disobey a direct order from your superior officer.
I left on the Wednesday morning.
Back to the serious side, and I understand the potential ramifications for service personnel, but, if you do find yourself suffering from a condition that affects 1:4 of the population, please, forget any of the "stiff upper lip / man up / macho" garbage.... and seek professional help.
Last edited by Krystal n chips; 1st May 2017 at 06:18.
Racedo.
Whilst I don't believe I was quite as wrong as you suggested I see the point you were trying to make and I agree with you.
Any issue, big or small, is worth sorting out before it gets worse. Until you have sat in the chair at a DCMH you'll have no idea what to expect. Once you realise it mostly just involves a lot of (honest) talking you'll discover there is nothing to fear. Whilst my issue was serious enough to affect my job I still maintain I got off lightly compared to some. The point is though I sought help. The help I got was fantastic and sorted the problem. For now at least. If I ever got an inkling that I was struggling again I would be straight back to the MO in a heartbeat.
Far from being ashamed of the issue I will happily bore anyone who'll listen with the details. In fact I described it on this forum not so long again. I'll post the link if I can remember where it was.
BV
Whilst I don't believe I was quite as wrong as you suggested I see the point you were trying to make and I agree with you.
Any issue, big or small, is worth sorting out before it gets worse. Until you have sat in the chair at a DCMH you'll have no idea what to expect. Once you realise it mostly just involves a lot of (honest) talking you'll discover there is nothing to fear. Whilst my issue was serious enough to affect my job I still maintain I got off lightly compared to some. The point is though I sought help. The help I got was fantastic and sorted the problem. For now at least. If I ever got an inkling that I was struggling again I would be straight back to the MO in a heartbeat.
Far from being ashamed of the issue I will happily bore anyone who'll listen with the details. In fact I described it on this forum not so long again. I'll post the link if I can remember where it was.
BV
I'm going to caveat this with "I'm glad a friend made me get help" and "If you have similar problems, do something about it". However, I had a pretty tough time a couple of years back, and ended up with my doc referring me to DCMH. The care from my med center was nothing short of excellent up to that point, and going forward. My squadron Mayes were also fantastic, with my chain of command being about average really. However, DCMH passed me from pillar to post and my experience couldn't have been worse, to the point where it actively made my problem worse. I ended up gaffing them off and seeking civvy help out of pure frustration. That was incredibly helpful.
The moral I think is that your mileage may vary but that owning the problem is the best thing you can do. Denial doesn't go well. As someone stated in an earlier post though, the fact that we're even discussing all this rocks!
Edited for a spelling change!
The moral I think is that your mileage may vary but that owning the problem is the best thing you can do. Denial doesn't go well. As someone stated in an earlier post though, the fact that we're even discussing all this rocks!
Edited for a spelling change!
Last edited by PPRuNeUser0211; 1st May 2017 at 21:31.
I think also there has been a seismic shift in RAF life in the medium term (the last 20 years or so). In days gone by we would have had:
- Sqn Cdrs mixing it more with their people socially and at work rather than the endless meetings they go to and everyone 'bomb-bursting' afterwork.
- The Mess Bar providing a useful medium to discuss matters less formally after work (but the 'sport billy' brigade got their way on that one).
- One Liners followed by an almost 100% turn out at Happy Hour that used to give a great informal mechanism for decompression of matters.
- 15% or so 'Spec Aircrew' allowing youngsters a sounding board on issues with well experienced individuals (the Sqn Uncle system helps with this now but only person is a LIMFAC).
- People tended to live in the Mess or Quarters and so the work/social mix was far higher.
- Sqn Lunches, Sqn Golf Afternoons or other 'bonding' activities.
- Very few Op dets to the same old place (giving variety).
- More rangers and land aways to different places (that wouldn't end up costing us money and wouldn't need individual receipts for JPA).
- More people looking after our niff naff and trivia (on the Sqn and in Handbrake House).
- Until the mid 90s very little change over the previous 25 years.
As people are now encouraged to buy their own house (often away from the local area), drink less, work until 1800hrs+ answering the day's emails, constant change of fleets/bases for senior officer vanity projects, fly less and sim more then the old system has slowly whithered away. Further, as people buy their houses where they can afford them then a posting can often go unaccompanied. Also the stay at home partner is a thing of the past with the 'other half' needing to work to help pay the eye-watering mortgage. It all adds up to extra stress and tension. We either need to re-invent ourselves or go back to the old ways of doing business - just blundering along saying everything is fine is not an option. I have been heartened by what seems like the full roll-out of the 'Sqn Uncle' scheme - although there should also be a few 'Aunties' as well and so maybe we need to reinvent that title!!
As the RAF approaches its 100th and other Air Forces like the USAF reach their 70th, then we need to all take stock of social, cultural and financial changes in the 21st Century for the good of our people's mental health. This is far more important than rentention although the treatment measures in the early stages (before it becomes a big problem) are pretty much the same.
LJ
- Sqn Cdrs mixing it more with their people socially and at work rather than the endless meetings they go to and everyone 'bomb-bursting' afterwork.
- The Mess Bar providing a useful medium to discuss matters less formally after work (but the 'sport billy' brigade got their way on that one).
- One Liners followed by an almost 100% turn out at Happy Hour that used to give a great informal mechanism for decompression of matters.
- 15% or so 'Spec Aircrew' allowing youngsters a sounding board on issues with well experienced individuals (the Sqn Uncle system helps with this now but only person is a LIMFAC).
- People tended to live in the Mess or Quarters and so the work/social mix was far higher.
- Sqn Lunches, Sqn Golf Afternoons or other 'bonding' activities.
- Very few Op dets to the same old place (giving variety).
- More rangers and land aways to different places (that wouldn't end up costing us money and wouldn't need individual receipts for JPA).
- More people looking after our niff naff and trivia (on the Sqn and in Handbrake House).
- Until the mid 90s very little change over the previous 25 years.
As people are now encouraged to buy their own house (often away from the local area), drink less, work until 1800hrs+ answering the day's emails, constant change of fleets/bases for senior officer vanity projects, fly less and sim more then the old system has slowly whithered away. Further, as people buy their houses where they can afford them then a posting can often go unaccompanied. Also the stay at home partner is a thing of the past with the 'other half' needing to work to help pay the eye-watering mortgage. It all adds up to extra stress and tension. We either need to re-invent ourselves or go back to the old ways of doing business - just blundering along saying everything is fine is not an option. I have been heartened by what seems like the full roll-out of the 'Sqn Uncle' scheme - although there should also be a few 'Aunties' as well and so maybe we need to reinvent that title!!
As the RAF approaches its 100th and other Air Forces like the USAF reach their 70th, then we need to all take stock of social, cultural and financial changes in the 21st Century for the good of our people's mental health. This is far more important than rentention although the treatment measures in the early stages (before it becomes a big problem) are pretty much the same.
LJ
Just trying to find the like button!
The organisation had to move on and will continue to morph with the times. As an organisation it will need to focus on its people more in the coming decade as the full effects of NEM and housing model come home to roost. The outflow of talent has always been a challenge, but as the RAF/Brit mil continues to shrink, the results will be felt ever more keenly.
The organisation had to move on and will continue to morph with the times. As an organisation it will need to focus on its people more in the coming decade as the full effects of NEM and housing model come home to roost. The outflow of talent has always been a challenge, but as the RAF/Brit mil continues to shrink, the results will be felt ever more keenly.
Leon, spot on! I reckon that the rot started in mid-1994, when we were certainly being pressured to do more with less, cope with ageing aircraft and increasing workplace instability.
As a sprog UAS APO at RAF Thorney Island for Summer Camp in 1970, I reckon I saw the last of the RAF I thought I'd joined.... Once I'd finished training, every successive year seemed to bring yet another cut back or sundry embuggerance even though there was little operational tempo back then.
But that was then and today is now. I really cannot imagine how force levels will be sustained if the idiot Fallon announces yet more cuts following 'revision of the core plan for the UK's Armed Forces' - the mental pressure on the few remaining in uniform will be frankly appalling. So there are likely to be increasing mental health issues in the coming years, in my opinion.
As a sprog UAS APO at RAF Thorney Island for Summer Camp in 1970, I reckon I saw the last of the RAF I thought I'd joined.... Once I'd finished training, every successive year seemed to bring yet another cut back or sundry embuggerance even though there was little operational tempo back then.
But that was then and today is now. I really cannot imagine how force levels will be sustained if the idiot Fallon announces yet more cuts following 'revision of the core plan for the UK's Armed Forces' - the mental pressure on the few remaining in uniform will be frankly appalling. So there are likely to be increasing mental health issues in the coming years, in my opinion.
This thread really is so important. Probably one of if not the most important, certainly in the time that I've been a member of the PPRuNe 'virtual crew room'.
I think that as a whole, all the Services are in for a pretty rough time on the mental health front. But I think the RAF may suffer more than the other Services, especially the Army, because frankly, we are not generally trained for or expected to face the sort of issues that troops in FOBs and out on patrol are generally expected to endure. But that's the bugger about the sort of counter-insurgency operations we've been on since 2001; the front line disappears and the threat comes over the MOB wall. Sometimes hypothetically e.g. threat of kidnap and sometimes literally; if you were in Basrah over 2006/07, you will have first hand experience of that. I know quite a few of the Techies and Engineers reacted badly to the IDF threat, with a number failing CDT, anecdotally because getting kicked out was preferable to being blown up. From my perspective, a tour attached to the US Army in Baghdad in 2003 means I still hate sudden loud noises and alarms that even sound like the IDF alarm make me jumpy.
The thing is, I don't think the RAF realises to what extent it has these problems building up. When I left Baghdad in 03 there was a Medic on the check in desk asking how we felt. Nothing more was done, so it didn't really matter what you said, but at least someone had the presence of mind to at least consider the issue. Then there was nothing for the next decade or so, and the next time anybody inquired about operational exposure was when I was sitting in the Med Centre at Boscombe having broken myself again committing sport (laughable after largely surviving my various Op tours intact!) and the questionnaire I was completing specifically asked whether people had been on Ops and had been under fire. That was about 2011/12, and that was the first time anybody had asked me since Baghdad in 03, and I suspect there are hundreds if not thousands kicking around the RAF who have also been under fire on Ops and nobody has ever thought to ask. As a result, I really don't think our Seniors actually get the potential scale and scope of the issue. They may say they do, but I just don't get a warm and fuzzy about it, and I think that those of us that have seen near constant Ops since 2001 - and even ops tempo back at home base - are, as a cohort, a grenade with a very loose pin. Whilst the vast majority of us came home, I'd wager there's a fair few that mentally haven't come back.
But it's not just Ops. LJ hit the nail on the head when he talked about the cultural changes and the ever increasing demands with shrinking resources. The same people that have come through the Ops plot over the last 16 years are the ones who now have to make things work, despite the politicians and Seniors best efforts to make life as difficult as possible. It's yet more stress to add to an already vulnerable cohort. But the Senior are now so used to running the Services hot that I don't think they see the personal and mental issues this constant state of excessive demand is generating. They say people are the best asset, but rather than assets I see them treating individuals as resource to be used and disposed of rather than assets to be nurtured and grown. And if the Services are under threat of further cuts, then it makes it all the more important to look after the individuals remaining if you expect to retain the same level of capability and expertise.
But the structures and support networks of previous years LJ noted are vanishing under a blur of contractorisation, insane demands and deadlines and an element of 'thrusters' keen to keep driving the ship forward, even if it is heading towards the rocks. When I came back from Iraq, my friends basically medicated me with booze at various events and socials and a listening ear if I ever needed it. But I just don't see the same thing happening these days - we're too busy, live out or have family commitments. The family feeling has gone, and to make matters worse, for some reason, we have this insane belief that unless we are running round at 100mph and working 15 hr days every day then we're not being productive. As much as it gratifies me to read about the successes of people being fixed and returning to productive service, I genuinely think they are in a minority. I know of 3 or 4 individuals who flagged up mental health issues; they are all now out of the Service. In some cases at their discretion, in others, the Service just didn't know how to fix them. The point is that for those individuals prepared to risk the med cat or security clearance, the military may just not be able to retain them and I suspect that there is an unwritten unofficial view in some quarters that unfortunately military life requires both physical and mental robustness, and without either of those, individuals are not fit for service in the current regime of running permanently hot.
And that's where we come to the likes of Candles and Lt Col Shaw who shot himself having been unable to meet the unreasonable demands of the post he was in. I just don't think the System realises the potential problems being stored up, especially if individuals feel they can't talk without putting their careers and lives at risk. And that's absolutely outrageous given the sacrifices we make in the name of the defence of the country and its people.
And that's why I think this thread should be a sticky. Just my opinion, but if people really don't think they can talk to the System because it will let them down, then being able to talk more or less anonymously in this great 'virtual crew room' might just be the next best thing. If it stops just one more episode like Candles' case then it has to be worth it.
I think that as a whole, all the Services are in for a pretty rough time on the mental health front. But I think the RAF may suffer more than the other Services, especially the Army, because frankly, we are not generally trained for or expected to face the sort of issues that troops in FOBs and out on patrol are generally expected to endure. But that's the bugger about the sort of counter-insurgency operations we've been on since 2001; the front line disappears and the threat comes over the MOB wall. Sometimes hypothetically e.g. threat of kidnap and sometimes literally; if you were in Basrah over 2006/07, you will have first hand experience of that. I know quite a few of the Techies and Engineers reacted badly to the IDF threat, with a number failing CDT, anecdotally because getting kicked out was preferable to being blown up. From my perspective, a tour attached to the US Army in Baghdad in 2003 means I still hate sudden loud noises and alarms that even sound like the IDF alarm make me jumpy.
The thing is, I don't think the RAF realises to what extent it has these problems building up. When I left Baghdad in 03 there was a Medic on the check in desk asking how we felt. Nothing more was done, so it didn't really matter what you said, but at least someone had the presence of mind to at least consider the issue. Then there was nothing for the next decade or so, and the next time anybody inquired about operational exposure was when I was sitting in the Med Centre at Boscombe having broken myself again committing sport (laughable after largely surviving my various Op tours intact!) and the questionnaire I was completing specifically asked whether people had been on Ops and had been under fire. That was about 2011/12, and that was the first time anybody had asked me since Baghdad in 03, and I suspect there are hundreds if not thousands kicking around the RAF who have also been under fire on Ops and nobody has ever thought to ask. As a result, I really don't think our Seniors actually get the potential scale and scope of the issue. They may say they do, but I just don't get a warm and fuzzy about it, and I think that those of us that have seen near constant Ops since 2001 - and even ops tempo back at home base - are, as a cohort, a grenade with a very loose pin. Whilst the vast majority of us came home, I'd wager there's a fair few that mentally haven't come back.
But it's not just Ops. LJ hit the nail on the head when he talked about the cultural changes and the ever increasing demands with shrinking resources. The same people that have come through the Ops plot over the last 16 years are the ones who now have to make things work, despite the politicians and Seniors best efforts to make life as difficult as possible. It's yet more stress to add to an already vulnerable cohort. But the Senior are now so used to running the Services hot that I don't think they see the personal and mental issues this constant state of excessive demand is generating. They say people are the best asset, but rather than assets I see them treating individuals as resource to be used and disposed of rather than assets to be nurtured and grown. And if the Services are under threat of further cuts, then it makes it all the more important to look after the individuals remaining if you expect to retain the same level of capability and expertise.
But the structures and support networks of previous years LJ noted are vanishing under a blur of contractorisation, insane demands and deadlines and an element of 'thrusters' keen to keep driving the ship forward, even if it is heading towards the rocks. When I came back from Iraq, my friends basically medicated me with booze at various events and socials and a listening ear if I ever needed it. But I just don't see the same thing happening these days - we're too busy, live out or have family commitments. The family feeling has gone, and to make matters worse, for some reason, we have this insane belief that unless we are running round at 100mph and working 15 hr days every day then we're not being productive. As much as it gratifies me to read about the successes of people being fixed and returning to productive service, I genuinely think they are in a minority. I know of 3 or 4 individuals who flagged up mental health issues; they are all now out of the Service. In some cases at their discretion, in others, the Service just didn't know how to fix them. The point is that for those individuals prepared to risk the med cat or security clearance, the military may just not be able to retain them and I suspect that there is an unwritten unofficial view in some quarters that unfortunately military life requires both physical and mental robustness, and without either of those, individuals are not fit for service in the current regime of running permanently hot.
And that's where we come to the likes of Candles and Lt Col Shaw who shot himself having been unable to meet the unreasonable demands of the post he was in. I just don't think the System realises the potential problems being stored up, especially if individuals feel they can't talk without putting their careers and lives at risk. And that's absolutely outrageous given the sacrifices we make in the name of the defence of the country and its people.
And that's why I think this thread should be a sticky. Just my opinion, but if people really don't think they can talk to the System because it will let them down, then being able to talk more or less anonymously in this great 'virtual crew room' might just be the next best thing. If it stops just one more episode like Candles' case then it has to be worth it.
Last edited by Melchett01; 2nd May 2017 at 00:08.
