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MARINES MAY GET STRESS EXAMS -- Marine
commanders
would be required to intervene in cases in
which combat-
hardened Marines with clean records have gotten
into trouble
after suffering combat stress, under a proposed
order.
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Story below:
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Marines may get stress exams
By Gregg Zoroya
USA Today
Marine commanders would be required to intervene in cases in which
combat-hardened Marines with clean records have gotten into trouble
after suffering combat stress, under a proposed order.
The directive, which has not yet been signed by Marine Corps Commandant
Gen. James Conway, would require medical officers to screen for combat
stress or traumatic brain injury all Marines who engage in
uncharacteristic misconduct after returning from combat.
The misconduct could include drug use, unauthorized absences or
disrespectful conduct and could result in a dismissal from service and
the denial of Department of Veterans Affairs services.
"Post-deployment misconduct, especially in a Marine who previously
served honorably, must be considered a possible indicator of an
undiagnosed stress injury or a mild traumatic brain injury that, if
confirmed, deserves immediate and comprehensive treatment," the order
says.
The order is under review and has no release date, said Navy Capt.
William Nash, who coordinates the Marines' combat-stress program.
At least one-third of 1,019 combat-veteran Marines who received
less-than-honorable discharges for misconduct showed evidence of mental
health problems, according to Marine Corps research Nash disclosed in
June.
USA Today reported last year that veterans with less-than-honorable
discharges are usually denied VA healthcare benefits.
Nash said in June the Marine Corps lacked enough mental health
caregivers to screen troops where misconduct occurred.
The draft order appears to address that problem by allowing the
preliminary examinations to be carried out by unit medical officers.
It "may not be justice" to strip a Marine of benefits after a dismissal
linked to combat stress, Nash said.
The order does not absolve Marines of responsibility for their actions,
even if they are the result of stress or brain damage.
However, the order says, "immediate screening for these conditions is
also essential.
"Early treatment and screening when indicated without delay for legal
proceedings gives the Marine the greatest chance of recovery."
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Larry Scott --
