Combat and Operational Stress Concerns for Reserve Forces
Abstract
The Army Reserve had been a strategic reserve since its inception over 102 years ago, but recently Army Reserve and National Guard soldiers have been required to deploy on a rotational basis similar to their active duty counterparts. As recently as February 1991 during Operation Desert Storm under the previous strategic formation and a traditional battle field, the strategic reserves would primarily execute a rear echelon support role. In the current COIN operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, all soldiers are exposed and susceptible to direct and indirect fire even if their mission is Combat Support (CS) or Combat Service Support (CSS). This increased exposure has resulted in an escalation of reservists' risk for lingering combat stress symptoms, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Minor Traumatic Brain Injury (MTBI) and suicide. Combat stress is one area that can either be exacerbated or ameliorated depending on a soldier's training, support system, and personal situation. Evidence shows differences in the lingering effects of combat stress and behavioral health in service members serving in the reserve component and the active component upon return home.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 20, 2011
- Accession Number
- ADA543193
Entities
People
- David D. Ragusa
Organizations
- United States Army War College