Task Force Med helps service members combat stress

Published March 27, 2007
By Staff Sgt. Kevin Tomko
455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- After Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines deploy to Afghanistan with their weapons and equipment, there is a chance they'll pick up some "extra baggage" along the way before returning home.

For this reason the Combat Stress Control team, part of Task Force Med, is ready to assist those service members who, in one way or another, may be challenged in dealing with difficult issues from home and in stressful situations in a deployed environment.

The CSC team is in Afghanistan with nine providers and eight technicians to offer counseling for everything from combat stress symptoms to smoking cessation.

In a deployed environment there are several types of stressors on an individual. The first type is the usual stress from home. The other types come from being in a forward operating base.

"There's a split in what we see," said Maj. Kevin McCal, the Combat Stress Control detachment commander. "Here on base, about 10 percent of service members feel they are under some type of combat stress. In the forward operating bases it may be as high as 75 percent."

On base, stress may come from a problem with a supervisor or an issue happening at home, like with finances or problems with a relationship.

"It's great if the service member can stay connected with loved ones back home, but it's also important not to overwhelm them with all the problems at once," said Major McCal. "There has to be a happy mix. They need to understand that the person deployed can't provide help beyond conversation or e-mail."

In addition service members may also have burdens that can contribute to operational stress and combat stress.

Operational stress may come from lack of sleep, no hot meals, or the lack of facilities. Combat stress may come from a constant sense of being in danger, engaging the enemy, or seeing a friend killed or wounded. Hollywood's portrayal of war in movies may give individuals unrealistic expectations of what is involved in combat.

"We get somewhat calloused from what we see in the media, but that doesn't mean it doesn't impact us," said the major. "Everyone is different, so everyone is affected differently."

Changes in behavior of the individual are one of the telltale signs of being under stress.

"That's why relationships are very important," said Major McCal. "It often takes a supervisor, coworker or battle buddy to notice changes in behavior -- eating less, sleeping more or problems with temper.

"In the FOBs, we encourage the unit to try and take care of their people first. After three days, if the experiences are too overwhelming, we will discuss their options, which may include sending someone to them," he said.

For the most part, however, visits to individuals are kept to a minimum because the CSC detachment already makes routine rounds to the FOBs.

"Since June of last year, we've been to 40 different FOBs. We send a provider and a technician. We walk around among the troops. For the most part, no notes are taken nor records kept," said Major McCal.

Instead of waiting for stresses to become overwhelming, service members are encouraged to be proactive and attend a stress management course now given at the hospital. The course consists of two 1 ½ hour classes over two weeks.

Senior Airman Chuck Fennell, a mental health technician here, said the stress management courses are easy to understand and offered without strings attached.

"We also recommend this program for first sergeants and supervisors so they can use it for their people," said Airman Fennell. "No records are kept."

"Everyone faces stress," said Major McCal, "but they can lessen the effects. If they think they are helpless, they will be helpless. They will stay in control by making positive decisions."

Airman Gregory conducts class