Opinion: On Sept. 11, recognizing the future of the military depends on re-energizing support for it
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Version 0 of 1. Sept. 11 is a time to reflect. It is a time to grieve, not just for people lost, but also for the sense of security that was once a part of American culture, and is now diminished and transformed into a new normal. The military, 1 percent of American society, holds a unique lens to view these changes, but it is the American civilian community that bears a considerable vested interest in what happens next. Now is the time to ask: if the all-volunteer force is to be sustained, what will motivate young people to serve in the future? In a soon-to-be-released survey of active-duty service members, veterans and military family members by Blue Star Families, 62 percent of all respondents said they have no confidence in the federal government, and only 23 percent said they would recommend military service to a young person. The non-profit organization supports military families from all ranks and services, and has chapters all over the country. Veterans surveyed indicated the military-civilian divide, a perception that there is a disconnection between military and civilian communities, was one of their top five concerns. Veterans’ healthcare also was noted as a top national issue by more than half of the survey respondents (51 percent), notable in light of more recent events that have undermined confidence in the very system in place to support veterans and meet their unique needs. That confidence must be restored. In order to do that, veterans’ needs also must be met. We also must look at what happens to service members and families after military service ends. Blue Star Families’ survey found that both active-duty service members and spouses reported feeling isolated from friends and family, and 30 percent of those persons who reported having trauma symptoms or post-traumatic stress disorder said they did not seek treatment because they did not think it would help. Contrary to some media stereotypes, most who experienced the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have fared well. They’ve recovered, they’ve transitioned, and they’ve been resilient. Their ultimate transition to veteran status is for the most part smooth — the majority does not suffer from PTSD, they are not violent, and they resume relatively normal lives after their time in service. Here’s the problem: after nearly 13 years of relentless operations, the military is downsizing. Twenty-seven percent of all military separations are now involuntary. Veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan have sustained life-changing injuries or lost friends on the battlefield. These same veterans have observed hard-fought battlefield gains erode, as security conditions degrade in areas of Iraq and Afghanistan. Yet the needs of the military community remain. Now more than ever, because of downsizing and diminishing resources, it is civilians and civilian communities, not the federal government, who will be called upon to support the needs of military and veteran communities. Why does this matter? The pace of military operations has declined but threats around the world have not diminished. The United States will continue to rely on an all-volunteer force. The concept of an all-volunteer military assumes there are willing, competent volunteers, but for that assumption to be met, military service must be perceived as worthwhile. Otherwise, who will volunteer in the future? The military lifestyle has never been predictable, but these past years have been especially turbulent for service members and their families. The theme of uncertainty extends beyond the battlefield. The military community has received conflicting messages expressed through sequestration, pay cuts, and benefit changes, eroding the military community’s confidence in leadership at all levels. Sept. 11 is an opportunity for the nation, its leaders, and its citizens to reflect and grieve the events of the past, but to also to consider how we, collectively can re-energize for the purpose of honoring the commitment and service of those who volunteer for military service and their families into the future. The future of the all-volunteer force hangs in the balance. Deborah A. Bradbard is licensed clinical psychologist and the director of research and policy at Blue Star Families. Results of the 2014 Blue Star Families Military Lifestyle survey will be released Sept. 16 and available at www.bluestarfam.org. |