Mar 22, 2010

It can be difficult for some Soldiers to open up after a traumatizing event, or even if they are having problems at home while they are overseas. But the 85th Medical Detachment, 1st Medical Brigade, a combat stress control unit, is learning to work with some very unique ice breakers...

Mar 18, 2010

When Staff Sgt. Keith Allen, an instructor at Victory University, was selected to participate in the Master Resilience Training pilot program at the University of Pennsylvania in August, he was skeptical, at best.

Mar 17, 2010

About 200 Soldiers join the ranks of the Army's first several hundred master resilience trainers as they graduate today from the Army's new Master Resilience Training program.

Mar 16, 2010

Brain injuries occur outside of combat as well as within. Our Soldiers and their Families, our children and the elderly, are at risk for traumatic brain injury.

Mar 16, 2010

Having a consistent and standardized system of care is the future of Army nursing, Deputy Surgeon General Maj. Gen. Patricia D. Horoho told Madigan Healthcare System senior nurses at a recent presentation.

Mar 15, 2010

The deadline is approaching for Soldiers to complete the Global Assessment Tool, part of a new Army-wide holistic initiative focused on building resilience: Comprehensive Soldier Fitness.

Mar 11, 2010

Defense Department officials expect to launch a new policy in the coming months that will make head-injury evaluations mandatory for all troops who suffer possible concussions.

Mar 10, 2010

An eight-year process to transform training and skills of Army combat medics culminated last year as all members of the old 91B Military Occupational Specialty became qualified as 68W Healthcare Specialists.

Mar 10, 2010

Thousands lined the streets of downtown Daytona Beach, Fla., March 4, to honor Chief Warrant Officer Romulio Camargo, a Special Forces Soldier who was paralyzed during combat in Afghanistan in 2008.

Mar 9, 2010

The Department of Veterans Affairs announced a new initiative to solicit private-sector input on a proposed "fast track" veterans' claims process for service-connected illnesses due to Agent Orange exposure during the Vietnam War.

Mar 8, 2010

Wounded by a roadside bomb more than three years ago, Lt. Col. Marc Hoffmeister has surmounted his injuries to tie for the National Geographic magazine's Reader's Choice Adventurer of the Year Award.

Mar 5, 2010

Before focusing on the message he was delivering at Redstone Arsenal's National Prayer Luncheon on Friday, retired Chief Warrant Officer Mike Durant thought he should give his audience the "short version" of what is widely known as his "Black Hawk Down" experience.

Mar 4, 2010

For over 40 years Ken Costich, a former Army colonel, has dealt with post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms.

Mar 2, 2010

The Department of Veterans Affairs announced the award of two contracts totaling $41.5 million to create a "polytrauma center" that cares for the most severely injured veterans and to improve the existing wards at the Audie L. Murphy VA Medical Center.

Mar 2, 2010

Every time a servicemember is killed or wounded in combat, it sets off a sweeping process aimed at identifying what happened, who perpetrated it and how it might have been prevented -- and instituting changes to reduce the likelihood of it being repeated.

Mar 1, 2010

The leaders of the Bronco Brigade met with Army Chief of Staff Gen. George W. Casey Jr. in a roundtable discussion about Comprehensive Soldier Fitness during his recent visit.

Feb 25, 2010

Numerous governmental organizations, educational institutions, non-profit organizations, and military doctors from the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines teamed up to treat more than 1,000 patients at a Medical Civic Action Project.

Feb 25, 2010

Defense Department officials have updated and improved access to the National Resource Directory, a Web site for wounded, ill and injured servicemembers, veterans, their families and those who support them.

Feb 19, 2010

Citizens living in a sprawling tent city in north Port-au-Prince were visited by members of a U.S. Special Operations civil affairs team as part of an effort to assess conditions in the camp and better align the delivery of food and medical aid.

Feb 12, 2010

In case you haven't been following this story line, it's worth repeating. Fort Jackson is playing a major role in the Comprehensive Soldier Fitness program with the opening of the Master Resilience Training school this spring.

Feb 12, 2010

Since the Army introduced the Comprehensive Soldier Fitness program in October, there has been much focus on a holistic approach to physical, emotional, social, spiritual and family well-being.

Feb 4, 2010

FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas -- Military members who have combat burn injuries can suffer through some of the most intense and prolonged types of pain imaginable. Patients need daily care to clean the wound and daily physical therapy to stretch the newly healed skin.

Feb 4, 2010

Two years ago, Spc. Jeffrey Jamaleldine was still recovering from a bullet wound to the face, wondering if he'd ever get back into the action of fighting.

Feb 3, 2010

Scientists, researchers and former NFL players have joined together to raise awareness about post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and brain injuries.

Feb 2, 2010

Capt. Scotty Smiley became the first blind officer to assume company command as he accepted the guidon for a Warrior Transition Unit at West Point, N.Y., Monday.

Jan 31, 2010

Six wounded warriors stepped off a C-130 Hercules in Baghdad, Jan. 31, and took their first steps in Iraq after being severely wounded the last time they were here. It was the fourth time wounded servicemembers returned to Iraq as part of Operation Proper Exit.

Jan 29, 2010

Speeding up critical medical-evacuation times in Iraq and Afghanistan must be balanced against flight crew safety, said the Army's surgeon general.

Jan 29, 2010

In just a few short days, millions of people will gather for Super Bowl XLIV parties in homes, bars and restaurants across the country to watch what analysts have billed as a meeting of "super-sized offenses." As these great gatherings start to take shape, officials at the U.S. Army Combat Readiness/Safety Center are reminding all party hosts and attendees to keep the "offenses" on the field.

Jan 28, 2010

While many watched President Barack Obama's first State of the Union address from their homes, several former Soldiers and a current one had seats near the first lady inside the U.S. Capitol building.

Jan 27, 2010

Resilience assessment and training is now available online for family members of Soldiers.

Jan 26, 2010

Retired Gen. Frederick Franks Jr. says to streamline the medical evaluation board process by eliminating "dual" disability ratings.

Jan 25, 2010

Prizes totaling nearly $4,000 are still up for grabs as the 2nd Annual Peer to Peer Safety Video Competion heads into the final months.

Jan 21, 2010

As part of an increasing commitment to addressing behavioral health care for Soldiers, families, and retirees, several tele-behavioral health initiatives are under way.

Jan 21, 2010

A joint team of physical therapists at the Army Medical Department Center & School, Fort Sam Houston, in partnership with the University of Florida began a study aimed at the prevention of low back pain and determining whether a core-strengthening exercise program during training might decrease low back injuries.

Jan 19, 2010

Soldiers with the the 82nd Airborne Division, 1st Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, provide medical assistance in support of the earthquake relief effort in Haiti.

Jan 19, 2010

Behavioral health providers have treatment options for Soldiers dealing with serious examples of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, but one in particular is receiving lots of attention in the medical community -- Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy.

Jan 15, 2010

Statistics for December suicides in the Army were released today, and show as many as 10 potential suicides amongst active-duty Soldiers.

Jan 14, 2010

When Gen. George Casey, Army chief of staff, discussed Comprehensive Soldier Fitness during his visit to Fort Jackson in July, he said the installation had great potential to be an important part of the program.

Jan 13, 2010

The Army's director of behavioral health proponent said until the service changes policies that perpetuate stigma, many potentially suicidal Soldiers will avoid seeking help.

Jan 12, 2010

When Staff Sgt. Megan Krause returned home from a deployment in Iraq in 2006, she thought the scariest moments of her life were over.

Jan 7, 2010

The Army G3 and former director of the Army aviation task force said not only will the Army add a new combat aviation brigade to the warfight, the Army will increase the number of aircraft in its medevac companies.

Jan 7, 2010

Staff Sgt. Luis Elias considers the last six months as just a bump along lifeAca,!a,,cs road. Aca,!A"Adapt and overcome is the name of the game. ItAca,!a,,cs just something that happened,Aca,!A? said Elias, a Fort Benning drill sergeant, who lost his right hand in a training accident on June 30.

Jan 7, 2010

For Roslyn Reesemoran, a horrible accident in the early days of the Iraq war remains fresh in her mind.

Jan 5, 2010

Climate and altitude commonly inhibits the optimal effectiveness of servicemembers in many theater operations. In the mountainous country of Afghanistan in particular, servicemembers are asked to perform at thousands of feet above sea level, oftentimes hindering their cognitive and physical performance.

Jan 5, 2010

A senior NCO at a warrior transition unit discovers access to the deployed medical records database and saves time processing Soldiers' medical claims.

Jan 5, 2010

During the past 10 years, Soldiers have experienced an average of 361 cold weather-related injuries every year. Cold weather injury prevention is a command and leadership as well as a personal responsibility and successful management of cold depends on proper knowledge and understanding of problems associated with working in cold environments.

Dec 30, 2009

Alive day is a term dubbed by a number of injured combat veterans to describe the day they escaped death. Some were left with scrapes and bruises, others lost their limbs and, for some, there would be emotional wounds they will struggle with for the rest of their lives.

Dec 29, 2009

Army established the Comprehensive Soldier Fitness directorate on Oct. 1, 2008. The mission of this program is to develop and institute a holistic fitness program for Soldiers, families, and Army civilians in order to enhance performance and build resilience.

Dec 29, 2009

The Defense Department has launched a study on the possible long-term effects of the smoke emitted from burn pits used in overseas locations such as Iraq.

Dec 28, 2009

The child looked to be about 11 years old, standing confidently with his friends despite an arm cast loosely supported by a piece of rope draped around his neck.

Dec 23, 2009

During his first trip downrange as Secretary of the Army, John McHugh was in familiar territory in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well during his subsequent visit to wounded warriors at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center.

Dec 18, 2009

In 2008, the Army experienced for the first time, suicide rates higher than the civilian population. In the same year, the Army entered an agreement with the National Institute of Mental Health to find out why.

Dec 14, 2009

Holiday joy and holiday stress go hand in hand, especially for deployed servicemembers and their families.

Dec 11, 2009

Soldiers and civilians attending the Master Resilience Training course in Philadelphia, Pa., were challenged by Sgt. Maj. of the Army Kenneth O. Preston Thursday to take the lessons learned here back their units and share them with Soldiers and families.

Dec 11, 2009

Athletic Training graduate students from the Department of Kinesiology at Auburn University are diagnosing, treating and preventing injuries in Soldiers as part of the Warrior Athletic Trainer Program, a pilot partnership program, with the 192nd Infantry Brigade on Fort Benning, Ga.

Dec 11, 2009

People who have spiritual resiliency have a greater chance to weather life's traumas and even use them as events to improve their lives than people who don't have great spiritual resiliency, said Chap. (Brig. Gen.) Ray Woolridge.

Dec 10, 2009

The Army has revised its regulations on health promotion and suicide prevention to provide an improved, comprehensive "how to" guide for commanders and Soldiers.

Dec 10, 2009

Several wounded warriors at Walter Reed Army Medical Center are testing a new microprocessor-controlled prosthetic knee.

Dec 9, 2009

Members of the 38th Combat Aviation Brigade out of Shelbyville, Ind., put their own spin on the movie "It's a Wonderful Life," addressing suicide while making their audience laugh Dec. 4, at Joint Base Balad, Iraq.

Dec 4, 2009

The Army has updated its suicide-prevention guidance, including the Army Health Promotion regulation (AR 600-63), Army Suicide Prevention pamphlet (PAM 600-24) and FM 6-22.5, the Combat and Operational Stress Control Manual for Leaders and Soldiers.

Dec 3, 2009

The Army has approved two-day and five-day workshops for unit leaders on Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training, known as ASIST.

Dec 1, 2009

Army and Veterans Affairs officials will discuss a number of programs in which the two departments collaborate to help wounded, ill and injured Soldiers on a Pentagon Channel interview Friday.

Dec 1, 2009

Thanksgiving evening many Americans will gather around the table to take turns with family and friends, expressing what they are thankful for. Many families will convey their heartfelt gratitude recognizing the sacrifices of those serving our country.

Nov 25, 2009

Ten months into his deployment with the 101st Airborne Division, Peter Sprenger lost an eye when an improvised explosive device detonated near the forward operating base in Tal Afar, Iraq. But he didn't lose his focus as an infantryman.

Nov 24, 2009

The Army is collaborating with the National Institute of Mental Health to launch the largest study ever undertaken of suicide and mental health among military personnel.

Nov 21, 2009

Recently, the Army released suicide statistics for the month of October and the total number of suicides, suspected and confirmed, for 2009. Data indicates the number of Soldiers taking their own lives has surpassed numbers recorded at the same time last year.

Nov 19, 2009

About 30 Fort Jackson Soldiers and civilians were part of the first group of people in the Army family to learn about building resilience and enhancing performance, both of which are viewed as fundamentally necessary to sustain the force over the coming years.

Nov 19, 2009

Sitting in front of a computer and filling out a questionnaire sounds like a strange way to test fitness, but that's exactly how the Army will measure the fitness of the force as part of the new Comprehensive Soldier Fitness program.

Nov 18, 2009

Lawrence Minnis never met a dog he didn't like. "I want just about every dog I see," the Army captain said with a laugh. Minnis is especially fond of pit bulls, and he somewhat resembles his favorite breed -- broad-shouldered, stocky and muscular.

Nov 17, 2009

The suicide rate among Soldiers serving on active duty in 2009 is expected to exceed that of 2008 -- a statistic the Army doesn't take lightly, said Vice Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Peter Chiarelli.

Nov 17, 2009

Chief of Staff Gen. George W. Casey Jr. visited a program designed to help Soldiers and their families develop resilience in Philadelphia, Pa., Monday.

Nov 17, 2009

Defense and Veterans Affairs officials Monday, announced another step in their efforts to streamline the process of determining veterans' disability ratings.

Nov 17, 2009

STUTTGART, Germany - Community members can probably recite them by heart: "DUI... it's not worth it. Call a cab!" and "Choose your ride: Don't Drink and Drive."

Nov 16, 2009

In Philadelphia, the Army is equipping Soldiers with a new tool designed to help them better deal with the psychological effects of combat that can lead to post traumatic stress disorder.

Nov 13, 2009

While the mental health and morale of Soldiers in Iraq is improving, according to the latest study, more behavioral-health providers are needed in Afghanistan.

Nov 13, 2009

ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. - Soldiers face stresses unique to their occupation. Time away from home, deployments and heavy workloads cause Soldiers to feel substantial work-related stress.

Nov 13, 2009

The Save a Life Tour, an alcohol-awareness program designed to educate people about the dangers associated with drinking and driving, kicked off its European tour in Kaiserslautern and will be traveling to various installations through December.

Nov 10, 2009

The Army has worked hard on developing programs to maintain the psychological health of the service, but much more needs to be done, Army Chief of Staff Gen. George W. Casey Jr. said Sunday.

Nov 7, 2009

"Pop, pop, pop." Those were the sounds Fort Hood's first responders heard when they arrived at the Soldier Readiness Processing Center on Fort Hood, Texas, Thursday.

Nov 5, 2009

Staff Sgt. Megan Krause's words come out in a rush, as if she wants everyone to hear and learn from her story.

Nov 5, 2009

U.S. Central Command has received half of the vaccine needed to inoculate its forces against the H1N1 virus.

Nov 2, 2009

As shipments of some 3.7 million doses of H1N1 vaccine ordered by the Defense Department continue to arrive from the manufacturer, more than enough will be available for all military personnel and their beneficiaries.

Oct 30, 2009

The Defense Department has acquired enough doses of the H1N1 flu vaccine to immunize all 460,000 members of the National Guard, officials announced Thursday.

Oct 27, 2009

The noncommissioned officer corps often is considered the backbone of the Army, but defining what it means to be a part of that brotherhood is not as easy as it sounds.

Oct 23, 2009

President Barack Obama signed new legislation Thursday that creates predictable funding for veterans' health care.

Oct 21, 2009

H1N1 vaccinations are expected to be available in November for active-duty servicemembers and their families, according to the North Atlantic Regional Medical Command.

Oct 21, 2009

The fight against one of the deadliest virus known may have met its match against the United States Army as researchers have uncovered successful results for an AIDS vaccination.

Oct 21, 2009

In a room of 20 military spouses, about 15 raised their hands as Chaplain (Capt.) Josh Metz asked, "Who's gone through a deployment before'" The number wasn't surprising.

Oct 14, 2009

A new Department of Veterans Affairs ruling will soon relieve Vietnam veterans suffering from three specific illnesses from the burden of proving their ailments are linked to Agent Orange exposure to receive VA health care and disability payments.

Oct 8, 2009

The increasing mental-health needs of military children are taxing both the military and civilian health care systems.

Oct 7, 2009

The author of "Collateral Damage: How Can the Army Best Serve a Soldier with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder," spoke at an Association of the U.S. Army forum about the recommendations he made in his paper that he hopes will aid in better understanding how to care and treat mental health problems for Soldiers and their families.

Oct 7, 2009

The "signature wounds of this war" are post traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury, Army Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Peter Chiarelli said Tuesday.

Oct 6, 2009

Officials describe Comprehensive Soldier Fitness and its implementation throughout the Army during a forum at the Association of the United States Army conference on Oct. 5, 2009.

Oct 5, 2009

Army leaders plan to work hand in hand with family advocacy specialists to increase awareness of domestic violence, educate military families about the signs of abuse and reinforce the negative effects domestic abuse has on Army family readiness while highlighting prevention and victim programs and services.

Oct 5, 2009

A sudden accident may have cost Staff Sgt. Luis Elias his hand, but it hasn't stripped him of his positive attitude or impacted his plans for the future.

Oct 2, 2009

Maj. Gen. Mark Graham and his wife Carol shared with a Forces Command gathering their personal story of losing their son Kevin to suicide in June 2003.

Oct 2, 2009

Oct 2, 2009

A Soldier stationed at Fort Jackson, S.C., who died Sept. 10, possibly is the first H1N1-related death suffered by the U.S. armed forces.

Oct 1, 2009

Today, Secretary of the Army John M. McHugh announced the formal beginning of an Army-wide implementation of a $125 million program focused on enhancing the performance and improving the overall strength and resilience of Soldiers, Family members, and Army civilians. Comprehensive Soldier Fitness (CSF) is a holistic fitness program offering mental and physical resilience assessments and training that increase physical, emotional, social, spiritual and family strengths.

Oct 1, 2009

The Department of Veterans Affairs is warning veterans not to give credit card numbers over the phone to callers claiming they will update VA prescription information.