While anyone can experience Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) at some point during their lifetimes, it’s highly prevalent among veterans, first responders and active duty service members. Estimates of the rates of PTSD vary by era, but veterans who served during Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom have illness rates of about 11-20%, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

It’s not just combat that causes PTSD among veterans: 23% of women who use VA health care report having been sexually assaulted during their service, further increasing rates of PTSD among veterans.

One type of therapy, in particular, stands out as a unique and effective form of treatment for PTSD: music therapy.

What is PTSD, and why does it matter?

PTSD, once known as shell shock to describe similar symptoms among combat veterans, can be an extremely debilitating condition that can occur after a traumatic event. The disorder is a complicated psychiatric illness. Some symptoms of PTSD include, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA):

• Intrusive thoughts or dreams about the traumatic experience that happen involuntarily and cause distress. This can include episodes of feeling like the traumatic incident is recurring and acting out the event (sometimes called “flashbacks”).
• Intense psychological distress and usually avoidance of triggers that remind one of the episode.
• An inability to remember details about the incident.
• Increased arousal and reactivity.
• Feelings of detachment or estrangement from other people.
• Persistent fear, horror, anger, guilt, or shame.

Left untreated, these symptoms can worsen over time. That’s why it’s vital for sufferers of PTSD to receive intervention from a qualified professional.

Music therapy and PTSD

One form of complementary treatment to treat PTSD and other psychiatric illnesses, is music therapy. Music therapy is the use of music interventions to accomplish goals, e.g., to treat symptoms of PTSD. It can involve songwriting, or playing or listening to music.

Using music therapy to ease PTSD symptoms goes as far back as 1945 with the military’s Technical Bulletin 187, which observed how music affected the reconditioning of service members in Army hospitals.

The U.S. War Department discovered that music positively affected soldiers’ PTSD rehabilitation programs. This effect was demonstrated during physical reconditioning, occupational therapy, education, and recreation. The military followed up on this after the study was completed, attempting to further explore the possibilities of using music during therapy for recovering soldiers.

Various organizations have developed applications as a result of these studies to include programs ranging from active duty airmen improving their stress management and coping skills with music to using songwriting to treat PTSD symptoms.

Why use music therapy when traditional cognitive behavioral treatment exists?

Music therapy can be less intimidating than cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) because of one factor: stigma. Despite the ongoing efforts by mental health professionals to encourage those with psychiatric symptoms to seek counseling and psychiatric treatment, there is still a strong aversion toward seeking mental health services. According to a recent study by the World Health Organization, between 30-80% of people with psychiatric illnesses do not seek treatment.

Many see music therapy as less intimidating or stigmatizing than psychotherapy, and thus is more broadly accepted.

Music therapy is a promising treatment for PTSD among service members

Since its initial success during World War II to treat symptoms of PTSD and promote recovery, associations such as the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) have helped develop its use to treat psychiatric illnesses such as PTSD.

There’s a long way to go until any PTSD treatment is perfected and universally helpful for sufferers of its symptoms, but music therapy is helping lead the way as a promising source of hope.

 

In the event that something happens to you, how far do you want doctors to go to revive you? Whom would you prefer to manage your affairs? What do you want to happen to your estate? These are questions that you would no doubt like answered if something unexpected happens and you’re unable to make these decisions.

Why you need estate planning

While everyone can benefit from estate planning, service members understand that military life can be particularly dangerous. Just like in civilian life, it’s not always possible to predict what will come next.

Estate planning allows you to decide what the future will be like for your family should something happen to you. Without the proper arrangements, the distribution of your assets can be somewhat unpredictable. If you make your intentions clear ahead of time, you can determine what happens to your personal assets, property and financial obligations.

This also makes plans for your health care clear should you become unable to make decisions for yourself. Without this, your family could be left with large amounts of debt from medical bills.

In addition to being pragmatic, estate planning can take a large load off your family’s shoulders. With everything arranged ahead of time, neither you nor your loved ones have to worry about certain decisions that would have to be made in the event you become disabled or deceased.

To help get your affairs in order, use the AFBA estate planning checklist

We’ve created a helpful checklist to assist you with estate planning. Included is a list of necessary steps for successful arrangements, such as:

Draw up a will

First, you’ll need to prepare a document that outlines some very important details. This means naming a personal representative and substitute to carry out your wishes, providing a full list of assets and organizing funeral and burial intentions, among other tasks.

An executor of estate needs to be named in this document. This is the person who’s responsible for ensuring your intentions are carried out. The executor is a very important person and should be carefully considered, as they will work with your attorney, identify and manage your probate assets (bank accounts, property, life insurance etc.) and handle your debts.

Arrange for power of attorney

If you become unable to manage your estate, a loved one or other trusted representative can do it for you. While you can revoke this determination at any time, it otherwise lasts for your lifetime.

Create a “living will”

This isn’t the same thing as a traditional will. The living will decides what health care you do or don’t want should you become unable to make decisions for yourself. For example, to what extent should doctors try to resuscitate you? Do you want to be placed on a ventilator if needed to keep you alive?

Gather necessary documents

Personal documents, bank accounts, income tax information and various other papers and pieces of information need to be consolidated. This includes passwords for your online accounts, especially your banking credentials.

You don’t have to do all of this on your own. These steps can be made easier if you appoint a law firm to help you.

Help your loved ones by making plans for the future

There are many unknowns in life, both for civilians and active duty service members. With estate planning, you can get your affairs in order and be more certain of what happens to you and your loved ones. While you may not be able to predict what the future holds, you can still plan for it.

 

Honoring veterans is an activity that holds important value year-round. Some days, however, are specifically for commemorating their efforts. National Wreaths Across America Day, which takes place on the third Saturday of December every year (Dec. 17 in 2022), is a time during which wreath-laying ceremonies are held at Arlington National Cemetery, as well as at nearly 3,400 other locations in the U.S., at sea, and abroad.

The history of Wreaths Across America Day

In 1992 at the Worcester Wreath Company, Karen and Morrill Worcester of Harrington, Maine realized they had 5,000 extra wreaths that had yet to find homes. The two had the idea to use them to honor veterans at Arlington National Cemetery and contacted their senator. In 2008, Congress unanimously passed legislation creating a day to perform this honor every year.

Initially, the service was local to Arlington, Texas but in 2011 the Wreaths Across America (WAA) organization broadened its scope to include 750 cemeteries and battlefields across the U.S., with thousands more to come.

How to observe the day

Both living and fallen veterans are honored during Wreaths Across America Day. While there are many locations recognized by WAA, you can become a location coordinator for a new cemetery if none of these places work for you.

Here’s how to commemorate the day:

• Sponsor or lay a wreath yourself. If you contact a WAA location coordinator, they can direct you to a location where a wreath-laying ceremony will take place. You can either sponsor a wreath or lay one yourself.
• Sponsor a dog tag. If you prefer, you can choose to sponsor a dog tag with a veteran’s name printed on it. The WAA will create one for you and you can lay it on a gravestone.
• Share your experience with social media. Spread the word about Wreaths Across America Day by sharing your feelings on your social platform of choice.

There are some facts to keep in mind this Wreaths Across America Day. Notably, each year carries a different theme — this year’s is “Be Their Witness.” Inspired by Iraq War veteran and Marine Michael Strobl, the concept is focused on remembering and telling the stories of veterans. Strobl’s tale is noteworthy because of his exemplary valor: After the war was over, he escorted the body of one of his comrades back to the Marine’s hometown in Wyoming.

Teach children the value of freedom

A core aspect of Wreaths Across America Day is educating and inspiring young people on what freedom is and why it’s vital. Both living and fallen generations of veterans served to protect your freedoms, and this must never be forgotten. This means honoring service members whenever you can and paying special attention to days of remembrance and recognition.

Not all fallen veterans are able to be found or identified. Yet, these soldiers deserve just as much attention as those who are known — and wreaths can be dedicated to them, as well. That’s why the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier exists at Arlington National Cemetery. This special place currently contains the remains of three unknown fallen service members who represent all unidentified soldiers.

Lay or sponsor a wreath or dog tag this Wreaths Across America Day

However you choose to commemorate Wreaths Across America Day, always remember why this day — as well as all days specifically made to honor veterans — exists: Because service members give their heart and soul — and sometimes their lives — into preserving freedom and the American way of life. There can be no freedom without sacrifice, and that’s why it’s vital to commemorate the tireless efforts of veterans, whom all serve with a singular purpose: to bring you liberty.

 

First responders are integral to disaster relief, and few catastrophes are as damaging and life-threatening as hurricanes. These natural disasters can wreak havoc anywhere they go, stranding families and causing mass destruction.

The effects from Hurricanes Ian and Fiona required a great deal of help getting the affected areas back on track and functioning again. Thankfully, many first responders answered the call of duty from across the U.S., applying their expertise and passion to help with many relief efforts.

“You’re looking at 12-hour days”: The IAFF first responder Disaster Relief team helps with Hurricane Ian

Touching down in Florida on September 28, 2022, the destruction from Hurricane Ian cost nearly $60 million to repair and left over 100 people killed. Ian is the second-deadliest hurricane of this century, behind only Katrina in 2005. Ian was classified as a Category 3 storm when it first landed in Cuba, growing to a Category 4 by the time it hit Fort Myers, Florida.

The International Association of Firefighters (IAFF), led by John Gardell, had left to assist with efforts in Florida less than a day before Ian’s landfall. Because the IAFF’s days often started at 7 a.m., Gardell says, they were often working for 12 hours with very little rest, tarping roofs and removing damaged items, among other tasks.

Pennsylvania Task Force 1

The IAFF is one of many first responder teams that helped with Hurricane Ian. In South Carolina were 45 members of Pennsylvania Task Force 1, which included first responders from the Philadelphia Fire Department and others from various parts of PA. This team was practiced in urban search-and-rescue, and they applied their training to relief efforts.

Maryland Task Force 1 and N.Y. state troops help with Hurricane Fiona

Hurricane Fiona, which primarily impacted Puerto Rico, Turks and Caicos, and the Dominican Republic, was a Category 1 hurricane that hit Puerto Rico on September 18, 2022, causing blackouts and leaving many people without running water. Over 1,000 residents required rescuing and four people were killed.

Maryland Task Force 1 was one of the teams who lent their aid to victims of Hurricane Fiona. A FEMA task force, the team consists of 35 firefighters and citizens from across the state. This group was initially the only federal team sent to assist with relief efforts.

The New York Police Department also sent 100 state troops and drones to contribute after Puerto Rico Governor Pedro Pierluisi requested assistance from those who could speak Spanish to help with rescue operations. The drones were intended to conduct surveillance of the damage.

Veterans Affairs

Veterans Affairs had several issues dealing with Hurricanes Fiona and Ian. The VA’s regional team had just finished its efforts with Hurricane Fiona, but when Hurricane Ian hit, they were forced to evacuate their inpatients from the Bay Pines Medical Center. This decision came after speaking with the National Weather Service and local and regional leaders. 152 people were relocated to safety, which included those in acute, hospice, domiciliary, and long-term care.

First responders’ persistent efforts with Hurricanes Ian and Fiona

First responders across the U.S. were sent to help with Hurricanes Ian and Fiona after they had caused severe destruction across Florida, South Carolina and Puerto Rico, among other places. Armed with trained firefighters, medics, and citizens with various talents, first responder airmen and women are always hunting the storms that threaten the U.S., and their efforts are crucial for rescuing citizens and helping rebuild after the damage of a hurricane.

 

The holiday season is a time for celebration, togetherness and joy. Regardless of how you choose to observe this time, there’s something for practically everyone to enjoy. Even if you don’t celebrate any particular holiday during winter, the cooler temperatures and snow can be delightful.

However, with winter comes new threats to fire safety. From Christmas trees to Hanukkah candles, electricity and flame are common features of this time. That means new precautions for your home that need to be followed for events that are free from danger.

Winter statistics you should be aware of

From 2015-2019, fire departments across the country were busy responding to an average of 160 home fires that originated from Christmas trees, leading to a mean of two deaths, 12 injuries and $10 million in property damage, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

Holiday decorations, cooking accidents and candle fires were also large contributors to fires. In many instances, Christmas decorations that were too close to a heat source were the primary causes, causing an average of one death, 26 injuries and $13 million in damages.

Fires could be the result of cooking appliances that were in close proximity to other sources of heat or candles that were left unattended. Christmas Day alone has a 2.5 times heightened risk of accidents because of candles that caused nearby flammable materials to catch fire, according to the NFPA report.

Ideas for staying safe during winter

By following proper safety cautions, you can help prevent property damage and possible loss of life from happening in your home. Here are some ideas for how to stay safe during the wintertime:

1. Don’t leave candles unattended. Always extinguish candles before you leave the room. Don’t fall asleep with lit candles nearby and keep them at least one foot away from anything that can catch fire. Bedrooms are full of flammable materials, so it’s best not to use candles in these places, according to the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI).
2. Keep your Christmas tree away from heat. Place Christmas trees far from fireplaces, space heaters or any other potential fire hazard.
3. Avoid running cables under furniture. Cables can cause nearby objects to catch fire if placed close to flammable material, so don’t put them under furniture or rugs.
4. Replace your extension cords. Old extension cords can wear out and become dangerous. If your cables have any frayed areas or are insufficient sources of power, buy new ones.
5. Make sure nearby fire hydrants are easily accessible. If there are any obstacles between your home and a fire hydrant, it can delay a fire department’s ability to respond. In addition, don’t allow ice to accumulate on it.
6. Keep your smoke detectors in good working order. This means ensuring that their batteries are sufficiently charged, and the device is still working. Many smoke detectors have testing features, so take advantage of them.
7. Don’t use indoor decorations outdoors and vice-versa. Don’t use power sources meant for inside the house outside, either. Remember to use clips instead of nails to hang decorations — nails can damage cords and lighting, increasing the risk of fire.
8. Always plug space heaters directly into wall outlets. Follow the included safety instructions if you use any alternative heating sources such as space heaters. Don’t plug them into extension cords or power strips.

Have a safe holiday and winter season

Many causes of fire are easily preventable if you know how. Avoid accidents with these tips and avoid the common origins of flame. With a little knowledge of what starts fires and how to avoid them, you can help your home and the people in it stay safe, happy and healthy as they enjoy the festivities.

 

The first Veterans Day was observed on Nov. 11, 1919. First introduced by President Woodrow Wilson and originally called Armistice Day, it was a time meant to commemorate the anniversary of the end of World War I. President Dwight D. Eisenhower changed the holiday’s name to Veterans Day in 1954 to include all veterans, not only those who served in the first World War. Since its inception, the U.S. has continued to celebrate Veterans Day on Nov. 11 every year.

A World War II veteran named Raymond Weeks first came up with the idea to change the name and nature of Veterans Day to involve all servicemembers and their families. Weeks led a celebration of the first official Veterans Day in Alabama, and continued this tradition each year until his death in 1985.

There are two days of the year during which the Arlington National Cemetery holds a memorial service, Veterans Day being one of them (Memorial Day is the other). While similar in that they’re both days meant to honor the military, the key difference between Veterans Day and Memorial Day is that the former honors both living and fallen veterans, whereas the latter is specifically for soldiers who have died.

Ideas for celebrating Veterans Day

How you choose to commemorate Veterans Day is up to you, but here are a few ideas to help get you started:

Adopt a military family

Many military families who have loved ones in the armed forces sometimes lack the resources to properly take care of themselves. This can be especially problematic for families with a deployed parent, limited income, or severely injured veterans. The Soldiers’ Angels charity foundation hosts an Adopt a Family program so you can offer support to military families in need. This can include gifts for children under 18 years of age and grocery gift cards.

Participate in the two-minute moment of silence

Every Veterans Day, there’s a special time set aside for observing the two-minute moment of silence in honor of servicemembers and their families. To ensure it takes place at the same time for everyone across the U.S., the exact time varies depending on your time zone. Here’s what time it begins in each region:

• 3:11 PM Atlantic Standard Time.
• 2:11 PM Eastern Standard Time.
• 1:11 PM Central Standard Time.
• 12:11 PM Mountain Standard Time.
• 11:11 AM Pacific Standard Time.
• 10:11 AM Alaska Standard Time.
• 9:11 AM Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time.

Visit a Veteran Memorial or Cemetery

We mentioned that Arlington National Cemetery holds a commemoration on Veterans Day that’s open to the public. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t visit other veteran memorials or cemeteries to pay your respects in your own way. While this might seem better suited to Memorial Day, there’s no reason you can’t show appreciation for both living and fallen veterans in a similar fashion. You can leave a small token on a gravestone if you like, or you can simply pay your respects for a few moments.

Participate in our Veterans Day social media campaign

Join us in creating a virtual Veterans Honor Wall by honoring and thanking those who have served and played an active role in protecting our great country. Here’s how you can participate:

1. Print out the image.
2. Write in the name of a veteran you want to honor.
3. Share it on your feed.
4. Don’t forget to share the image with us by tagging AFBA and using #AFBAHonorsVeterans.

You can also comment below with your veteran’s name, the branch of service, and an image if available. Use hashtags such as #AFBAHonorsVeterans, #VeteransDay and #VeteransDay2022.

 

Every November since 1993 has been federally recognized as Military Family Appreciation Month. During this month, several military-themed holidays are celebrated. This period is a great opportunity to show your appreciation for both veterans and military families who have loved ones in the armed forces. If you know any of these people in your life or just want to anonymously help out with those you might not know, November is the perfect time to show them you recognize the uncommon challenges they go through.

Military families serve along with their loved servicemembers. They are aware of the risks involved in serving in the armed forces as well as the sacrifice of being away from them during long periods of training and deployment.

The history of Military Family Appreciation Month

In 1993, the Armed Services YMCA looked for a way to honor military families and recognize their sacrifice, dedication, and contributions to the armed forces which they’re an intrinsic part of. Thus, they came up with Military Family Appreciation Month as a time to do exactly that. After being officially endorsed by the President of the United States, November was chosen as the month in which the observation would take place.

What military-related holidays happen in November?

Several important holidays take place in November, and they’re perfect opportunities to plan out your shows of appreciation.

First is the Marine Corps’ Birthday on Nov. 10. This originated in 1921, when Marine Corps Order No. 47 was issued. This order intended to commemorate the founding of the Marine Corps and directed that it be repeated each year on the same day. This day is typically commemorated with the annual Marine Corps Birthday Ball. First held in 1925 and observed every year since, the ball includes entertainment, cake, and a formal dinner.

The celebration of the Marine Corps’ birthday has evolved over the years. In 1923, a formal dance was held at the Marine Barracks in Ft. Mifflin, Pennsylvania. Meanwhile, a mock battle occurred at the Washington Navy Yard, and a baseball game was held at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Later, in 1925, the first official Birthday Ball was held in Philadelphia. The cake-cutting ceremony began in 1952, which included the first piece of cake being presented to the oldest Marine present and being passed to the youngest as a symbol of the tradition passing.

After that is Veterans Day on Nov. 11. This day is especially important, as it is a federally-recognized holiday specifically meant as a day to pay respect to veterans. The day was originally known as Armistice Day to commemorate the end of World War I, but was later expanded to include all veterans.

Thanksgiving is also a part of Military Family Appreciation Month as one of the ideal times to give thanks to the people in our armed forces who have dedicated their lives to keeping America and its citizens safe from harm. Military families at the Thanksgiving table can use this opportunity to appreciate their loved servicemembers, while non-military families can take the time to show respect to both servicemembers and their families.

However you choose to recognize the holidays during Military Family Appreciation Month, it’s important to always give thanks both to servicemembers and their families so they know they’re loved and appreciated. In addition to the ever-important respect toward the members of the armed forces themselves, remember that the families of servicemembers have their own unique challenges to tackle every day and they deserve recognition just as much as their cherished servicemembers do.

 

National First Responders Day is here on Oct. 28, and it’s a time to honor the efforts of first responders everywhere who work selflessly to keep Americans safe. How can you do that? One of the best things you can do for a first responder is to appreciate the trauma and harsh reality these individuals experience daily.

Helping Our Heroes With Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Alcohol Addiction

Being a first responder is one of the most difficult jobs anyone can do. Paramedics, police officers, and firefighters have a sworn duty to protect others in the harshest of conditions. They are the first at the scene to witness scenes of violence, suffering and death while also having to think clearly and remain calm.

This takes a toll on many of them. The proof of this is in the data: According to the Help For Our Heroes Program, 14.6% of paramedics face PTSD at least once in their lifetime, with firefighters having a 7.3% rate and police experiencing a 4.7% rate. Rates of alcohol and drug abuse are also far higher than in the general population. According to a study cited by the Nova Recovery Center, nearly a third of firefighters suffered from alcohol addiction.

Don’t Suffer in Silence: Newport News, Virginia, Holds an Awareness Event for First Responders

With mental health disorders on the rise in the first responder population, there must be hope for these protectors of the people. The first responders of Newport News, Virginia with the local Critical Incident Stress Management Team are trying to help them.

A public meeting was held at the First Baptist Church with the objective of aiding first responders in dealing with the trauma and stress of their professions.

Darius Davis, a Newport News police officer and crisis negotiator, was a speaker at the event. “Suicide affects military, police and first responders 80% more than any other population,” he claims.

Joining him was city fire department Battalion Chief David Lewis. The two have something in common: Both admit to having considered suicide as a solution to their seemingly impossible levels of stress.

Lewis recalls a memory of when he was pulling into a parking lot near his fire station. While trying to cope with the stresses of his job, which included responding to calls involving shootings, stabbings, murder, and suicides, he had lost a child just six hours before. He says he felt he had “no solution” for any of the problems he was dealing with, so he “basically shut down.” Lewis kept his thoughts to himself for nearly two years before finally seeking help. Now, he works to prevent others from suffering as he did, encouraging them to reach out instead of suffering in silence.

Suicide Prevention Month ended in September, a time in which discussions around suicidal thoughts, the stigma of mental health, and the effects they have on preventing many from seeking help are encouraged. Mental health affects people from all walks of life, but in the first responder community, it’s especially problematic as many in the field don’t see any means of relief.

Helping Others First Comes at a Cost, But We’re Making Progress

National First Responders day is a time meant to show appreciation for first responders in everything they do. This includes acknowledging the realities of the job and the toll they take on these paragons of courage. There’s a lot of work to be done, but we’re slowly but surely making it just a bit easier for first responders to continue to selflessly serve us by paying attention to the realities of their experiences.

 

A firefighter is one of the most honorable and difficult positions one can imagine. They’re first responders who are expected to arrive at the scene of any emergency call before anyone else. Having undergone EMT training and being responsible for running headfirst into the thick of danger, it might seem like firefighters know exactly what to do in any situation.

However, firefighters have superior officers, too, and those officers were once firefighters themselves. Being a firefighter is a genuine career that can occupy one’s entire life. There are many ranks of firefighters, from the probationary firefighter all the way up to the fire chief.

Here’s what the career path of a firefighter often looks like:

Probationary firefighter

As soon as someone meets the requirements in the recruit academy, they can start their journey as a probationary firefighter. This period lasts anywhere between 12 and 18 months and requires exemplary commitment and effort.

A probationary firefighter’s job isn’t easy, nor is it supposed to be. Their working hours will be long, and their sleeping periods will be strict. Above all, they’re expected to prove that they’d make a good firefighter, which means that they can get along with others.

Firefighter

If a prospective firefighter can make it through their probationary period, they become an official firefighter. Firefighters have four main jobs, including:

• Extinguishing fires.
• Investigating the causes of fires.
• Aiding anyone who might be injured.
• Helping prevent fires.

A firefighter is also responsible for rescuing people who are in danger, including during incidents not related to fire, such as natural disasters and auto accidents. Because virtually all firefighters have EMT training, they’re prepared to protect those in danger and administer first aid to anyone in need.

Driver engineer

These are the individuals who drive the fire truck and are duty-bound to get people in and out of a call safely.

Driver engineers need to have mastered the ins and outs of fire apparatus systems, fire trucks, equipment, and water supplies to do their job effectively because they’re responsible for all of these things.

Lieutenant

The firefighter lieutenant is capable of all the tasks of a driver engineer, plus ensuring the function of the fire department. They’re responsible for inspecting buildings to make sure they don’t have any fire hazards and conducting training exercises to prepare for special emergencies such as earthquakes and chemical spills.

Captain

A firefighter captain is responsible for managing their station. When at the scene of a fire, the captain assesses the situation and plans a course of action for firefighters to follow.

Depending on the size of the station, a firefighter captain may have staff working under them or, as the most senior officer at the station, be responsible for the operations of the entire unit.

Battalion chief

The battalion chief is the first rank of all the chief officers. Similar to other ranks, they’re responsible for fire safety compliance, equipment operation, staff evaluations, and making sure the station is in top shape. They have the additional task of being responsible for all officers under them, from the captain on down.

Assistant chief

Assistant chiefs are the second in command, taking over when the fire chief is out. They assist the fire chief in all tasks, including strategic and operational planning for fire stations. Having mastered the previous ranks, they’re extremely capable individuals.

Fire chief

Fire chiefs are the head honchos of the fire department. These individuals are responsible for strategizing and collaborating with local government officials to ensure the fire department is prepared for anything and to prevent disasters from happening in the first place.

 

Since the war on drugs officially began in 1971 under President Nixon, U.S. armed forces have been deployed in areas where drugs run rampant in an effort to reduce the number of narcotics entering the country. The U.S. government and its armed forces have stepped up tremendously in their efforts, with over $1 trillion spent on the war on drugs since its inception.

The war on drugs is still ongoing and shows no signs of ending any time soon, but that doesn’t mean the U.S. armed forces are going to idly sit by and watch drug smugglers and criminal organizations succeed. On the contrary: There have been numerous efforts to interrupt the flow of narcotics and keep both the U.S. and other countries safe from harm.

U.S. Coast Guard helps seize $475M worth of drugs from smugglers

The Navy is a key part of the U.S. armed forces’ contributions to the war on drugs. This year, a U.S. ship cooperated with a Royal Netherlands Navy vessel to confiscate $475M worth of drugs from smugglers in the Caribbean Sea and the Eastern Pacific Ocean. This included 3,892 pounds of marijuana and 24,700 pounds of cocaine. The seizure was ultimately hauled in and unloaded in Miami Beach.

Cdr. Jeremy M. Greenwood, the commanding officer of the 270-foot cutter stationed in Virginia named the Legare, praised the crew responsible for the bust, citing their commitment to duty. He also applauded the various crews who contributed both to the mission and the ongoing counter-drug campaign, which included the “dismantling of transnational criminal organizations.” He proudly claimed the operation “will result in significantly fewer drug-related overdoses.”

The U.S. Air Force sends help to Curacao to combat narcotics trafficking

40 miles off the coast of Venezuela is the island of Curacao. This nation is a Caribbean island that has a close alliance with the U.S. Together, they’ve spent two decades fighting international narcotics trafficking and transnational criminal organizations in the area. In 2020, those efforts gained a big boost in the form of extra equipment and personnel.

After the U.S. State Department accused Venezuela of drug trafficking, they sent four U.S. Air Force aircrafts to the island. These planes were meant to run detection and monitoring operations in an effort to interrupt the flow of drugs coming from Venezuela and surrounding areas.

The armaments introduced included an E-3 Sentry surveillance aircraft, an E-8C Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System plan, and two KC-135 Stratotanker aerial refueling aircrafts. Combined, these new assets, in addition to 200 extra personnel at the Cooperative Security Location (CSL), should give Curacao a leg up on drug trafficking operations in the area.

Air strikes used to destroy Taliban drug labs

Afghanistan has a primarily opiate-based economy. While the U.S. was still attempting to occupy Afghanistan in 2018, the U.S. armed forces, together with the Afghan military, targeted drug labs for precision air strikes. The U.S. Air Force’s F22A Raptor aircraft armed with small-diameter bombs were used to minimize civilian casualties.

The U.S. military has worked hand-in-hand with many foreign governments and entities in an effort to reduce drug trafficking and the spread of drugs into the U.S. and internationally. While the efforts are still ongoing, the U.S. armed forces have made significant progress in interfering with transnational criminal organizations and drug smugglers across the world. While the war on drugs persists, the U.S. armed forces constantly look for ways to help end it.