For years, the Department of Defense (DOD) and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) have been working toward coming together to create an all encompassing electronic database of medical records. Such a system would make moving from one department to the other much easier and could significantly improve the level of healthcare servicemembers receive, but the process has been long and some officials do not think it can be done.
Years in the making
Both departments have been working to transition to electronic records for a decade, but in 2008 Congress officially ordered the two departments to create a joint system so that when soldiers left active duty, it was easier for their medical records to come to the VA with them. The original plan was to have the endeavor completed by 2017 – at an estimated cost of $4 billion – but the process has certainly not been easy.
Delay after delay
Over the last several years there have been significant challenges in developing the integrated system, and earlier this month then-Defense Secretary Leon Panetta and VA Secretary Eric Shinseki announced they were doing away with the original plan of one system, and instead looking toward developing technologies that make each of their individuals records more interoperable. The idea, Panetta said, is to cut costs and finish the project more quickly
"All of these facilities will be interoperable by the end of July 2013, so [it's a] fast time track, but we think we can get it done," he told reporters.
Lawmakers unhappy
Despite Panetta's insistence it was for the best, many members of Congress recently expressed their disappointment that the two departments were unable to come up with a system that fell under the original plan. Among them is California Rep. Jeff Denham, who said that the delay has been inexcusable and could threaten the health of veterans and servicemembers.
"In the private sector, this would be done by now – it would have to be," he said. "I don't feel the same sense of obligation here. I question the will to get it done."
Servicemembers' advocates have also made their feelings known. For instance, the National Organization of Veterans' Advocates said that continued delays could make it difficult for vets to receive disability benefits and other vital services.
Military working dogs have played a vital role in the Armed Forces for decades, but their contributions may go unnoticed by the civilian population. However, a recent documentary on Animal Planet gave the four-legged soldiers their due recognition. The two-hour film, "Glory Hounds," highlighted the lives of several canines from Camp Lejeune as they served in Afghanistan, reports The News and Observer.
Dogs certainly put their lives on the line in combat. Many of them are used to help detect improvised explosive devices (IEDs) as well as the insurgents who plant them. Along with helping keep soldiers safe, many of the working dogs form strong bonds with their handlers. In fact, this sometimes brings troops closer to their dogs than with their fellow human soldiers.
"The only thing that's between you and an IED is your dog," Cpl. Drew Nyman, who is featured in the film, told the newspaper. "So it's kind of nerve-wracking knowing that your dog doesn't smell explosives. You have to trust that your dog is on point, not leading you to a bad area."
While military working dogs have played a vital role in Afghanistan, many of them return home with the same wounds as other servicemembers. In fact, at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas, experts have noticed dogs presenting signs of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), reports CBS affiliate KTVT.
Suicide is undoubtedly one of the biggest issues facing the military community. Whether it is soldiers who have separated from service, veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan or active duty troops, it's clear that the rate of servicemembers taking their own lives is on the rise. Though the situation may seem dire, both the Department of Veterans Affairs and Pentagon plan on taking steps to address the problem in the coming years, and there are many resources available to soldiers grappling with depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other conditions that may raise the risk of suicide.
Issue on the rise
There's no question 2012 was a bad year for suicide in the military. Pentagon statistics show 349 soldiers took their own lives last year, which was up considerably from the 301 in 2011 and also more than the 295 Americans who were killed in combat. In response to the startling statistics, Senator Patty Murray, the former chairman of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, said that her colleagues in Congress should do more to address the issue.
"This is an epidemic that cannot be ignored," she said earlier this year, according to The Associated Press. "As our newest generation of servicemembers and veterans face unprecedented challenges, today's news shows we must be doing more to ensure they are not slipping through the cracks."
Pentagon recognizes the issue
Given the rise in the number of soldiers committing suicide, it's no surprise that the Pentagon has made prevention a priority. Still, experts say addressing suicide in the military is not an easy task. Kim Ruocco, who heads a suicide prevention program Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), says that it's near impossible to be with an at-risk individual every hour of the day to make sure they don't take their own lives. Instead, she says the goal is to recognize risk factors, whether they be PTSD, substance abuse, or trouble transitioning, and make soldiers aware that there are resources available to them.
"Now that we're decreasing our troops and they're coming back home, that's when they're really in the danger zone," Ruocco, whose husband killed himself in 2005 after serving in Iraq, told the AP.
Glimmers of progress
The situation may seem dire, but some outposts in the military have shown success in preventing suicides, including Fort Bliss. The New Mexico installation had the lowest suicide rate in the military during 2012 and actually saw a decrease from 2011 to 2012. Officials at Fort Bliss say there is no one magic solution to curbing suicide rates, but rather a well-rounded approach to risk education and resilience may be the best method. The base has also made a concerted effort to reduce behaviors such as drug abuse, motor vehicle accidents and other deaths that can be prevented.
"Our approach creates layer upon layer upon layer of safety nets," explained Army Lt. Col. Leonard Gruppo.
Resources available
Veterans and active duty soldiers should know that they have resources available to them if they are considering suicide. Specifically, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) operates a 24-hour counseling service not only to soldiers, but also to their family members. Known as the Veterans Crisis Line, servicemembers can either dial 1-800-273-8255 and press 1, visit www.VeteransCrisisLine.net or text 838255. Since it was launched in 2007, the line has fielded more than 650,000 calls. There are a number of other places soldiers can turn as well, including the National Suicide Prevention Hotline, which can be reached at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Soon after Michelle Obama called on governors to make it easier for members of the military to find jobs after separating from services, second lady Dr. Jill Biden spoke out on behalf of their spouses. During a meeting with the National Governors Association, she said that governors should make it possible for the husbands and wives of servicemembers to transfer their professional licenses from state to state.
Frequent moves threaten stability
Of all the challenges military families face, having to move frequently is one of the most difficult. According to the Department of Defense, spouses of those in the Armed Forces have to move an average of 10 more times than the average person. Aside from causing a great deal of stress, this makes it difficult for them to find jobs. As a result, the unemployment rate among military spouses in considerably higher than it is for the civilian population. However, allowing them to use similar licenses and other credentials across state lines, as the second lady is recommending, could make it easier for them to find jobs.
The time is now
Experts estimate that thousands of soldiers will be separating from service over the next several years, which will place a heavy emphasis on the need for both members of military families finding jobs. So far, 28 states have pro spouse policies in place. These laws include language that makes it easier for teachers, social workers, nurses and other similar professionals to transfer from state to state. Still, Biden told the governors that more needs to be done.
"We hope all of you will reach out to your bases and your National Guard and Reserve communities [and] talk with the military spouses – I'm sure many of you already do this already – and make sure that these laws are working for our military families," she told the governors gathered at the White House.
A longtime goal for Biden
Along with Michelle Obama, Biden has been one of the leading voices behind the Joining Forces initiative. Along with helping military families and servicemembers find employment opportunities, the program has been committed to helping spread support for their causes across the United States. Additionally, Obama and Biden have made a point to help schools recognize the unique challenges faced by military children.
Those who have loved ones in the military face many challenges, and many of them relate to finances. Military Saves Week, which runs from February 25 through March 2, was launched in an effort to improve the financial stability of military families, and there are a few tricks they can learn this week that may help them save money in the coming years, experts say.
Some money-saving strategies only require making changes to where one shops. For instance, families who shop at a commissary can spend as much as 31 percent less compared to other options. Spending less money on basic items such as food and clothing helps families find room for more significant expenses, whether they are paying off college loans or building a savings account.
Paying off debt is another step families should consider during Military Saves Week. According to a study released last year by the Investor Education Foundation, an estimated 25 percent of credit card holders said they were holding at least $10,000 in debt. Even if military families do not have this high a debt paying it down is a must if they want to save more or eventually buy a home.
Perhaps most importantly, however, military families should focus on saving more. According to The Huffington Post, the trick to this is to closely track one's spending over the course of the month to see if there is anywhere to trim expenses.
An estimated 20 percent of veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and the condition is one of the greatest health concerns among the servicemember population. As a result, medical experts have been going to great lengths to understand the condition as much as possible, and recent research suggests that a soldier's pre-war experiences may play a role in whether they develop PTSD later on.
The study
Conducted by scientists from Columbia's Mailman School of Public Health and the New York State Psychiatric Institute, the study looked at the mental health of 260 servicemembers who participated in the National Vietnam Veterans Readjustment Study. To assess the severity of the disorder in each subject, researchers looked at the severity of their combat exposure, their pre-war psychological vulnerabilities and whether they had any involvement in civilian casualties.
Not surprisingly, exposure to stressful situations in combat was a constant in 98 percent of those with PTSD. However, researchers also discovered that only about 31.6 percent of troops in stressful combat developed PTSD. Furthermore, they noticed a distinct correlation between pre-war psychiatric issues and the development of PTSD after combat.
What the findings mean
The results shed some light on the often-mysterious realm of PTSD, and could help medical experts better understand the condition when they're treating soldiers. The researchers also found that pre-war factors play a role in the long-term persistence of the condition. Perhaps most significantly, this research could help identify soldiers who are particularly at risk for PTSD and keep them out of certain situations, such as instances where civilians may be injured or killed.
The latest stride in the fight
As more than a decade of war comes to a close, researchers have conducted a considerable amount of studies to find ways to reduce the symptoms of PTSD. Some of the most compelling evidence of an effective therapy comes from a recent study conducted by military scientists that suggests an injection known as a stellate ganglion block may be able to numb signals that cause PTSD symptoms, according to Time magazine. Still, while the results are encouraging, experts urge cautious optimism.
"It is clear that new methods of treatment for PTSD are desperately needed," Dr. Cameron Richie wrote in a press release. "Although psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy are effective for many who are willing to go through the treatment regimen, they are not effective for all."
The deadline for filing taxes is approaching more quickly than some military families might realize. While this process might not be stressful for some people, others may struggle with knowing exactly what deductions they can take. It's an understandable concern, especially with the often-complicated tax rules, but Credit.com reports there are a few deductions that military families should be certain to take advantage of this year.
This year resembles last year
With the discussions surrounding the budget and debt, it may seem like there were considerable changes to the tax code, but such was not the case, according to the website. This year should be similar to when military families filed for taxes in 2011.
Healthcare expenses
Medical costs can be some of the biggest financial obstacles for military families, but the good news is that they can write off some of them when it comes time to file their taxes. For instance, everything from therapy and counseling to dental care and premiums can come into play. However, the medical expenses must add up to 7.5 percent of one's adjusted gross income (AGI) for 2012.
Costs from the job search
This deduction is particularly helpful for those who have recently separated from the service. Anything that goes into the process, even if it does not result in a new job, can be written off. This includes any travel expenses, money used for employment agencies and even resumes. However, the expenses must add up to 2 percent of one's AGI, Credit.com notes.
Moving costs
One of the staples of life for military families is the need to relocate on a regular basis. Known as a permanent change of station (PCS), the regular moves not only can be stressful, they can also cause some financial hardship. The Armed Forces reimburses military families for some of the expenses that result from moving, but there are sometimes still some things that families have to foot the bill for, such as moving household items and adding any personal goods to the new residence.
Combat zone
Active duty soldiers who spent time in a combat zone during 2012 are entitled to many tax write-offs, according to Military.com. For instance, soldiers do not have to pay income taxes on any type of pay they received during their time deployed to a combat zone. Additionally, any imminent danger or hostile fire pay is exempt from income taxes. However, any pay that stems from a retirement plan or pension does not fall under the category.
As the Army continues to brace itself for potential cuts to its budget, some officials say the future could see the military return to a time when only small units are prepared for deployment. The shift back to pre-9/11 levels of deployment would be reflection of sequestration, which would dramatically reduce funding for training and other vital exercises, reports Military.com.
Regardless of whether the sequester takes effect on March 1, the Army's size is already trending downward. The branch is expected to reduce its numbers by about 80,000 over the next four years. Those figures could be greater should the Pentagon's budget get slashed. Plus, the sequester could eliminate the funding from 80 percent of the Army's training budget.
"The problem we have is they [combat leaders] have very high expectations, and one of my greatest concerns is severe cutbacks to things like home-station training, or the ability to conduct exercises, or the ability to make being a professional soldier very much linked to real-world problems," Gen. Robert Cone, the commander of Training and Doctrine Command, told the website.
The issue of military readiness is one that has been broached by many top officials concerned about sequestration. Earlier this month, outgoing Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta voiced his concerns about what the cuts could do to the Navy, Air Force and civilian jobs, CNN reports.
With thousands of soldiers re-entering civilian life after the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, many of them may choose to use their GI Bill benefits and head back to the classroom. The influx of servicemembers may create a unique classroom dynamic that many professors have not yet had to deal with, and some colleges and universities are taking steps to ready all members of the campus for these changes. Georgetown University recently offered a program to help its instructors prepare, Stars and Stripes reports.
The initiative
Georgetown hosted its first Vet Ally event, which welcomed about 70 faculty members to talk about their past experiences and also discuss common complaints from veteran students. Organizers also went over basic military terms that could help them better understand the culture. Georgetown administrators say the need for such programs is especially high right now, as the school has already seen a growth in the number of veterans in class to about 500.
"The professors know stuff on how to deal with veterans day to day, help them with basic issues that come up in class," David Shearman, coordinator of the school's veterans office, told the publication. "But they don't always know why students joined the military, what serving overseas really means, what they mean when they talk about a FOB [Forward Operating Base]."
Georgetown is not alone
While Georgetown is the latest institution to take steps to foster a welcoming environment, it is certainly not the only school to do so. At San Diego State University, for instance, veteran students have many programs that are designed specifically for them. There are classes only for servicemembers as well as a center in the student services building primarily for vets, according to The New York Times. The move is a smart one, especially since San Diego has one of the highest concentrations of servicemembers in the country.
"It's definitely nice to be around a bunch of guys who've been in the same situation, chewed the same dirt, been around the block," Andrew Lovick, who served for four years in the Marines, told the Times "We're the same demographic. It's kind of hard relating to someone who's 18 and their parents are paying for everything."
More education necessary
While veterans have considerable benefits available to help them head to school, many are not aware of what they have. In fact, a recent study from the Department of Veterans Affairs found more than 40 percent of post-9/11 veterans do not know they qualify for education benefits.
There are many bills making their way through Congress that could impact the benefits available to military families, and one of the newest pieces of legislation could have a significant impact. Introduced by Senators Patty Murray and Jon Tester, the proposal would extend health coverage to the older children of servicemembers under the Veterans Affairs' Department's Civilian Health and Medical Program (CHAMPVA), according to Army Times.
The bill would change the age limit for when a veteran's child can receive healthcare coverage from 18 to 26, a change that falls in line with the Affordable Care Act as well as a similar change for TRICARE that took effect in 2011. Murray, the chair of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, says the change is necessary as thousands of troops return home from Afghanistan and to keep it in line with changes to the civilian population.
"In our ongoing commitment to keep the faith with our nation's heroes, this bill ensures CHAMPVA recipients, without regard to their type of coverage, student status, or marital status, are eligible for health care coverage under their parent's plan in the same way as their peers," Murray said in a statement.
The new rules could prove to be a big help to thousands of family members. According to Army Times, the VA estimates as many as 24,000 young adults could receive coverage by 2020.