Mental Health Care for the Troops

This is an odd topic. I don't like the fact that 40% of the positions for psychologists in the military aren't filled, but a study by psychologists on the subject is a bit difficult to swallow. I imagine if the gun manufacturers were making a study on home protection, they wouldn't be allowed this type of finding without question.

Many Iraq war troops, veterans and their families aren't getting needed psychological help because the military's mental health system is overwhelmed and understaffed, according to a report released Sunday by the American Psychological Association.

The report, by a task force of psychologists, calls for the immediate strengthening of the military mental health system. It cites a 40% vacancy rate in active duty psychologists in the Army and Navy, resources diverted from family counselors and a weak transition for veterans leaving the military.

More than three out of 10 troops met the criteria for a mental disorder, but far less than half sought help, the report found.

Yeah, the fact that they find that the troops have mental disorder makes you wonder what the criteria are. And if they aren't seeking help, could it be that they don't want it, or the problem, as seen by the psychologists, isn't a problem to them?