I just want to make sure the same thing doesn't happen to any other soldier that happened to SSG Pogany. And that soldiers get the help they need when they ask for it, because the resources are there. I was in Iraq from about 04/03 to 12/03. My team from my former unit the 85th medical detachment, was attached to the 3rd bragade combat for the majority of the time up until 07/03. We were then relocated to Camp Ironhorse in Tikrit and became responsible for all the psychological caregiving at that FOB. We did a lot of individual one on one caregiving, event debriefings, combat stress debriefings. We tried to be as accessible to everyone attached to the BCT or camp, by meeting as many soldiers in their own unit AO's and offering our assistance if needed. That ment a lot of walking and driving to outlying units. Our goal was to treat the soldiers as close to their units for whatever issues they presented with. Only once did we recommend someone be evacuated out of country. Otherwise, all were returned back to duty, which is our primary goal. The mental well being of the soldier should be our primary responsibility before and after combat.

I'd like to help demystify this area of caregiving that is so vital to the well being of soldiers, as well as civilians.

There are a few ways to be identified, or referred to mental health or in combat, it's called combat stress control. You can self refer, be identified by the chain of command and be asked to see us, or be forced to visit mental health in a command referral. Not many people are command referred. Most ask to speak to us, and most of the time there isn't any hesitation on the part of the chain of command to allow it. Because all participants in the process know only good can come of a visit. Things that have been under the surface will be addressed, beginning the process of progress. Addressing the issues whether they be anger, fear, or worse, like depression or anxiety attacks in the earliest time frame leads to an earlier resolution. Its a lot of common sense, that's just the best way to take care of the brain. Those that don't seek professional help, or delay that help, only put themselves through prolonged suffering and confusion, which could lead to permanent psychological consequences. Look around on our streets and you'll find a lot of homeless vets with issues that lead back to their time in combat.

Now the intake process. A person who has been identified by themselves or by the chain of command, first meets with a mental health specialist. The Mental Health Specialist takes what is called the initial intake interview. It's just what it sounds like. We ask a series of questions, like "What has brought you here today, and how long have you been feeling this way?", to "Do you smoke and how much?". It should take no more than 20-30 minutes. We just want to get a really simple overview of who and what we may be dealing with. Once this is complete, the mental health specialist takes his/her notes to the psychologist, psychiatrist or social worker on duty. The psychologist then determines the severity, and if they should begin seeing the client. If the Doc feels the tech should take this one, he or she advises the tech from behind the scenes and the tech manages care for the client. That includes follow up visits or getting the doc to refill a prescription when needed. Usually, we'll end follow up visits when both parties determine the client, doesn't need us anymore, but always leaving the door open to a later visit if needed. All consultation is of course private with the exception of a command referral. In this circumstance, the chain of command is briefed on the clients progress or lack there of.

Some clients we like to check on because they've been through something serious like an ambush, loss of a colleague, or any type of combat. This we call an incident debriefing. It gives everyone involved time to say whatever they may be thinking and depressurize for an hour or two. Most are okay, but this gives the ones that aren't, time to process the event in a serious and meaningful way, or set up a private meeting with us at a later time.

Most of the time it was just teaching soldiers coping skills. A lot of the questions we had were addressed in our combat stress control briefings. We tried to do at least three a week. It was our proactive way of briefing a company size element at time on some of the signs to look for when it comes to combat stress and what to do about it.

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