I believe my message and my feelings about the subject of my post to be crystal clear. Perhaps there is very little we have in common and perhaps there is much you and I see differently. From my experiences and my perception, my post reflects not only my knowledge, but also my emotions associated with my journey, started long ago in Vietnam. I speak only for myself, but I represent many of similar nature.
I was actually responding to Bombardier. I am not sure what prompted a seeming hostile reply.
I am not a clinician or counselor. I did get involved in Pointman Ministries about ten years ago. They offer a Lay counseling service to help Vet but with a religious flavor some like Rocky does (with out a religious base). I have not been involved with them for over 6 years.
My understanding come from training sessions on counseling, knowing clinicians and councilors. I am not a authority on this issue but stated what I was told.
It seems to me what society says about PTSD is not what it is about. It is not a "war" only problem. Let me be very clear, I AM NOT A EXPERT on the topic, so I can be way off base.
I am not sure what all we do share in common, probably more than less in common. One aspect of counseling and from other life experience, Is I learn a very different approach to dealing with people. Regardless of what another does to me, what matters to me is how I react/respond. Abuse is never justified.
Our current conflict in Iraq is about a culture of lawlessness, based on abuse and continuing abuse. A individual can be judge, jury and executioner and the victims family can and is expected to revenge any wrong doing by doing the same. Hopefully the Iraq people will succeed in developing a lawful society. I know Iraq is not RVN and type of combat is very different and not in comparison to the amount of intensity. Example 1968, we lost over 16,000 Americans in RVN (may be off a little). Iraq is no where near that.
1st Gulf war, I heard other RVN vets bemoaning the "welcome home" that those warrior received. I think one of the reason the Gulf War Soldiers received a good welcome home was because of RVN Vets, insuring the mistakes of RVN not be continued. Those that bemoaned the home comings felt differently. Yes the 100 Hr Gulf War 1 was light compared to RVN, but why should we not welcome them home? Two wrongs never make a right.
I have a very close friend in 5th Group SF, I am greatly honored to have him a friend and admire his commitment and duty to the US people. I have other friends who are currently deployed, some are National Guard. The treatment RVN vets received during the RVN conflict and after was deplorable, but that does not say we should not correct those wrongs and NOT help Today's Soldiers and New Vets to be better treated.
Regardless if PTSD is PC or what ever, I think if we can improve the quality of treatment the VA offers to our service men and women I agree. IMHO, those decession should be in the hands of people who know more than both of us.