Working toward peace by providing civilian services for military personnel - conceptual and practical findings

Objective: The health and mental health problems of military personnel have emerged as a public health epidemic. We attempted to identify social variables that mediate health and mental health disorders among active duty GIs and to assess whether civilian services offered a viable alternative to military services.

Methods: Our sample was drawn from the clients of a nationwide network of civilian physicians and mental health service providers (the Civilian Medical Resources Network) who offered their services to active-duty military personnel. Using a multi-method approach, we conducted quantitative and qualitative analysis of data collected during intake and follow-up interviews.

Results: This report presents conceptual and practical findings that have emerged from our voluntary clinical work and evaluative research with more than 600 clients. When more soldiers commit suicide than die in combat, we analyze what war accomplishes in the post-9/11 era. We examine theories of terror and present a contrasting theory that focuses on the economic draft and the exploitation of marginalized populations under conditions of stagnation and anomie. The epidemic of mental health problems among GIs (suicide, depression, military sexual trauma, homicidality, criminality, substance abuse, domestic violence, homelessness, unemployment, etc.) reflects the futility of narrative to explain their own and their victims' suffering. By eliminating the structural problem of double agency inherent in military health services, civilian sector services can achieve favorable changes for GIs facing desperate conditions.

Conclusion: These perspectives warrant new public health strategies focusing on the current roots and outcomes of war.