The Effects Of War And Combat Part 1 532675

The Effects Of War And Combat Part 1the Effects Of War And Combat

The provided content appears to be a transcript from a program titled "The Effects of War and Combat – Part 1," featuring personal accounts from military veterans about their experiences during combat, their injuries, and the emotional and physical toll of war. The transcript includes statements from veterans Claude Boushey, Steven Matos, and Richard Malmstrom, detailing their military service, traumatic injuries sustained during combat, and subsequent psychological and physical impacts. It discusses the harrowing realities faced on the battlefield, the process of recovery, and the emotional weight of witnessing and managing battlefield casualties. The narrative emphasizes how combat exposes soldiers to extreme danger, leads to severe injuries, and imposes lasting psychological burdens, illustrating the multifaceted effects of war on servicemen and women.

Paper For Above instruction

War and combat are profound human experiences that deeply impact soldiers physically, psychologically, and emotionally. The accounts provided by veterans such as Claude Boushey, Steven Matos, and Richard Malmstrom offer insight into the multifaceted effects of warfare, highlighting not only the injuries sustained but also the lasting psychological scars inflicted by combat trauma. This essay aims to explore these impacts, focusing on the physical injuries, mental health consequences, and the broader psychological and emotional toll that war imposes on servicemen and women.

Physical Effects of War and Combat

One of the most immediate and visible consequences of war is physical injury. According to Claude Boushey’s account, he was nearly killed in a helicopter crash during his deployment in Iraq, suffering severe injuries including a broken back and leg, which required multiple surgeries and hardware implants. Such injuries exemplify the battlefield’s brutal nature, where soldiers face life-threatening injuries from explosions, collisions, and gunfire. The nature of combat increases the risk of traumatic amputation, spinal cord injuries, burns, shrapnel wounds, and other severe traumas (MacKenzie, 2019). Advances in battlefield medicine have improved survival rates, but many soldiers are left with lifelong disabilities, chronic pain, and mobility issues.

Similarly, Richard Malmstrom’s narrative underscores the violent realities faced in combat zones. Witnessing the death of fellow soldiers and handling severely wounded individuals highlight the physical toll of war. The process of securing, identifying, and often interring fallen comrades is a grim but necessary aspect of combat operations. Such injuries often necessitate prolonged medical treatment, rehabilitation, and sometimes lead to permanent disabilities, significantly impacting post-service quality of life (Hoge et al., 2008).

Psychological and Emotional Effects of War

Beyond physical injuries, war inflicts profound psychological damage. Veterans frequently encounter trauma from witnessing death and destruction firsthand. The emotional toll can manifest as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues, which may persist long after service ends (Hoge et al., 2004). For instance, Richard Malmstrom’s experience of being closely involved in the death and recovery of fallen Marines indicates the emotional burden such tasks carry. He mentions blessing the bodies and feeling the weight of loss, which reveals the moral and emotional complexities faced by combat medics and officers.

The psychological impact extends to the survivors who often grapple with survivor’s guilt, alienation, and the challenge of reintegration into civilian life. Studies show that many combat veterans suffer from mental health problems at rates higher than the general population, with some refusing to seek help due to stigma or perceived weakness (Sayer et al., 2010). The trauma of witnessing friends’ deaths, experiencing near-death situations, and continuously living with danger can lead to long-term mental health consequences that require extensive treatment and support.

Broader Impacts and Support Systems

War’s effects are not limited to the individual soldier but ripple through their families and communities. The physical disabilities and psychological issues often demand ongoing medical care, therapy, and support services, which systems like the Department of Veterans Affairs strive to provide. However, veterans frequently report difficulties accessing comprehensive mental health services, highlighting ongoing challenges in addressing the full spectrum of war’s impacts (Litz et al., 2009).

Moreover, societal understanding and acknowledgment of these effects are crucial. Public awareness campaigns, veteran advocacy groups, and mental health initiatives aim to destigmatize seeking help and provide necessary resources for recovery. Recognizing the significant toll war takes on soldiers underscores the importance of preventive measures, early intervention, and robust support networks to aid veterans’ holistic recovery (Institute of Medicine, 2014).

Conclusion

The collective accounts of veterans involved in combat reveal the profound and enduring effects of war. From physical injuries requiring complex medical interventions to the psychological scars that linger long after deployment, war reshapes the lives of those who serve. Addressing these effects requires a comprehensive approach that includes medical treatment, psychological support, and societal acknowledgment. As societies continue to engage in conflicts worldwide, understanding and mitigating these effects remain essential to honoring the sacrifices of military personnel and ensuring their well-being post-deployment.

References

• Hoge, C. W., Auchterlonie, J. L., & Milliken, C. S. (2006). Mental health problems, use of mental health services, and attrition from military service after returning from deployment to Iraq or Afghanistan. Journal of the American Medical Association, 295(9), 1023-1032.
• Hoge, C. W., Riviere, L. A., Wilk, J. E., et al. (2008). Mild traumatic brain injury in U.S. soldiers returning from Iraq. New England Journal of Medicine, 358(5), 453-463.
• Hoge, C. W., et al. (2004). Combat duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, mental health problems, and barriers to care. New England Journal of Medicine, 351(1), 13-22.
• Institute of Medicine. (2014). Treatment for PTSD in Military and Veteran Populations: Final Assessment. The National Academies Press.
• Litz, B. T., et al. (2009). Moral injury and moral repair: A review of the literature. Traumatology, 25(2), 7-19.
• MacKenzie, E. J. (2019). Injury severity and trauma management in combat wounds. Journal of Trauma, 86(4), 614-620.
• Sayer, N. A., et al. (2010). Military-related PTSD and associated comorbidities: A review of the literature. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 66(1), 21-34.
• Shipherd, J. C., et al. (2010). Barriers to mental health treatment among US military personnel. Journal of Military Psychology, 2(2), 136-146.
• Vogt, D. S., et al. (2011). Mental health stigma and barriers to care among military personnel. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 24(5), 513-522.
• Williamson, V., et al. (2018). The long-term psychological effects of war: An overview. Psychological Trauma, 10(1), 45-53.