Mental health issues in the military are nothing new and are often misunderstood and covered up. It’s a topic that many of us have experienced or struggled with. So, when the recent news surfaced that Col. James Young, 317th Airlift Wing commander, removed Maj. April Widman and Chief Master Sgt. Peter Tascione from posts as commander and senior enlisted leader of the 317th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, at Dyess Airforce Base in Texas, it wasn’t terribly surprising.
Unfortunately, this is the 317th squadron’s fifth command change in over two years. And at least three other commanding officers have been fired on the base this year alone. The specific reason for this recent change, however, is particularly frustrating. Although Young shared in a statement that Widman was released due to “loss of trust and confidence in her ability to effectively lead the men and women of the squadron”—a recent Task and Purpose investigation report shares that Widman was ousted due to mistreatment of airmen seeking mental health care.
In one particular instance, Widman reportedly drove hours to cruelly present separation paperwork to a service member who was undergoing care at a mental health clinic while recovering from a suicide attempt.
Connecting service members with mental health support
At a time when research shows us one in four service members are experiencing mental health issues, it’s egregious of Widman to act in such an unprofessional and irresponsible way.
Commanding officers and colleagues in the military owe it to their fellow service members to protect and support good mental and physical health. Without it, they put one another and others at risk.
This is why it is so important—now more than ever—to understand that service members in the U.S. Armed Forces aren’t required to share mental health issues with their chain of command. That confidentiality is protected by law.
Additionally, the military employs carefully trained and certified mental health care practitioners. And their policies concerning confidentiality and protected health information (PHI) apply within the military, just as they do to the civilian public.
If you or someone you know are looking for help or advice, there are several safe support channels that can help:
- Confidential counselors: Available to service members and their families through Military One Source at 1-800-342-9647. This is a good first step to take if you’re unsure if you might need treatment.
- Primary care providers: If you have concerns or are curious about treatment options, primary care providers are experienced in sharing advice for both mental and physical support.
- Behavioral health care providers: Employed by primary care clinics and available on many military bases, these specialists may be able to offer advice without leaving base. Some military bases even offer convenient Embedded Behavioral Health teams—clinics separate from traditional medical facilities.
We still have work to do
Although the military has worked to update policies to better support mental health, the Department of Defense recognizes that work still needs to be done. Which is why they remind us that talking to a doctor, asking for a diagnosis, or seeking treatment will not affect your military career. Even if your doctor needs to disclose your condition—your career is not at risk from this disclosure.
How you can help
If a service person you know discusses mental health concerns–be supportive and help connect them with trained resources. Understand that the stressors that come with this job are numerous and can often be overwhelming. For colleagues or a family member in an immediate crisis, please safely and quickly go to a military or civilian emergency room (or call 911). For more support and advice, you can call for confidential support from an accredited Military One Source counselor at 1-800-342-9647.
Are you looking to tell your story? You can always reach me at Jakia@jmlindley.com to chat or ask questions.