I do not understand some of the differences, both of my sons did 3 heavy combat tours in the Sangin valley and returned. We don’t talk much about their tours, none at all with mom (I was Corps so we do), but they both have moved on since leaving the Corps 2 years ago and are doing well. One working a great job and one back in school set to graduate in 18 months.
My hopes and prayers for your son.
I don’t understand the differences either, not fully.
As you know- every war has later consequences but this rate of suicide and PTSD is alarming.
I grew up during Viet Nam, in my hometown two soldiers were KIA, one came back in such shock he never recovered, and the rest healed and moved on with life. My uncles from WWII had some difficulties readjusting, but in time they were fine too.
This just seems different. But maybe because I know many of these soldiers personally. They are simply terrific men.
Sometimes I wonder...if the way the culture has tried to force men to be more female...hard to articulate because none of these guys I know are anything but MEN...but the society is so changed.
If someone came up with why 1/4 of the guys come back with PTS then preventive measures could be taken. That 1/4 includes those who have not seen combat and those suffering do so at different levels. Not all have chronic PTS and most civilians who do are abused kids. First responders also suffer.
I have my own theory about it but have a little more research to do.