The recent findings from the World Commission report have painted a staggering picture of the veteran suicide crisis, revealing that 1,200 veterans died by suicide prior to the commission's inception. This data highlights the urgent need for systemic change within the institutions responsible for veteran care. Many individuals who took their own lives did not engage in active combat, showing that trauma can stem from non-combat-related experiences in military service.
The report presents over 120 recommendations aimed at addressing the mental health needs of veterans. A significant proposal includes enhanced support for service members during transitions, particularly focusing on the psychological challenges they may face. By boosting employment opportunities within the Defense Force and promoting mental health initiatives, the military can take proactive steps toward reducing the rate of veteran suicides.
Another pivotal recommendation emphasizes the need for cultural change within the Australian Defense Force. The report calls for leadership to prioritize emotional intelligence and listen to the experiences of service members. Such strides could foster an environment where victims of misconduct feel safe to speak out without fear of retaliation. Implementing these changes could lead to lasting improvements in the mental health landscape for all veterans.
The recently released World Commission report into veteran suicide has confirmed a grim reality, revealing that over 1,200 veterans took their own lives in the lead-up to the commission's establishment. This shocking statistic underscores the urgency of addressing mental health support for those who serve in the military. Long-standing issues within the Department of Veterans Affairs have been identified, with many veterans feeling abandoned by a system that should support them. The report emphasizes that trauma affecting veterans often extends beyond combat experiences, highlighting the cumulative effects of military life, including daily stresses faced during service and after returning to civilian life. One significant aspect of the report is the recommendations made to ensure better mental health support infrastructure for veterans. Among them, establishing consistent support systems to help service members decompress after high-stress experiences is crucial. These initiatives could be pivotal in preventing further loss of life, ensuring veterans have adequate resources to navigate their challenges. Additionally, the report calls for increased employment opportunities within the Defense Force for transitioning service members, aiming to provide continuity and stability in their professional lives. Moreover, the commission stresses the necessity for leadership within the Australian Defense Force (ADF) to become more aware of their cultural responsibilities. The report recommends a focus on emotional intelligence during promotions, ensuring that leaders in the military are not only efficient in their roles but also understood and supported by their subordinates. This would create a more respectful and safe environment for service members, ultimately addressing issues such as sexual misconduct that have plagued the ranks. The recommendations are a wake-up call for widespread institutional change to prioritize veterans' well-being and prevent further tragedies.Nah, Vietnam, Afghanistan, similar to Boer war allied casualties, afternoon maneuvers with live rounds. Nothing comes close to horror of WW1, WW2. Soft upbringings produce not very good soldiers, sailors and airmen. Did the Red Army and Wehrmacht have this amount of suicides per capita postwar? I met 1x of the latter, Otto, in the 1970s as a kid. He still had a visible bayonet wound on the way to Moscow and a shoulder bullet wound coming back. I talked at length with another friend of the family Blackie, RAAF Spitfire pilot who lost some mates in North Africa and over the channel, even shot Bedouin camel driver who killed his mate and shot a careless RAF mechanic who got another mate killed. Nearly got killed himself numerous times by torpedoes on troop ships, raids, air combat, friendly fire etc, etc. Another mate was shot down whilst raiding an Italian harbour, taken POW, handed over to German nurses for injuries treatment who also took their turn with him in some horizontal folk dancing. Blackie Came home, discharged, worked as tree Looper, partied (including put live pistol rounds into the roof of the Bull and Bush hotel Castle Hill), fornicated, and made babies. My Dad shared a boarding house with an ex Australian WW2 Commando, Paddles whose Jungle diet included Long Pork. Airdrops were not always reliable, so eat J a p. He also watched what the monkeys use to eat. He swapped dog tags with a dead digger and postwar drove dog taxis in his home city for years until his widow spotted him. The Police caught him pretty quick at a boarding house. Soft generations since the war raised by mum, or if Dad present, his a emansculated City Simp. Military training can only do so much, its your childhood that matters.
We need a Royal Commission on all Governments handling of COVID 19, Corruption in fraud and TREASON.
the military dont need their own - special doctors - or a whole new level of services...stop duplicating services. people are sick and tired of the civilian vs military mentality that has invaded every aspect of military and gov. its why military have such a hard time getting back into life coz theyre brainwashed that their special and civies are below them. stop duplicating services and wasting money. fund mental health properly - give military access. if you give them their own set of Drs - all that does is fast track all military straight into pensions where they get an extra $100 compared to every other Australian. people have had enough of this priest class mentality of military.
Why are the defence force engaged in high contact sports that’s leading to high levels of brain injury? They’re there to do soldiering not to be elite athletes. It’s an unnecessary issue. Train hard, fight easy. That’s all well and good but training should not be traumatising them mentally and physically such that large numbers are disabled in their 30s. Training needs to be overhauled. This is not new. It’s the toxic culture. They resist common sense. They resist change. The numbers who are committing suicide having never seen the horrors of war is an absolute disgrace. They are traumatised by training and service within Australia. WTF. The entire leadership of the ADF should be sacked for ineptitude.
They’re going to take time to consider all the recommendations. It’s code for going to do sweet FA. Not the first report to be brushed over. Governments of both colours have failed the troops.
A contrite heart needs forgiveness. The Lord Jesus Christ was tortured to death for humanitys sin, so that we can be released from condemnation, and the accuser of our soul be defeated.
Break the culture? That only happens because of people OUTSIDE of defence. Culture isn’t something you can police.
LNP showed absolutely sfa respect when they got the report, yet instead weaponised it against the current Govt!! All talk no plans or policies Dutton and Co!!!
