As part of research for my new play about women at war, I interviewed a psychiatrist/researcher, specializing in PTSD, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, at one of the VA facilities in DC. He explained that among many of the returning vets, recent "trigger experiences" ( which are re-triggering events that occur once substantial recovery from PTSD syndrome has begun) include nearly anything RUMSFELD says, especially anything he ever said or continues to stubbornly hold to about troop levels being adequate. The Doctor I spoke with, a former Vietnam Vet, also reported to me that nearly ALL the veterans he works with have communicated harrowing tales of inadequate supplies, i.e.: life-saving gear, armor, armored vehicles, inadeqaute advance training, and inadequate troop support, all of which might have contributed to their trauma and subsequent PTSD diagnosis in the first place. (Which, by the way, costs the country billions in disability payments.) The Doctor also added that he was bracing himself for more angry fallout among the VETS re: the Army's recent announcement banning use of privately bought body armor. The Army stated that U.S. Army soldiers will no longer be allowed to wear body armor other than the so-called protective gear officially issued by the military.
One simply has to wonder why this administration is so defiantly determined to resist, ignore, and further risk those men and women who have dutifully tried to serve their country when even news of our delusional policies can re-trigger serious trauma courageously endured in combat in Iraq in the first place.