#2 I'd like to know the rules here (it's the Army -- there must be rules....)

Hey... Looking for a little help and info if you can help...

Soldier went to medical 6 weeks ago and has been waiting 6 weeks to see a doc for counseling and meds - and has another 4 weeks to wait -- they say that's the first available appt! His NCOs have been no real help -- just sent him to medical and then it's "oh, well..." I cannot believe that there is no crisis mental health services available unless you are suicidal!!?? (he's not... at the moment anyway).

Not sure if there's just not enough effort being put into this or [Fort] is just swamped with guys back from Iraq?? We have told him we will pay for him to receive private care, but Soldier says he can't use anyone but Army medical. I have had it up to here at the moment with the whole Army PR campaign about how they take PTSD seriously... how soldiers can get all the help they need... it's a priority for the Army... all kinds of new programs... seems to me it's a load of crap... I can't seem to find anywhere what the process is for a soldier to get help, what soldiers are "entitled" to for treatment, etc. Can you give me a primer or point me in the right direction??

We have offered to call his CO, the medical office... or rattle some really big cages (like our Senator) but Soldier says his NCOs will crucify him if any pressure comes from outside the chain of command... and he's trying to be adult and do this on his own.

I am so pissed off at the moment that this young kid (MY kid!) who has done everything his Army and his country have asked of him -- and then some -- is suffering so badly and can't seem to get the treatment he needs (and deserves!!)

Can you check with your husband and see what the "protocol" is... and if there's something else Soldier s/b doing to get treatment? We're trying to accede to Soldier's wishes... monitor the situation and "be there" when he calls when he's having a really bad day -- like today (tough sitting on my hands LOL) but I'd like to know the rules here (it's the Army -- there must be rules....)