Army Secretary on mental health: Soldiers should watch out for each other
Feb 5, 2013, 6:20 AM | Updated: 6:38 am
With the growing issue of military suicides Secretary John McHugh says part of the solution lies in soldiers themselves. (AP Photo/File)
(AP Photo/File)
The secretary of the Army is visiting Joint Base Lewis-McChord this week, in part to announce the results of a year-long review of the Army’s mental health system.
With the growing issue of military suicides Secretary John McHugh says part of the solution lies in soldiers themselves.
“One of the most important things that can happen, doesn’t happen because an army secretary signs a directive or we sign another program. It’s that soldiers look after soldiers,” says McHugh. “We’re trying to instill that in virtually every level of training. ‘It’s your responsibility to keep an eye on your buddy.'”
McHugh says they also hope to improve the coordination of mental health programs and other efforts to keep soldiers healthy. He says there are often programs available but commanders may not know how to take advantage of them.
In response, Senator Patty Murray issued a statement saying she’s glad to see the Army moving forward but hopes the Pentagon will extend the review to all branches of the military.
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