The Fort Bragg sniper attack and Mental Health response

Abstract

In October 1995, a U.S. Army sergeant opened fire on a formation of fellow soldiers at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. The authors describe the efforts of mental health providers to assist command, reduce psychological stress among affected units, and treat longer-term eases of post-traumatic stress disorder. Findings of critical-incident stress debriefings are discussed. Changes in clinical activity at the Division Mental Health Clinic following the sniper attack are presented. Recommendations are made for mental health interventions in future military community crises.