Division mental health in the new brigade combat team structure: Part I. Predeployment and deployment

Abstract

Objective: Recent Army transformation has led to significant changes in roles and demands for division mental health (DMH) staff members. This article focuses on predeployment and deployment. Methods: Surveillance of Combat and Operational Stress Reactions data, review of DMH implementation plans, and observations by staff members, providers, and soldiers were reviewed. Results: During the course of the deployment, the Task Force Baghdad DMH unit had >22,000 soldier encounters with 5,542 clinical encounters. The duration of the deployment and increased levels of threat later in the deployment resulted in increased stress problems but not a substantial or sustained increase in mental health casualties. Conclusions: Predeployment education and communication probably eliminated some problems during deployment, and communication among mental health and command units during deployment resolved most problems encountered.