The Soldier's Heart

While many are familiar with the rising number of deaths of American military personnel in Iraq and Afghanistan, the substantial toll on the physical well-being of those who survive their tours of duty has received much less attention. An estimated one out of seven returning veterans is expected to experience either severe forms of depression and anxiety or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), according to this PBS-aired Frontline episode, which examines how medical professionals within the Department of Veterans Affairs are coping with the causes and treatments of PTSD. The Soldier's Heart doesn't offer much praise for the VA, instead presenting substantial data criticizing the poor level of mental health treatment available for the nation's returning soldiers (a situation compounded by the fact that many of them consider mental health assessments to be a stigma, which only perpetuates their suffering in silence). The most eloquent voice here belongs to Lt. Col. David Grossman, a retired Army Ranger who has researched PTSD extensively and concludes that the military's inadequate pre-war training of its troops ultimately leads to the rise of PTSD among soldiers suddenly thrust into environments where they are forced to kill. A heartbreaking look at a lesser-covered aspect of the war in Iraq--available in both unedited and edited versions (the latter with the profanity removed)--this is highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (P. Hall)