Why toss around "at risk" Soldiers from one unit to several others?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Feb 2015 00:48:54 -0500

I don't know what the statistics are but I am wondering...aloud...why do suicidal soldiers and other 'at risk' soldiers get moved around from one unit to several others? I have seen situations where it seems no 'important' unit wants at risk soldiers but it is ok to send them down to some 'other' units and see what will happen when all concerned know that they will continue to be problem for the new host units. What will be more beneficial...letting them go before their contract expires or allow them to continue being problem for everybody and contaminate the rest in the hope that they get better? I need some answers...please educate me.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 20 at 2015 1:07 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Feb 2015 01:07:57 -0500

I believe that most of it stems from fear of leaving them in the same environment.

They try to give the Soldier a change to see if it works before going to a more drastic measure.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 20 at 2015 1:39 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Feb 2015 01:39:13 -0500

SGT Private RallyPoint Member I was told that it is much easier than chapter-ing them out.

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Feb 20 at 2015 1:52 AM

SSG Robert Burns — Fri, 20 Feb 2015 01:52:41 -0500

This is a very complex issue. When you are dealing with Soldiers who are "suicidal" you must do whatever possible to mitigate that risk. That is one of our most fundamental responsibilities as leaders. Mitigate risk. Often times, the environment that an individual is in can greatly contribute to the stressors that may be triggering this behavior. It is certainly a case by case basis and it is not always the right answer. But it certainly is an answer for some. I'd much rather try everything within my power to help a Soldier in this condition than have to deal with a suicide and be left wondering if there was something else I could have done to help. If it will help the Soldier, then why not?
I don't look at it as tossing a Soldier around, I look at it as giving them an opportunity to get better in what could be better surrounding for that individual.
This is very different that just moving a problem Soldier around with basic performance issues that you as a leader could not correct.

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 20 at 2015 11:26 PM

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Feb 2015 23:26:01 -0500

The problem I have found is not limited to suicidal Soldiers but to all “problem” Soldiers. For example, I have heard a 1SG say I don’t want PFC XXX in my Company because he will bring my PT average down. Most of the time I have seen that the “first line” is a SGT that has been in the Army for a few years and got promoted fast. Now before I incur wrath I was a very young E-5 when I made it the only thing I have to thank is some very patient SNCOs that mentored me and helped me along the way.
More towards your point is to get the suicidal Soldier some help more often than not those that may seem like a problem need help and we are far too fast to just Chapter them then address the problem. That “problem” Soldier that you help may one day be a the Soldier of the Year or go even further because someone actually stepped in a helped them.

Just my $0.02

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 21 at 2015 2:05 AM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 21 Feb 2015 02:05:40 -0500

I have stated before that I believe suicidal Soldiers separations should be expedited. The majority of the time the military is the Soldiers main problem causing them suicidal thoughts. I have never seen a suicidal Soldier moved to another unit and it doesn't make sense to me, why would you move him/her from the only support system they currently have to somewhere they don't know anyone? If the chain of command is responsible for the suicidal tendencies, there is probably a pattern and the chain of command should be relieved. I would need a strong recommendation from the Chaplain and/or behavioral health before I transferred a suicidal Soldier to another unit.

Moving other "at risk" Soldiers to other units has been going on forever, it's called a rehabilitative transfer. It gives the Soldier an opportunity for a "fresh start". If the Soldier cannot recover it is much easier to separate them from the service because you have exhausted all your resources to try and help the Soldier.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 21 at 2015 2:37 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 21 Feb 2015 02:37:11 -0500

SGT Private RallyPoint Member believe it or not, there is a reporting system that is designed to prevent this from happening, and there are many senior leaders who are working hard to ensure there is more "transparency" into the system. With that said, the system isn't perfect and there are no easy answers.

Contributing to the problem is patient's rights. While there have been some workarounds, if a soldier is being treated by a doctor, especially if that doctor is off-post, the doctor can legally protect that information up to a point; because of abuses in the system, the medical professionals even keep this information from spouses, moms, dads, et al -- for which we are to blame because too many "patient soldiers" (as well as civilian patients) have abused the system in the past, often with fatal results.

Second, the soldier's honesty is at the foundation of any help/treatment. If the soldier doesn't tell his unit that he getting ready to leave that he is having problems, or seeking help currently, then they won't know to stop him. Heck, the current unit may be a contributing reason the soldier feels how he feels, and all he wants to do is leave as soon as possible. Likewise, when he arrives at his new unit, we ideally want him to be honest if he has any mental health issues. Our culture does not promote this attitude, unfortunately.

While there are other factors, these are two main ones contributing to the problem you originally postulated. What a crappy problem, and even if we say it's getting better, one is too many.

My own thoughts on those who commit suicide have definitely evolved over time. I can only hope that we all error to the side of caution. Would you report a friend that is seeking counseling? Have you glossed over comments that are said possibly in jest, but in reality are the first comments signaling real mental health issues? I trust you would, but there are too many instances where others do not.

We also need to know we can lead sternly but establish a compassionate climate in dealing with soldier issues. It is just a very difficult issue that we must be more proactive about and not take anything for granted.

My two cents.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 14 at 2015 11:53 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 14 Dec 2015 11:53:48 -0500

they just want to get rid of soldiers, easier to send to another unit and that will become their problem. My experience, I got my suicidal soldiers help personally to include sending them to treatment at 28 day non Army inpatient programs.