Air Guard considers cutting enlisted mental health specialists

While the headline engenders an emotional reaction, the Air Guard isn't thinking about decreasing mental health services to airmen. They are thinking about cutting 'enlisted' mental health specialist and replacing them with 'civilian' mental health specialist.

"The Air Force is considering downsizing its corps of specialists in order to save money and allocate more airmen to higher priority jobs. This move could potentially result in significant cost savings for the Air Force. According to a recent report by Air Force Times, there is a debate within the Air Force about the potential elimination of a certain field. While some officials believe that getting rid of this field would be beneficial, one enlisted airman disagrees. The airman argues that this field provides crucial resources for individual airmen and units as a whole.

An airman has stated that if anyone is experiencing an issue, they can approach them first. The airman further added that they can guide the person to the appropriate place for assistance. Many individuals struggle with finding a medical professional and there are numerous misconceptions surrounding the process, according to recent statements."

While there are two sides to every story, this situation is often faced by the reserve component when it comes to health professionals that don't have a civilian profession that mirrors their military one - the challenge of ongoing certification and training for the servicemember.

That's right. Who needs those pesky pshrinks around?