Effects of Combat on Soldiers in the Middle East

          The research topic I am most interested in is studying the effects of combat on soldiers in the middle east, specifically Afghanistan and Iraq. Millions of soldiers put their life on the line every day for our country's safety, but not many people do not think about the effects that combat will have on soldiers. I would like to research the number of disorders such as PTSD and depression in infantry soldiers that have been deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan since the war on terror began in 2001. I would also like to research what programs are available now for soldiers to help them deal with post-combat health issues. My argument in this paper is going to be the fact that there is not enough being done to help these soldiers. The military helps to a certain extent, but these soldiers simply do not get the help they really need. I would like to research the incidences of suicides, homicides, and dishonorable discharges from the military due to the behavior caused by PTSD and other post-combat disorders. Another thing to consider is the fact that many soldiers go on multiple tours of duty to dangerous combat zones. For example, my cousin was in the Navy and did at least two tours of duty in Iraq that each lasted at least ten months. One tour of duty is enough to give any soldier nightmares for several months, but two and three tours of duty is a ridiculous amount of stress to put on these soldiers. Also, in Iraq and Afghanistan, it is not exactly battlefield combat. Just walking in the streets or patrolling on a Humvee is enough to get someone killed. There is no such thing as safety for American soldiers in the Middle East, and the feeling of being in danger often never leaves this men as they come home. As I research this paper, hopefully I will make it clear that soldiers are not treated properly and there should be some changes made.