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A close friend's son just returned home from Afghanistan, Army Airborne, apparently part of team drops and quite active. I've been talking with him about his concerns with all he reads about adjustment on returning to states. The son is 20, now battle-hardened, but still a 20-year old kid (he didn't re-up). The kid carries now and keeps the gun loaded on his bedstand, serious hardware. They live in an area that probably hasn't ever had a break-in. Dad and kid were hunters and fishermen, but noone ever carried. No alarming signs (drinking, anger, volatile mood changes).

Carrying itself doesn't trouble him, but he is concerned about transition. Good advice? Any good reading out there for parents?

Hebrew Hammer wrote:A close friend's son just returned home from Afghanistan, Army Airborne, apparently part of team drops and quite active. I've been talking with him about his concerns with all he reads about adjustment on returning to states. The son is 20, now battle-hardened, but still a 20-year old kid (he didn't re-up). The kid carries now and keeps the gun loaded on his bedstand, serious hardware. They live in an area that probably hasn't ever had a break-in. Dad and kid were hunters and fishermen, but noone ever carried. No alarming signs (drinking, anger, volatile mood changes).

Carrying itself doesn't trouble him, but he is concerned about transition. Good advice? Any good reading out there for parents?

First off, do him a favor and tell him that he can not carry a concealed firearm until he is 21 yrs of age. I doubt your friends son has an Ohio concealed weapons permit. The minimum age is set at 21 yrs of age.

I'd watch for erratic behavior, mood swings, excessive drinking, drug use and or anger issues. Does he have a job or is he going to going to school? The best medicine is staying active and having direction in life.

I sent you a PM about the other issues. As far as transition and employment -- did he get the GI Bill or was he not in long enough? That should give him a living stipend and college tuition.

http://www.ptsd.va.gov/ That's only one Google hit on the subject.

PS With all those pictures about the elderly stereotype that you incessantly try to apply to me, I really do understand how you must feel about being a Jew.

Start with what Bats said.

Andy79 wrote:http://www.ptsd.va.gov/ That's only one Google hit on the subject.

PS With all those pictures about the elderly stereotype that you incessantly try to apply to me, I really do understand how you must feel about being a Jew.

I went out of my way to make your birthday special, and i'm glad you appreciated it. That one "They're not up there any more, Andy" always cracks me up.

There is absolutely nothing out of the ordinary for somebody who carried as a way of life in harms way to desire to keep doing it when they get home. Doing it while breaking th elaw is another issue. Army has great post deploymnet care, but do not buy into every dude who comes home is berserko fable.

Hebrew Hammer wrote:

Andy79 wrote:http://www.ptsd.va.gov/ That's only one Google hit on the subject.

PS With all those pictures about the elderly stereotype that you incessantly try to apply to me, I really do understand how you must feel about being a Jew.

I went out of my way to make your birthday special, and i'm glad you appreciated it. That one "They're not up there any more, Andy" always cracks me up.

Those are all pretty funny. I've seen people that old and decrepit. I think they get that way from not drinking enough water.

Watch for high risk behavior. I can't remember how many safety briefs I've attended with pictures of Marines killed on motorcycles. Some people miss the adrenalin.

powerlifter54 wrote:There is absolutely nothing out of the ordinary for somebody who carried as a way of life in harms way to desire to keep doing it when they get home. Doing it while breaking th elaw is another issue. Army has great post deploymnet care, but do not buy into every dude who comes home is berserko fable.

Not necessarily if he is going into the IRR or is out-- there is a serious blind spot there, and he isn't tracked by the same metrics or with the same resources as Soldiers who are in. Army One Source can point him in the right direction if he calls, and his family can call them if they suspect issues. He should also be eligible for VA assistance if he needs it. VA stuff is confidential FWIW.

One of the best things you can do Hebe is point him in the direction of someone who'se 'been there done that.' He's more likely to listen to them.