Our forces are stressed by the past nine years of war.  Having experienced multiple and extended deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq, this is especially true for our ground forces. We are entering uncharted territory in terms of the long-term consequences of past rotation cycles and an unsatisfactory deployment-to-dwell ratio.

During the past three years, we have seen a marked improvement in the treatment of traumatic brain injuries (TBI), post-traumatic stress (PTS), and wounded warrior care management.  However, I continue to be concerned by the effects that TBI and PSA are having on our wounded warriors.  The servicemen and women affected by these injuries deserve the best possible care.
 

I was an original cosponsor of the Dignified Treatment of Wounded Warriors Act, which was signed into law January 28, 2008.  The legislation provides for enhanced health care and a comprehensive plan on the prevention, diagnosis, mitigation, and treatment of TBI and PTS.  The defense authorization and appropriations bills of the past two years have contained additional provisions to improve care for our wounded warriors, including the establishment of a Center of Excellence in the prevention, diagnosis, mitigation, treatment, and rehabilitation of hearing loss and auditory system injuries.  

The Army has established a Warrior Transition Command to oversee the care and management of wounded, ill, and injured soldiers.  Navy medicine has responded in a similar way with programs like the Marine Corps’ Wounded Warrior Regiments and the Navy’s Safe Harbor to support a full-spectrum recovery process for Sailors, Marines, and their families.
 

I also have supported provisions in defense authorization bills aimed at improving suicide-prevention programs in the Department of Defense and each branch of the armed forces.  Owing to the continuing high tempo of global operations and the additional stresses that service members and their families encounter during combat deployments, the risk of suicide is a significant concern, especially for the Army and Marine Corps. I continue to advocate aggressive suicide awareness and prevention programs in each branch of the armed forces to deal with this worrisome problem.