VII CORPS WAR COUNCIL

File: 970107_jun96_decls1_0013.txt
Page: 0013
Total Pages: 49

Subject: VII CORPS WAR COUNCIL                                           

Unit: VII CORPS   

Parent Organization: ARCENT      

Box  ID: BX000213

Folder Title: 7TH ENG BDE COMMANDERS CONFERENCE  13 APR 91                                                    

Document Number:          5

Folder Seq  #:          9











                HELPING SOLDIERS ADJUST TO THE RETURN HOME


                  RESOLVING FEELINGS ABOUT WAR AND LOSS

         1. The soldier needs to put the battle experience into
         perspective. This responsibility falls to the small unit leader.
         The platoon needs to sit down as a group and take the time to
         discuss the battle (to debrief).

         2. This is best accomplished in a chronological way from the
         beginning of the battle to the end. The platoon leader needs to
         allow all opinions to be equally expressed and develop the
         understanding of how this unit's effort fit into what is known
         about the overall success of the campaign and the efforts of
         nearby units. Some grief over comrades killed or wounded may be
         brought up and the contribution they made discussed. Any late
         reports about the whereabouts or condition of casualties needs to
         be presented and talked about. Any soldiers who were injured and
         have returned to the unit need to be reintegrated and brought up
         to date on this history of the unit. A summary of the unit's
         action may be prepared for later addition to the unit's battle
         record.

         3. This reliving of the battlefield experience is a therapeutic
         technique to redefine the experience in appositive way. Any
         soldiers who seem to be having difficulties with their emotions
         should be noted. They may need special referral for brief
         therapy with a mental health professional-@to help restore their
         emotional health prior to departure of the unit from the theatre.


















         Incl 2

Document 49 f:/Week-24/BX000213/7TH ENG BDE COMMANDERS CONFERENCE 13 APR 91/vii corps war council:0102971552505
Control Fields 17
File Room = jun96_declassified
File Cabinet = Week-24
Box ID = BX000213
Unit = VII CORPS
Parent Organization = ARCENT
Folder Title = 7TH ENG BDE COMMANDERS CONFERENCE 13 APR 91
Folder Seq # = 9
Subject = VII CORPS WAR COUNCIL
Document Seq # = 5
Document Date =
Scan Date =
Queued for Declassification = 01-JAN-1980
Short Term Referral = 01-JAN-1980
Long Term Referral = 01-JAN-1980
Permanent Referral = 01-JAN-1980
Non-Health Related Document = 01-JAN-1980
Declassified = 02-JAN-1997