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Army Psychologist
Army psychologists diagnose and treat problems resulting from combat. They work with soldiers in combat zones, hospitals, and military bases. Army psychologists also spend a lot of time at deployment facilities.
Psychologists working with soldiers in combat zones frequently develop problem-management treatments, while those working with soldiers preparing to deploy to a warzone teach them stress handling techniques, so they can handle stress once they encounter it. Psychologists working with soldiers returning from combat zones spend a lot of time diagnosing and treating post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Many Army psychologists assist soldiers in Veterans hospitals. They provide counseling services and help severely injured people deal with chronic pain and debilitating injuries, such as blindness and severed limbs. They also work with veterans unable to cope with normal life stresses. Veterans struggling with PTSD frequently experience flashbacks after hearing loud sounds or being in situations reminding them of their war experiences.
Many veterans can handle their PTSD from attending group therapy sessions or simply talking with family members or close friends. Many must work closely with Army psychologists to deal with their postwar stress.
The Army utilizes civilian psychologists and psychologists serving in the National Guard or Army. In addition to working closely with service members, Army psychologists assist their family members struggling with emotional problems relating to anxiety and multiple deployments. They also organize group therapy, conduct marriage counseling, and counsel people who have lost loved ones in combat.
Certain Army psychologists, also known as operational psychologists, assist with the development of survival, evasion, resistance and escape training (SERE). Soldiers assigned to special forces units must undergo SERE training since they engage in some of the most dangerous military operations where they could be captured or stranded behind enemy lines for an extended period of time. During SERE training, soldiers learn survival tactics and strategies for handling enemy interrogations. These psychologists provide the hostile interrogation evasion instruction.
Operational psychologists are usually stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina or other bases housing special forces units. In addition to assisting with the development of SERE training, they meet with high ranking special forces officers in determining whether certain soldiers should be assigned to these elite units.
The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have created an increased demand for psychologists. As a result, the Army is now offering bigger signing bonuses and tuition assistance programs. Now is a great time for those interested in working closely with soldiers involved in combat, their families, and returning veterans.
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