On Monday, 21 Sep 09, the Navy convened a Chief’s review board of 6,000 E7, E8 and E9 records. Similar to the Army’s Quality Management Program, the Navy is reviewing six specific performance criteria that could separate or retire these Sailors.

Six Substandard Navy Performance Criteria

Substandard performance indicators include declining performance marks on FITREPs, a score of 2.99 or below on FITREPS, two or more physical fitness assessment failures in 2 years, moral or professional dereliction such as detached for cause, documented actions under the UCMJ or any other documented adverse information indicating a Sailor’s continuation may not be consistent with national security or the in the Navy’s best interests.

Army Quality Management Program

This follows the Army’s announcement of its QMP boards being held this fall. This push for quality management boards is a means for the Services to manage the number of military members in each of the ranks.

What to Do to Correct Your Records

If you have an adverse event documented in your records, find out if it is a temporary entry or permanent and contact your personnel office to find out if there is a way to correct your records at your local installation. If not, the best means to change your record is through a Board for Corrections of Military/Naval Records.

Board for Corrections of Military/Naval Records

To ensure that you have the opportunity to complete 20 years of service for a military retirement, it is imperative that your military records be correct and accurate. Correcting military records begins with an Application for Correction of Military Records (DD Form 149 – Link downloads the pdf form). The form requires a statement from the military member on the requested correction and documentation that supports the request. Each of the Services has a board that reviews these requests.

Researchers are identifying common symptoms and diagnoses of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) for our military members who are exposed to traumatic events experienced or witnessed in combat situations. There is an alliance of organizations working to set up “veteran courts” for non-violent criminal actions against returning military members based on their PTSD symptoms.

War Trauma Induces A Response

Military members who experienced, witnessed or were confronted with death, serious injury or the threat of death or serious injury in Iraq or Afghanistan have several symptoms. The trauma caused the military member to feel intense fear, helplessness or horror; whether they admit it to family and friends or not.

PTSD Symptoms

Researchers identify re-experiencing the trauma through nightmares, flashbacks or replaying the event in their minds. Military members avoid anything that can remind them of the event, refuse to talk to people that were there, block memories from their minds, stop participating in activities and could withdraw from family and friends. Other symptoms include difficulty sleeping, being irritable or nervous, are prone to outbursts of anger or unable to concentrate and may constantly be looking over their shoulder for danger.

Diagnosis of PTSD

The medical analysis of symptoms that last less than a month is a diagnosis of acute stress disorder and any symptom lasting over a month is considered PTSD. PTSD can be acute (lasting less than three months) or chronic (lasting at least six months). Additionally, PTSD can have a delayed-onset by a military member not showing symptoms until he or she has separated from the military.

PTSD Impact on Civilian Courts

Some civilian courts are providing specialized “veteran courts” for those who served and suffer from PTSD or Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI). These courts are modeled after drug courts that allow defendants to avoid prison in exchange for strict monitoring of their activities. The first veteran court was opened in Buffalo, NY in January 2008. More than 100 veterans have passed through that court, with only two returning to the traditional court system. The courts take into account their PTSD or TBI as a possible contributing factor to their actions. This approach to civilian, non-violent rehabilitation of veterans should be in every state.

PTSD/TBI in Military Justice Courts

Military justice courts may consider the PTSD and TBI issues when determining sentencing is dependent upon the defense attorney’s ability to provide the medical diagnosis and relate it to the crime. However, most enlisted military members who are faced with court-martial are not afforded the same opportunity for non-violent crime sentencing as the civilian “veteran courts.” Maybe it is time for DoD to consider the value of the military member and institute a similar procedure and process to rehabilitate military members whose actions were influenced by their diagnosis of PTSD or TBI.