My bestfriend is in the airforce and in desperate need of some professional help. He's drinking more and more to help him forget his abusive past.
He wants to go to counseling but said that he can't because it'll raise a red flag on his military file.
Is that true? If so, how can he work around it, because, again it's obvious he needs counseling.
2007-09-02 03:31:17 · 11 answers · asked by o.O 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
Just confirming what TheInternets said, I've gotten that briefing at two different bases now. He should actively seek counseling before his superiors do it for him. The former case won't go on his record, the latter will.
2007-09-02 04:38:31 · answer #1 · answered by DethNcarnate 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
He can go to counseling outside of military medicine. However, he will need to pay for this out of his own pocket. If he receives counseling in a military setting, it will go into his medical records and it can raise a "red flag" on his file. While I am not sure if it would affect his chances of promotion, it could affect future assignments. For example, they may not send him to an overseas bases or he may not get a certain job if they feel like he could be unstable.
If he chooses a private, civilian counselor the military will never know that he has had counseling.
2007-09-04 01:20:53 · answer #2 · answered by eunosgirl 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He should discuss this with his supervisor, espcially as alcahol is part of the issue and stopping that may cause some behavioral changes intially. The truth is, with jobs requiring higher clearance levels, mental health care can affect his career BUT remaining an alcaholic with emotional problems will almost certainly lead to the end of his career and in a way that may leave him with more negative outcomes than having to choose a new career in the military.
That being said, I would tend to recommend he work with a civilan therapist if at all possible. Most military mental health clinics are understaffed and overly in demand at the moment. Many of them can only offer 30 minute sessions..and that is not much time to work on such serious issues. They also tend to be better for situational depression..things that have arisen and the person needs help with to adapt to. Your friend has issues that will require a strong level of trust and continuity to address..something he cant get in a military facility where therapists rotate and deploy. He can log onto the Tricare website and search for someone in his local area who accepts Tricare. He should have no co-pay and there is not a lot of paperwork needed (and all of it is done by the therapist). he can even find someone who has evening or even weekend hours..that will allow him to not have to ask for schedule allowances. Civilian therapists can usually get clearance to work with him 2x a week, for an hour each session..something he may need to work through the addiction before being able to begin working on his abuse issues.
Again, it is best he is honest with his command. He is going to be addressing two serious issues. Therapy is a good thing, but there are points where it is emotionally exhausting, especilly when abuse is an issue. It is best for them to be aware of this (although he need not tell them why he is going) so they will be able to support him if it arises. I have known two individuals in the service working in jobs requiring the highest level of security clearance who attended therapy and had no issues with clearances...they were honest with thier bosses and, of course, could not discuss the specifics of work with the therapist. although they could discuss the feelings of stress the jobs may cause.
2007-09-02 16:07:25 · answer #3 · answered by Annie 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Let me put it to you this way, many veterans and people who have served in the military have had to recieved professional help because so many things happen in the military and especially if they were in combat.
Now, as far as getting help, those records have to be confidential. It would only be a problem if the officers thought it would interfere with the job duty.
2007-09-02 10:38:56 · answer #4 · answered by watchful 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
How badly (if at all) it would affect his career depends on his career field. But to be on the safe side, his best bet is to get counseling in the civilian sector. That would be the best way to assure that it is private. Of course, that approach means he'll have to pay for it himself.
2007-09-02 11:24:06 · answer #5 · answered by kathy_is_a_nurse 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It will raise a flag, but nothing more then his drinking problem already does.
He is better of refering himself before the Air Force makes him go. If the Air Force makes him go, it will be very hard to overcome. If he voluntarily goes, no punitive action can be taken on him. If his drinking causes a problem, he can be processed under UCMJ.
2007-09-02 11:40:39 · answer #6 · answered by mnbvcxz52773 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He should visit his air force mental health agency, he can ask his first sergeant for contact info.
I'm pretty sure all active duty air force members were briefed that if he initiates the visit or counseling, it's not going to go on his record... but if his supervisor or commander based on their observations of him initiates the counseling or visit to AFMH then it will be on his permanent record.
2007-09-02 10:52:08 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
If he has a clearance, you bet it will. He needs to talk to his first sergeant who will guide him down the right path. When you hold a clearance job, you walk a thin line. I had a Top Secret Clearance and one thing you learn is you never step out of line, and you never appear to be in a weakened mental state that would make you appear to be able to be compromised.
2007-09-02 10:40:52 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Sounds like your friend the wino is not only a danger to himself but his comrades as well.
Time to blow the whistle on him.
I
2007-09-02 14:53:13 · answer #9 · answered by conranger1 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He should go to counseling
2007-09-02 10:37:49 · answer #10 · answered by Janice 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋