Defense Secretary Gates Meets With Ft. Bliss Soldiers

EL PASO, Texas – During the second day of his visit to Fort Bliss, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates addressed concerns that some war veterans do not seek help for mental health issues.

Secretary Gatessaidthat’s because many soldiers fear it could damage their chances to advance their military careers.

“This is a very important issue for us. As I’ve said for a long time, we have no higher priority in the Department of Defense, apart from the war itself, than taking care of our men and women in uniform, who have been wounded, who have both visable and unseen wounds,” Gates said.

The concern cropped up last February after the Inspector General said he felt soldiers we’re not seeking help because it could adversely impact their chances for a promotion.

“This all ties back to what we call the infamous question 21 on the security clearance form, which is used throughout the government,” Gates said.

Question 21 still asks soldiers about their mental health, but the acceptable answers have changed.

It now reads: “In the last 7 years, have you consulted with a health care professional regarding an emotional or mental health condition or were you hospitalized for such a condition?”

The revision instructs soldiers to answer, “no,” if the counseling was strictly for marital, family, or grief counseling not related to violence by the soldier or strictly related to adjustments from service in a military combat environment.

“It’s done.” Gates added. “It now is clear, to people who answer that question, that they can answer no if they have sought help to deal with their combat stress, in general terms.”

Secretary Gates says the most important thing now is to get the word out,so, the Pentagon is attaching a letter to to the questionnaire explaining the change and urging troops to seek help.

To read more about the military’s new policy click here.