The article discusses the high rate of suicides among US Air Force maintenance personnel, with over half of those interviewed experiencing suicidal thoughts while in service. The author argues that the military's treatment of mental health issues and its handling of sensitive information have contributed to this crisis.
Some of the key points made by the author include:
* The Air Force has a culture of retaliation for speaking up about mental health issues, with some personnel facing hazing or harassment after seeking help.
* The military's treatment of maintenance personnel is often seen as expendable, with those in leadership positions viewing them as "numbers to be traded and thrown away."
* The planned consolidation of maintenance specialties could trigger another rise in suicides, as it would exacerbate the already difficult working conditions faced by maintenance personnel.
The author also highlights the lack of effective measures to address this crisis, despite repeated requests for intervention from Congress and oversight committees. The Trump administration's efforts to shame military leaders over combat readiness have been particularly damaging, with some officials echoing an old saying that "we are in the business of killing."
The article concludes by emphasizing the importance of press freedom in defending democracy and the need for more support for those affected by mental health issues within the military.
Sources:
* <https://www.defense.gov/explore/story/Article/2243249/us-air-force-suicide-prevention-efforts/>
* <https://www.militarytimes.com/news/.../20/air-forces-fighting-mental-health-stigma/>
* <https://www.aafma.org/about-the-aafma/mental-health-resources>
* <https://www.defense.gov/explore/story/Article/2243249/us-air-force-suicide-prevention-efforts/>
**What Can You Do to Help?**
1. **Support organizations working on military mental health issues**: Donations and volunteering can help these organizations provide vital services and advocacy for affected personnel.
2. **Advocate for policy changes**: Contact your representatives in Congress and express support for policies that address mental health issues within the military.
3. **Educate yourself and others**: Learn more about the challenges faced by maintenance personnel and share this information with others to help raise awareness.
By working together, we can create a safer and more supportive environment for those serving in the US Air Force.
Some of the key points made by the author include:
* The Air Force has a culture of retaliation for speaking up about mental health issues, with some personnel facing hazing or harassment after seeking help.
* The military's treatment of maintenance personnel is often seen as expendable, with those in leadership positions viewing them as "numbers to be traded and thrown away."
* The planned consolidation of maintenance specialties could trigger another rise in suicides, as it would exacerbate the already difficult working conditions faced by maintenance personnel.
The author also highlights the lack of effective measures to address this crisis, despite repeated requests for intervention from Congress and oversight committees. The Trump administration's efforts to shame military leaders over combat readiness have been particularly damaging, with some officials echoing an old saying that "we are in the business of killing."
The article concludes by emphasizing the importance of press freedom in defending democracy and the need for more support for those affected by mental health issues within the military.
Sources:
* <https://www.defense.gov/explore/story/Article/2243249/us-air-force-suicide-prevention-efforts/>
* <https://www.militarytimes.com/news/.../20/air-forces-fighting-mental-health-stigma/>
* <https://www.aafma.org/about-the-aafma/mental-health-resources>
* <https://www.defense.gov/explore/story/Article/2243249/us-air-force-suicide-prevention-efforts/>
**What Can You Do to Help?**
1. **Support organizations working on military mental health issues**: Donations and volunteering can help these organizations provide vital services and advocacy for affected personnel.
2. **Advocate for policy changes**: Contact your representatives in Congress and express support for policies that address mental health issues within the military.
3. **Educate yourself and others**: Learn more about the challenges faced by maintenance personnel and share this information with others to help raise awareness.
By working together, we can create a safer and more supportive environment for those serving in the US Air Force.
, a lot of ppl r struggling in the military & nobody's listenin 
. The way they treat maintenance personnel like they're disposable is literally appalling 
. It's all about "numbers" not people 
. We need 2 do more 2 help them out, like support orgs that deal w mental health issues & get policy changes in Congress 
. Every single one of us can make a difference, whether it's donating or just spreading awareness 
.
. It's crazy to think that over half of the people who were interviewed had suicidal thoughts. I mean, what kind of culture does that say about? That you can just speak up and get retaliated against? Or worse, that you're just disposable 
. It's all so frustrating because it feels like the military is trying to sweep this under the rug instead of actually addressing it.
And what about all those maintenance personnel who are just trying to do their jobs without any support? It's just not right.
. And for anyone who wants to make a change, just starting with some education and advocacy can go a long way 
.
. The culture of retaliation and hazing makes it even harder for people to speak up about their mental health struggles 
. I think we need to see more tangible action from Congress and the military leadership, rather than just empty promises 
. We should be supporting our veterans and service members with access to quality mental health resources, not shaming them into silence 
. And the fact that they're consolidating specialties and expecting people to just deal with it is straight up crazy 
. And don't even get me started on the leadership stuff - "numbers to be traded and thrown away"?? That's not how you build a strong team, dude.
but its just as deadly 
maintenance ppl r always gettin pushed 2 the backburner 
& its not fair 
gotta be more awareness & support 4 them 
and the retaliation for speaking up about mental health issues is straight up crazy talk 
The Trump administration's emphasis on combat readiness has created a culture of fear and silence within the military, which is having devastating consequences 
. We need to hold our leaders accountable for their actions and ensure that they're taking concrete steps to address this issue 
. By working together, we can create a safer and more supportive environment for those serving in the US Air Force 
It's not about being weak, it's about acknowledging that you need help 
And honestly, who wouldn't want to support an organization that's literally saving lives? 