The Cities Category Archive: Veterans
Troops showing signs of strain after nearly 10 years of war
The nation has about 12,000 special operations forces deployed around the world, including in Iraq and Afghanistan. But after nearly 10 years at war, commanders this week said they're worried about the toll repeated deployments are taking on troops and their families.
Minnesota's Army National Guard 34th Infantry Division, known as the Red Bulls, are preparing for another deployment. Maj. Gen. Richard Nash announced recently that about 2,400 soldiers are expected to start training in May and head to Kuwait, where they will provide security as US troops pull out.
This will be yet another deployment for many of these soldiers, who've already served in Iraq or Afghanistan over the last several years.
From the AP's Lolita C. Baldor's story on concerns about the effects of repeated deployment on special operations forces:
Adm. Eric T. Olson ... said the demand for the specialized units in Afghanistan is insatiable, forcing troops to deploy to war at a rate that is off the charts. And he said he does not see that demand declining in the next several years. Officials say they are taking measures to ease the strain on service members and families and devoting more resources to programs for wounded and ill service members.
Scientists at the Minneapolis VA have been studying National Guard soldiers to try and pinpoint why some people are more resilient to combat stress than others, and to research the connection between PTSD, TBI, concussion and other things.
They expect to release more findings this spring.
Posted at 12:10 PM on February 9, 2011 by Jessica Mador
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Article source
http://minnesota.publicradio.org/collections/special/columns/cities/archive/veterans/
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Latest News
Operation Agriculture: Minnesota Guard assists Afghan farmers
Posted: 2013-05-15 08:08 AM
Agricultural Development Teams deploy farming experts to help rebuild Afghanistan's war torn food system.
When most National Guard units prepare to deploy to Afghanistan, they focus on tactical training--land navigation, weapons skills, working with interpreters, counter-IED techniques, basic first aid.
But Colonel Eric Ahlness, commander of the Minnesota National Guard's Zabul Agribusiness Development Team, or ADT, brought his unit to an Amish farm.
Police Week observance: Service members who exemplify our state's optimal force structure
Posted: 2013-05-15 06:08 AM
Today is a day to recognize the sacrifice and service of our nation's civilian police force. Since 1962, when President John F. Kennedy signed the proclamation declaring May 15th as Peace Officers Memorial Day, the week surrounding the 15th has become better known as "police week."
The Minnesota National Guard is honored to have several members on its force that serve, or have served as both military police and civilian police officers. Their binary roles serve as a prime example of how the Guard strives to maintain the right mix of people and equip units with an optimal force structure.
Operation Synergy empowers Service members toward personal growth
Posted: 2013-05-10 12:00 AM
For Soldiers and Airmen in the Minnesota National Guard, balancing military life with civilian life can bring on its own set of challenges and experiences. Operation Synergy aims to help Service members from all branches to empower themselves to manifest their own reality, instead of letting complacency dictate their life.
With training demands, drill weekends, deployments and daily mission requirements, it's important for Service members to be proactive, rather than reactive. By bringing in speakers from various companies, organizations and backgrounds, Operation Synergy unites Service members through education and growth.
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