Countering Enemy Special Purpose Forces. An Evolving Mission for United States Special Operations Forces

Abstract Background & aims Special Operations Forces Veterans (SOFV) have unique treatment needs stemming from multiple repeated forms of combat exposure resulting in a complex sequela of problems including alcohol misuse and post-traumatic stress symptoms. Current approved pharmacologic treatments for alcohol misuse and PTSD are lacking in adherence and efficacy, warranting novel treatment development. The current study examined the correlations between psychedelic treatment and changes in alcohol misuse among trauma exposed United States SOFV. Method An anonymous internet-based survey was conducted among SOFV who completed a specific psychedelic clinical program in Mexico. Retrospective questions probed alcohol use and post-traumatic stress symptoms during the 30-days before and 30-days after the psychedelic treatment. A total of 65 SOFV completed treatment and were eligible for contact. Of these, 51 (78%) completed the survey, and 27 (42%) reported alcohol misuse (≥4 on the AUDIT-C) in the 30 days prior to treatment and were included in analyses (Mean Age = 40; male = 96%; Caucasian/White = 96%). Results There were significant and very large reductions in retrospective reports of alcohol use (P < 0.001; d = –2.4) and post-traumatic stress symptoms (P < 0.001; d = –2.8) and a significant and large increase in psychological flexibility (P < 0.001; d = –1.8), from before-to-after the psychedelic treatment. In the 30 days after treatment, 85% reduced their alcohol consumption to non-risky levels (33% abstinent; 52% non-risky drinking). Increases in psychological flexibility were strongly associated with reductions in alcohol use and post-traumatic stress symptoms (rs range 0.38–0.90; ps < 0.05). Conclusion Rigorous longitudinal studies should be conducted to determine whether psychedelic-assisted therapy holds promise as an intervention in this population.

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The Problem of Suicide in the United States Special Operations Forces

Handbook of Military and Veteran Suicide ◽

10.1093/med:psych/9780199873616.003.0016 ◽

2017 ◽

pp. 190-200

Author(s):

Bruce Bongar ◽

Kate Maslowski ◽

Catherine Hausman ◽

Danielle Spangler ◽

Tracy Vargo

Keyword(s):

United States ◽

Social Performance ◽

The United States ◽

Psychological Strain ◽

Future Directions ◽

Special Operations ◽

The Us ◽

Challenging Tasks ◽

Special Operations Forces ◽

The Military

Since 1986, the US Special Operations Command (SOCOM) has been employed by the military for carrying out a range of challenging tasks key to counterterrorism efforts. These Special Operations Forces (SOF) represent a unique group within the military and has traditionally been considered highly resistant to deleterious effects of both physical and psychological strain; however, recent figures suggest a rise in suicides within special operators. Increasingly, suicide prevention efforts within the military have focused more explicitly on enhancing resilience rather than decreasing suicide risk. In line with this newer mentality, SOCOM has developed the Preservation of the Force and Family (POTFF). The POTFF program aims to enhance the service member’s resilience by addressing four domains: physical performance, psychological performance, social performance, and spiritual performance. The rationale and design of the POTFF program is reviewed in this chapter. Future directions and challenges associated with this effort are also discussed.

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