US artillery troops who fought against ISIS are experiencing severe psychological effects, including nightmares, panic attacks, and hallucinations, as reported by the New York Times. The high frequency of artillery fire has been linked to these mental health issues, with troops displaying symptoms akin to PTSD and concussion. Despite their struggles, many have faced challenges in receiving care, as their conditions were not recognized as official injuries.
Key Points:
- Artillery troops involved in Operation Inherent Resolve against ISIS have been firing shells at a rate not seen since the Vietnam War, resulting in burned-out howitzers and significant psychological strain.
- A 2019 Marine Corps study revealed over half of a Marine artillery battery suffered Traumatic Brain Injuries due to shockwaves from the howitzers.
- Troops returning from Syria and Iraq are experiencing mental health issues due to their exposure to heavy artillery fire, yet many have been denied proper care.
- The New York Times report highlights a gap in the military’s response to the health issues faced by these service members, with preventative measures not being widely implemented.
- Current operations against the remnants of ISIS have scaled back on artillery usage, focusing on smaller-scale, targeted operations instead.
Source: https://taskandpurpose.com/news/us-artillery-syria-iraq-psychological-damage/
