NPR's Daniel Zwerdling and Colorado journalist Michael de Yoanna reported in 2015 that 22,000 soldiers with traumatic brain injuries and mental health disorders were kicked out of the Army after serving in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The reason? Misconduct -- for things like driving while drunk or talking back to commanders. Psychological experts say those kinds of behaviors can also be symptomatic of "hidden" wounds incurred during combat.
Twelve U.S. senators demanded an investigation of the discharges after the two journalists released "Missed Treatment." The Army launched a probe in response. The journalists have now obtained that report. Rather than settle the controversy, the Army report is generating a new one.
Zwerdling and de Yoanna told KUNC’s Erin O’Toole the contention hinges around how to define a 2009 law meant to help wounded troops that misbehave get the care they need rather than discharged. A discharge for misconduct means a soldier may lose some or all of their benefits, including access to long-term health care for their war injuries.
Guests: NPR investigative correspondent Daniel Zwerdling and KUNC news director, Michael de Yoanna, who first reported on this series for Colorado Public Radio.
Catch up on the other stories in this series below:
- Missed Treatment: Soldiers With Mental Health Issues Dismissed For 'Misconduct'
- When The Army Pushes A Soldier Out, His Mental Health Struggles Are Left To Others
- Former Fort Carson Commander: 'We Need To Help, Not Judge' Struggling Troops
- Army Says It Will Review Cases Of Dismissed Soldiers With Mental Health Problems
- Senators Want Moratorium On Dismissing Soldiers During Investigation
- Senators, Military Specialists Say Army Report On Dismissed Soldiers Is Troubling
