Why are military psychologists needed?

It is of vital importance that U.S. military members are both physically and psychologically fit to perform their duties to protect our country both at home and around the globe. Although most service members transition well after engaging in military operations, a significant minority experience behavioral health problems, such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, traumatic brain injury (TBI), sleep problems, chronic pain, or substance abuse. Military psychologists are needed to provide evidence-based behavioral health care in the Armed Forces and play a critical role in sustaining the readiness of military members.