Improving Mental Health Of Soldiers

The need for improved mental health for soldiers on the frontline cannot be more urgent than now. This position is contingent upon the extraneous mental, psychological, and physical demands associated with addressing various security threats in the country.

Recently, scores of videos of soldiers complaining about the conditions on the frontlines have been making the rounds on the internet. While the issues surrounding the frequent outbursts of overstretched soldiers cannot be ascertained entirely, the military authorities should look into such complaints and find solutions to them.

As a newspaper, we recognise that non-commissioned officers (NCOs) are critical to the success of military operations. They are the backbone of military operations and, in most instances, make the ultimate sacrifice. Therefore, the need to keep this critical constituency in good health of mind and body cannot be overemphasised.

We are aware of the intricacies involved in attending to the needs of soldiers and the recent drive by the military authorities to address some of the inherent challenges; however, it is necessary to advocate a comprehensive package that includes attending to their mental health. It might suffice to state that some of the outbursts witnessed in recent times might be associated with combat fatigue, which suggests that the military authorities must do more towards making the welfare package for soldiers comprehensive.

For example, postings to frontlines must be regular and not extended beyond a reasonable period to help preserve the mental health of those deployed. Upon redeployment, these soldiers should be stationed in a peaceful environment to reflect on their front-line experiences before reuniting with their families. If this is not done, there is a risk of irrational behaviours that could impact their families and the wider community. There is also the risk of hallucinations due to the rapid transition from the frontline to civilian life.

There are examples of soldiers opening fire on colleagues in the northeast and other military formations across the country. The reasons might not be completely disassociated from combat fatigue, and it further reinforces the call for a holistic welfare package that addresses their finAncial and emotional needs.

In our opinion, one way to address this is by implementing mandatory medical check-ups before soldiers are deployed to the frontlines and again after redeployment. Additionally, military authorities should regularly send military counsellors to attend to the psychological needs of those on the frontlines, as recognising and responding to psychological distress is crucial in high-stress environments. This acts as a therapeutic measure, allowing soldiers to process their experiences and emotions effectively.

This support system can also be extended to families of soldiers deployed to the frontlines because their mental health is also at stake in the sense that they are in constant anxiety about the well-being of their loved ones and dreading to receive a phone call that their loved ones had paid the supreme price in service to the country.

This newspaper’s position is that facing the enemy on the frontline and emerging victorious is a combination of several factors beyond the prompt payment of duty allowances. Beyond that, soldiers’ mental presence and resilience also play a crucial role in overcoming challenges and achieving victory. The military authorities must begin to think in this direction as an addition to their counterinsurgency strategy, as combat fatigue may result in struggles with mental health that might manifest in irrational behaviours, which ultimately affect the outcomes in the prosecution of war.

The periodic visits of service chiefs to the frontlines are commendable. The impact of such visits on the mental health of soldiers cannot be quantified in monetary terms. They boost the morale of those on the frontlines. This can be taken further by sending specialised video messages to soldiers and granting accelerated promotions for those deserving of such a promotion to demonstrate exceptional leadership and courage on the frontlines.

A former Chief of Army Staff, Farouk Yahaya, delivered a lecture to mark the Nigerian Army’s 162nd anniversary. In it, he said that putting soldiers first entails prioritising their well-being, training, and combat effectiveness, among other incentives. He stated that the “Nigerian Army operates in a volatile security environment characterised by terrorism, insurgency, banditry, and economic sabotage. The army must continuously review its strategies, training, and combat effectiveness to deter or combat threats to national security.”

In his remark, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, stated that the “soldiers first concept” takes cognisance of the expected reciprocal actions of all soldiers. More importantly, it will explore the nexus that connects the evolving battlespace, today’s generational warfare, and the role of the individual soldier in our operations.

As a newspaper, we align with the “soldiers first” concept and advocate for the necessary support from the country’s political leadership to realise it.