Examines the history of PSTD in the U.S. Armed Forces from the American Revolution to current conflicts and recent studies on the topic. Offers soldier testimonies, psychologist perspectives, and recommendations for Army action.

"February 2009." "The number of Soldiers returning home from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PSTD) is staggering and frightening...The impact of PSTD is felt not only by the Soldiers themselves but also by their families and friends, fellow Soldiers, the Army in which they serve and the communities they return to. We as a nation owe it to these brave men and women to establish a comprehensive strategy for addressing PSTD-- through thorough preparation before it occurs and identification of the symptoms and proper and immediate treatment"--P. v.

Introduction -- A look in the rearview mirror. The American Revolution -- The American Civil War -- World War I -- World War II -- The Korean War -- The Vietnam War -- Post-Vietnam War through the Gulf War -- Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom -- Defining Post-traumatic stress disorder -- Soldier testimonies. A second-generation soldier -- Following in her grandfather's footsteps -- Frozen in the moment -- No Purple Heart for rape -- A psychologist's perspective -- Emerging themes -- What the studies found. 2001-2001 -- 2003-2005 -- 2006-Present -- Recommendations for Army action -- Recommendations for Army follow-on studies -- Conclusion.