This paper examines the Operational Tempo (OPTEMPO) of US forces since Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. By reviewing historical documentation and troop surveys, it discusses stress impacts to soldiers and family members, including domestic violence, divorce rate trends, and suicide statistics. Finally, the paper examines policies and procedures necessary to effectively manage deployment times, durations to minimize post traumatic stress, and propose recommended changes. Concerns which impact the problem include: force Structure to adequately support the ongoing fight on Global Terrorism, dwell time of redeploying soldiers, follow on assignments of redeploying soldiers, retention / recruitment of quality soldiers. Leaders have asked more from of their soldiers and family members than they have in more than thirty years. By understanding the impacts that extended deployments have in domestic violence and other potential post traumatic stress symptoms, senior leadership can better emplace measures to care for their most precious resource, their people.

"23 September 2006"--Page iii. "Senior Service College Fellowship Project"--Cover.

Introduction -- Post traumatic stress disorder -- Manning the force -- Impacts of PTSD -- Commanders PTSD tools -- Conclusion.