Battle Briefing: Mental Health Ops

Listen up, grunt. You’ve survived IEDs, AO sweeps, and the never-ending paperwork of life, but now we’re deploying a different kind of mission — mental health recon. Civilians will just see gibberish, but if you know the AO, you’ll get this.

Mission Code Name: Battle Pickle

Objective: Keep your head in one piece without using ammo on yourself.

• Night raids on your brain (aka nightmares)
   
• Flashbacks of missions you didn’t RSVP for
   
• Hypervigilance — scanning your six, even in Walmart
   
• MRE-level patience running out fast (snapping at your squad)
   
• Using “booze and meds” like tactical gear
   

• VA Healthcare – Your medics, your FOB for therapy and counseling.
   
• Vet Centers – Like an R&R tent, but for the mind. Group debriefs optional.
   
• Crisis Line – 423-255-6338, Immediate extraction available.
   

• Tricare-approved therapists (like having an unofficial CO for your feels)
   
• Community counselors who understand your AO
   

• Vet Groups – Trade intel, swap survival tactics, share your load.
   
• Online Forums – Reddit r/Veterans, Military.com. Like chatting in the barracks, but from your couch.
   

1. Call or check in with your friendly VA or Vet Center.
    
2. Debrief with a fellow grunt (buddy vet, spouse, sibling, whoever gets it).
    
3. Adjust tactics if needed — first recon isn’t always perfect.
    
4. Self-Care = PT, hobbies, downtime. Treat it like ammo resupply.
    

Final Order:
You’ve survived the war zone outside. Now survive the one in your head.  Battle Pickle. Civilians will think it’s nonsense. We know it’s a full-on op.

Stay frosty. Check your six. And remember: you’re not alone out here.