Military life consultants help Airmen, families

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Erica Stewart
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  A steady increase in suicides among veterans and active-duty members has been persistent in the military in recent years.

In response, the Department of Defense implemented the Military and Family Life Program to help veterans, active- duty personnel and family members.

The program has been implemented at Incirlik since 2004, with consultants coming in on 45-day rotations, the most recent of which arrived Feb. 5.

This is a non-medical counseling program, designed to address issues that occur across the military lifestyle and help Airmen and their families cope with the normal reactions to the stressful situations created by multiple deployments and reintegration, stated the Department of Defense, according to an article on www.military.com.

A unique aspect of this program is that, while it is geared toward single Airmen, it is available for anyone connected to an Airman, whether that is a DoD civilian, retiree, a sibling or a parent.

"The most important thing to remember about this program is that it is confidential and anonymous," said Janet Morrison, Incirlik Airman and Family Readiness Center director. "However, there are certain stipulations like suicidal or homicidal ideation, domestic violence, and imminent threats of harm or damage to government property that would give the consultant cause to file a report."

Another thing to keep in mind about this program is that the consultant is not a military member.

"The consultant is not from Incirlik so you don't have to worry about running into him/her at work," Ms. Morrison said. "Also, that person is only here for 45 days and then another counselor takes over their position."

All consultants have a master's degree or hold a doctorate and are licensed clinical counselors who work with families, individuals, couples and children to provide non-medical problem identification counseling services.

The consultant's responsibility is not to provide medical care, but will refer you to other military sources if the problem cannot be resolved in a few sessions.

"Consultants provide one-on-one and group, short-term, non-medical counseling; they are an additional resource, not intended to replace mental health professionals or chaplains," Ms. Morrison said. "They provide outreach services in our communities that expand capabilities to address needs of Airmen and their families and can be a bridge to other services available on or off base. They are not here to provide therapeutic or medical counseling but will refer the individual to another resource if need be."

In addition to being a confidential, unbiased ear, the consultants will meet on or off base, depending on what is more comfortable.

"Consultants work flexible hours, in flexible venues, with the sole intent of providing expert assessment and guidance in the least intrusive environment," Ms. Morrison said.

The Air Force is in its 8th year engaged in the war on terrorism. With more and more Airmen deploying to support Operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, it is important to remember that the wingman concept extends back to home station.

"Historically and culturally, help-seeking was viewed as a weakness, something to be exploited," said Ms. Morrison. "While this axiom still has application on the battlefield, it is the move from the battlefield where this axiom no longer applies. Not seeking help can actually hinder the reintegration of Airmen into the community and their ability to effectively and rapidly reconstitute their units, families and lives."

For more information on the MFLC program, call the MFLC direct line at 676-3926 or the Airman and Family Readiness Center at 676-6755.