How to stop fighting ourselves: removing the stigma of mental health treatment for soldiers.

Soldiers' fear of stigmatization by peers and superiors is the primary barrier that the US Army must overcome as a prerequisite to providing successful mental health treatment to Soldiers who have been exposed to the combat environment. Untreated mental health conditions can lead to increased severity of symptoms and adversely affect mission readiness. Command leadership must become aware of the effects of combat exposure upon their Soldiers, and refer Soldiers to behavioral health facilities when necessary, so that their Soldiers are peak performers and mission ready.