Serving the Wounded Warrior

Serving the Wounded WarriorVeterans with DisabilitiesandCollege Disability Service Programs Chris Kinney MA , MLIS

Jamaal R. Addison, 22 Former Georgia Perimeter College Student507th Ordnance Maintenance Company Fort Bliss Texas First Georgian killed in Operation Iraqi Freedom, Nasiriyah Iraq, 23 March 2003

The SPC Jamaal R. Addison Memorial Scholarship, sponsored by the GPC Student Veterans Group. Addison was the first Georgian killed in Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003. The SVA, working with the GPC Military Outreach Center launched the campaign to honor his memory and provide scholarships for veterans.

2001 2014 Afghanistan Iraq WarsOperation Iraqi Freedom (OIF)

7 Years : March 2003 - December 2011166,300: highest number of U.S. troops present in country, during the surge

Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF)

13 Years: October 2001 -December 2014140,000:highest numberof U.S. troops present in country, in 2010, during the surge.

2001 2014 Afghanistan Iraq War American Casualties

"By The Numbers: Today's Military."NPR- Special Series, Those Who Serve. National Public Radio, 3 July 2011. Web. 15 Jan. 2016.Source: Department of Defense, U.S. Census Bureau

2001 2014 Afghanistan Iraq War American Casualties (Continued)

"By The Numbers: Today's Military."NPR- Special Series, Those Who Serve. National Public Radio, 3 July 2011. Web. 15 Jan. 2016.Source: Department of Defense, U.S. Census Bureau

2001 2014 Afghanistan Iraq War American Casualties (Continued)

"By The Numbers: Today's Military."NPR- Special Series, Those Who Serve. National Public Radio, 3 July 2011. Web. 15 Jan. 2016.Source: Department of Defense, U.S. Census Bureau

What changed between Vietnam & OIF/OEF?

Vietnam WarOIF-OEF

Factors Enhancing Survivability "Medical Advances Cut Combat Deaths In Iraq And Afghanistan."Science 2.0. Web. 15 Jan. 2016.

Belmont, Philip J., Jr., Andrew J. Schoenfeld, and Gens Goodman. "Epidemiology of Combat Wounds in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom: Orthopaedic Burden of Disease."Journal of Surgical Orthopaedic Advances19.1 (2010): 2-7. Print.

Personal Protective Equipment

Improved Training for Medical Personnel

Advanced Casualty Treatment at Forward Hospitals

Rapid Evacuation

Factors Enhancing Survivability

Combat Application Tourniquet

Factors Enhancing Survivability

WWII Medic BagArmy Medic - Afghanistan

Factors Determining War Wounds

Nature of Iraq Afghanistan Wars

Primary use of IED/VBIEDs

Multiple Deployments

Foremost is that US forces in OIF/OEF are primarily engaged in counterinsurgency operations within an irregular war, in which enemy tactics are primarily based on terrorism, insurgency, and guerrilla warfare. There is no uniformed enemy, no dened front lines or order of battle, and allegiances can be uid (12). As a result, most combat casualties occur due to ambush, or increasingly from the use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs)12

Types of Injuries

Percentage of Mechanisms of InjuryBelmont, Philip J., Jr., Andrew J. Schoenfeld, and Gens Goodman. "Epidemiology of Combat Wounds in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom: Orthopaedic Burden of Disease."Journal of Surgical Orthopaedic Advances19.1 (2010): 2-7. Print.

Foremost is that US forces in OIF/OEF are primarily engaged in counterinsurgency operations within an irregular war, in which enemy tactics are primarily based on terrorism, insurgency, and guerrilla warfare. There is no uniformed enemy, no dened front lines or order of battle, and allegiances can be uid (12). As a result, most combat casualties occur due to ambush, or increasingly from the use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs)13

Types of Injuries

Proportional Distribution of Wounds

Foremost is that US forces in OIF/OEF are primarily engaged in counterinsurgency operations within an irregular war, in which enemy tactics are primarily based on terrorism, insurgency, and guerrilla warfare. There is no uniformed enemy, no dened front lines or order of battle, and allegiances can be uid (12). As a result, most combat casualties occur due to ambush, or increasingly from the use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs)14

Summary

Combat is more survivable

Veterans are surviving wounds that were fatal in earlier wars

Enemy tactics, operational tempo, and other factors increase the prevalence of traumatic brain injuries, PTSD, and other psychological disabilities

Foremost is that US forces in OIF/OEF are primarily engaged in counterinsurgency operations within an irregular war, in which enemy tactics are primarily based on terrorism, insurgency, and guerrilla warfare. There is no uniformed enemy, no dened front lines or order of battle, and allegiances can be uid (12). As a result, most combat casualties occur due to ambush, or increasingly from the use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs)15

Wounded Warriors on Campus

"But now brilliant Odysseus awoke from sleep in his own fatherland, and he did not know it, having been long away."

Foremost is that US forces in OIF/OEF are primarily engaged in counterinsurgency operations within an irregular war, in which enemy tactics are primarily based on terrorism, insurgency, and guerrilla warfare. There is no uniformed enemy, no dened front lines or order of battle, and allegiances can be uid (12). As a result, most combat casualties occur due to ambush, or increasingly from the use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs)16

Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008 (the new GI Bill)

Individuals who have served on active duty in the U.S. military since September 11, 2001 will receive educational benefits based on the length of their service. (Max. benefits 3 years of active duty service)

Benefits may be applied to undergraduate and graduate school, vocational education, and technical training

More than 700,000 veterans and family members have used the Post-9/11 GI Bill since its inception in 2009, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Benefits Full amount of tuition and fees charged by a college or university, not to exceed the most expensive in-state public institution A monthly housing allowanceA yearly books and fees stipend of up to $1000 $500 for relocation expenses Financial benefits for tutorial assistanceReimbursement for licensing and certication tests

Foremost is that US forces in OIF/OEF are primarily engaged in counterinsurgency operations within an irregular war, in which enemy tactics are primarily based on terrorism, insurgency, and guerrilla warfare. There is no uniformed enemy, no dened front lines or order of battle, and allegiances can be uid (12). As a result, most combat casualties occur due to ambush, or increasingly from the use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs)17

Student VeteransGeneral Statistics

73% of Student Veterans are male; 27% are female . With only 10-12% of military personnel being women, female student veterans are over represented in postsecondary education.

62% of Student Veterans are first generation students.

Student Veterans are non-traditional students. Only 15% of Student Veterans are traditionally aged college students (18-23). Most are between the ages of 24 and 40.

51.7% of Student Veterans successfully complete their degree/certificate within 4 to 5 years, a rate similar to other students.

Many Student Veterans have families.47% of Student Veterans have children. 47.3% of Student Veterans are married.

"Characteristics of Student Veterans." VA Campus Toolkit Handout. Department of Veterans Affairs, 22 Apr. 2014. Web. 10 Jan. 2016. .

Foremost is that US forces in OIF/OEF are primarily engaged in counterinsurgency operations within an irregular war, in which enemy tactics are primarily based on terrorism, insurgency, and guerrilla warfare. There is no uniformed enemy, no dened front lines or order of battle, and allegiances can be uid (12). As a result, most combat casualties occur due to ambush, or increasingly from the use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs)18

Understanding The Veteran Perspective

Foremost is that US forces in OIF/OEF are primarily engaged in counterinsurgency operations within an irregular war, in which enemy tactics are primarily based on terrorism, insurgency, and guerrilla warfare. There is no uniformed enemy, no dened front lines or order of battle, and allegiances can be uid (12). As a result, most combat casualties occur due to ambush, or increasingly from the use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs)19

Speaking as a veteran who saw combat, and who had friends killed and wounded, it is difficult for me to reconcile the idea that campuses are not safe spaces for students. To me, a safe space is one in which no one is actively trying to kill you. Forget micro-aggressions; there is a large subset of students on American campuses who spent many of their formative years being shot at and blown up by IEDs.

- Chris Martin, Veteran, Denison University student U.S. Marine Corps (Mortar Platoon, Weapons Company, 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines) from 2007 to 2011

Martin, Chris. "A Combat Veteran on Safe Spaces." The Atlantic. 20 Nov. 2015. Web. 12 Jan. 2016.

Foremost is that US forces in OIF/OEF are primarily engaged in counterinsurgency operations within an irregular war, in which enemy tactics are primarily based on terrorism, insurgency, and guerrilla warfare. There is no uniformed enemy, no dened front lines or order of battle, and allegiances can be uid (12). As a result, most combat casualties occur due to ambush, or increasingly from the use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs)20

I learned quickly that once you out yourself as a student veteran, thats it. When people see you, youre now the Army guy. It doesnt go away, and whenever a topic that has anything to do with the war or the military comes up in class, all eyes fall on you.

- Don Gomez, Army Veteran

Gomez, Don. "An Army Vet's Take On Trigger Warnings In The Classroom." Task and Purpose. Hirepurpose, 2015. Web. 12 Jan. 2016. .

Foremost is that US forces in OIF/OEF are primarily engaged in counterinsurgency operations within an irregular war, in which enemy tactics are primarily based on terrorism, insurgency, and guerrilla warfare. There is no uniformed enemy, no dened front lines or order of battle, and allegiances can be uid (12). As a result, most combat casualties occur due to ambush, or increasingly from the use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs)21

Student VeteransOIF/OEF Injuries

Department of Defense statistics (Bilmes, 2007) estimated a total of 50,500 injuries, including 20% involving the spinal cord or the brain and 18% experiencing serious wounds.

The number of amputations (roughly 6%) already exceeds the number from the Vietnam War

The Rand Corporation (2008) estimates that about 18% of the troops, or over 300,000 soldiers exhibit symptoms of either depression or PTSD. Military statistics indicate there have been 39,366 cases of PTSD diagnosed in military facilities serving in the GWT (Global War on Terror) from January 2003 to December 31, 2007 (Morgan, 2008).

Church, Thomas E. "Returning Veterans on Campus with War Related Injuries and the Long Road Back Home." Journal of Postsecondary Education and Disability 22.1 (2009). Web.

Foremost is that US forces in OIF/OEF are primarily engaged in counterinsurgency operations within an irregular war, in which enemy tactics are primarily based on terrorism, insurgency, and guerrilla warfare. There is no uniformed enemy, no dened front lines or order of battle, and allegiances can be uid (12). As a result, most combat casualties occur due to ambush, or increasingly from the use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs)22

Student VeteransInjury Categories

Physical injuries from blasts burns, amputations and orthopedic injuries

PTSD and Mental Health Injuries

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Church, Thomas E. "Returning Veterans on Campus with War Related Injuries and the Long Road Back Home." Journal of Postsecondary Education and Disability 22.1 (2009). Web.

Foremost is that US forces in OIF/OEF are primarily engaged in counterinsurgency operations within an irregular war, in which enemy tactics are primarily based on terrorism, insurgency, and guerrilla warfare. There is no uniformed enemy, no dened front lines or order of battle, and allegiances can be uid (12). As a result, most combat casualties occur due to ambush, or increasingly from the use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs)23

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Blast injuries create a pressure wave, which affects organs that are air -lled, such as the ears and lungs, and those surrounded by uid-lled cavities, such as the brain and the spine.

Traumatic Brain Injury results from deceleration forces and blunt or penetrating trauma, that injure the brain and spine.

Traumatic Brain Injuries alter the cells metabolism and result in eventual cell death, although there may not be any visible signs of injury.

Church, Thomas E. "Returning Veterans on Campus with War Related Injuries and the Long Road Back Home." Journal of Postsecondary Education and Disability 22.1 (2009). Web.

Foremost is that US forces in OIF/OEF are primarily engaged in counterinsurgency operations within an irregular war, in which enemy tactics are primarily based on terrorism, insurgency, and guerrilla warfare. There is no uniformed enemy, no dened front lines or order of battle, and allegiances can be uid (12). As a result, most combat casualties occur due to ambush, or increasingly from the use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs)24

TBI - Functional Impairments

Cognitive problems judgment, attention, concentration, processing new information, distraction, language abilities, sequencing, short-term memory, slower thinking.

Physical problemsmotor skills, endurance, fatigue, speech, headaches and seizures

Behavioral and emotional problemsirritability, impatience, problems with impulse control, stress, self awareness, mood swings, personality changes, reading social cues and dependence/independence

Psychiatric problems depression, hallucinations, paranoia and suicidal thoughts

Church, Thomas E. "Returning Veterans on Campus with War Related Injuries and the Long Road Back Home." Journal of Postsecondary Education and Disability 22.1 (2009). Web.

Foremost is that US forces in OIF/OEF are primarily engaged in counterinsurgency operations within an irregular war, in which enemy tactics are primarily based on terrorism, insurgency, and guerrilla warfare. There is no uniformed enemy, no dened front lines or order of battle, and allegiances can be uid (12). As a result, most combat casualties occur due to ambush, or increasingly from the use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs)25

Battle of Peleliu 19442nd Battle of Fallujah 2004

Foremost is that US forces in OIF/OEF are primarily engaged in counterinsurgency operations within an irregular war, in which enemy tactics are primarily based on terrorism, insurgency, and guerrilla warfare. There is no uniformed enemy, no dened front lines or order of battle, and allegiances can be uid (12). As a result, most combat casualties occur due to ambush, or increasingly from the use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs)26

PTSD and Mental Health Disorders

According to the 2000 Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV), the difference between PTSD and an adjustment disorder is the severity of the stressor, which must be extreme in nature, or life threatening.

With multiple deployments, the probability of exposure to combat trauma increases signicantly and the best predictor of depression and PTSD is the exposure to combat.

Symptoms typically develop within three months of the event, although they may not emerge for years.

PTSD and generalized anxiety disorder have the highest rate of co-morbidity rates. There is also a high rate of co-morbidity between PTSD and substance abuse.

Church, Thomas E. "Returning Veterans on Campus with War Related Injuries and the Long Road Back Home." Journal of Postsecondary Education and Disability 22.1 (2009). Web.

Foremost is that US forces in OIF/OEF are primarily engaged in counterinsurgency operations within an irregular war, in which enemy tactics are primarily based on terrorism, insurgency, and guerrilla warfare. There is no uniformed enemy, no dened front lines or order of battle, and allegiances can be uid (12). As a result, most combat casualties occur due to ambush, or increasingly from the use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs)27

Suicide

VA study based on 9,353 deaths.1,650 deaths (deployed); 7,703 (non-deployed), of which 1,868 were suicide deaths

Both veteran cohorts had 24% to 25% lower mortality risk from all causes combined but had 41% (deployed) to 61% (non-deployed) higher risk of suicide relative to the US general population.

Multiple deployments were not associated with the excess suicide risk among deployed veterans

Veterans exhibit significantly higher suicide risk compared with the US general population. However, deployment to the Iraq or Afghanistan war, by itself, was not associated with the excess suicide risk.

Kang, Han K., Tim A. Bullman, Derek J. Smolenski, Nancy A. Skopp, Gregory A. Gahm, and Mark A. Reger. "Suicide Risk among 1.3 Million Veterans Who Were on Active Duty during the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars." Annals of Epidemiology 25.2 (2015): 96-100. Web.

Foremost is that US forces in OIF/OEF are primarily engaged in counterinsurgency operations within an irregular war, in which enemy tactics are primarily based on terrorism, insurgency, and guerrilla warfare. There is no uniformed enemy, no dened front lines or order of battle, and allegiances can be uid (12). As a result, most combat casualties occur due to ambush, or increasingly from the use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs)28

PTSD and Mental Health DisordersFunctional Impairments

Interference with cognitive skills, judgments, memory, concentration, organizational skills and motivation

Problems sustaining concentration and difculty retaining verbal directions, problems maintaining stamina, and combating drowsiness due to medications

Difculty managing assignments and performing multiple tasks with time pressures, and prioritizing tasks

Problems with authority gures and approaching instructors

Problems with unexpected changes in coursework, and dealing with interruptions

Church, Thomas E. "Returning Veterans on Campus with War Related Injuries and the Long Road Back Home." Journal of Postsecondary Education and Disability 22.1 (2009). Web.

Foremost is that US forces in OIF/OEF are primarily engaged in counterinsurgency operations within an irregular war, in which enemy tactics are primarily based on terrorism, insurgency, and guerrilla warfare. There is no uniformed enemy, no dened front lines or order of battle, and allegiances can be uid (12). As a result, most combat casualties occur due to ambush, or increasingly from the use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs)29

Student Veteran Disability Documentation Issues

Barriers to Self-Disclosure

Military cultural normsacknowledging, discussing, or reporting a personal problem or vulnerability would most likely prompt a negative reaction from superiors, as well as peers in their unit.

Embarrassment/ShameInvisible, service related disabilities, such as PTSD, to which most other students cannot relate

Shackelford, Allan L. "Documenting the Needs of Student Veterans with Disabilities: Intersection Roadblocks, Solutions, and Legal Realities."Journal of Postsecondary Education and Disability22.1 (2009): 37. Web.

Foremost is that US forces in OIF/OEF are primarily engaged in counterinsurgency operations within an irregular war, in which enemy tactics are primarily based on terrorism, insurgency, and guerrilla warfare. There is no uniformed enemy, no dened front lines or order of battle, and allegiances can be uid (12). As a result, most combat casualties occur due to ambush, or increasingly from the use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs)30

Foremost is that US forces in OIF/OEF are primarily engaged in counterinsurgency operations within an irregular war, in which enemy tactics are primarily based on terrorism, insurgency, and guerrilla warfare. There is no uniformed enemy, no dened front lines or order of battle, and allegiances can be uid (12). As a result, most combat casualties occur due to ambush, or increasingly from the use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs)31

Student Veteran Disability Documentation Issues

Documentation and the Veterans Administration

It is not unusual to discover that a student veterans records have been misplaced, improperly filed, lost or inexplicably destroyed (Michel, 2008). At the very least, the delay in obtaining a response from the VA can be problematic.

Anticipate that it will generally take at least three or four weeks to receive copies of records requested from the VA.

The militarys standards for determining that someone is disabled for the purpose of discharging them from service or for awarding benets, as well as the VAs standards for determining disability claims, are different from the standards that dene a person with a disability under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the ADA. Therefore, institutional evaluations and determinations need to be done separately.

Shackelford, Allan L. "Documenting the Needs of Student Veterans with Disabilities: Intersection Roadblocks, Solutions, and Legal Realities."Journal of Postsecondary Education and Disability22.1 (2009): 37. Web.

Foremost is that US forces in OIF/OEF are primarily engaged in counterinsurgency operations within an irregular war, in which enemy tactics are primarily based on terrorism, insurgency, and guerrilla warfare. There is no uniformed enemy, no dened front lines or order of battle, and allegiances can be uid (12). As a result, most combat casualties occur due to ambush, or increasingly from the use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs)32

Student Veteran Case Management Suggestions

Take a creative and flexible approach to looking at the options and alternatives that may be available to address the needs of student veterans with disabilities. Keep in mind that their interrelated needs can be very different from those of most other students.

Ensure that disability-related policies, procedures and protocols are made available to prospective student veterans in a user friendly format that explains the role and specific responsibilities of students in the disability disclosure, documentation and accommodation process.

Look for creative ways for the institution and the disability services office to establish rapport with student veterans on campus. Because of their experiences in the military and dealing with the VA, they may be suspicious of any administrative bureaucracy and its requirements.

Also, veterans often have a very personal bias that to talk-the-talk, you must have walked-the-walk. They have a tendency to be more open and willing to talk about their problems and needs with someone whom they view as having shared a common experience. To address these issues, your institution may wish to establish a veterans support group and/or an administrative ofce of veterans affairs.

Listen and Learn

Shackelford, Allan L. "Documenting the Needs of Student Veterans with Disabilities: Intersection Roadblocks, Solutions, and Legal Realities."Journal of Postsecondary Education and Disability22.1 (2009): 37. Web.

Foremost is that US forces in OIF/OEF are primarily engaged in counterinsurgency operations within an irregular war, in which enemy tactics are primarily based on terrorism, insurgency, and guerrilla warfare. There is no uniformed enemy, no dened front lines or order of battle, and allegiances can be uid (12). As a result, most combat casualties occur due to ambush, or increasingly from the use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs)33

Student Veteran Case Management Suggestions

Be creative and flexible when considering options for addressing student veterans needs

Make relevant policies available in clear and user-friendly formats

Negative experiences with the VA may make veterans suspicious of any bureaucracy; look for creative ways for the institution and the disability services office to establish rapport

Veterans are more open and willing to talk with someone whom they view as having shared a common experience. To address these issues, your institution may wish to establish partnerships in the form of a veterans support group and/or an administrative ofce of veterans affairs.

Listen and Learn

Shackelford, Allan L. "Documenting the Needs of Student Veterans with Disabilities: Intersection Roadblocks, Solutions, and Legal Realities."Journal of Postsecondary Education and Disability22.1 (2009): 37. Web.

Foremost is that US forces in OIF/OEF are primarily engaged in counterinsurgency operations within an irregular war, in which enemy tactics are primarily based on terrorism, insurgency, and guerrilla warfare. There is no uniformed enemy, no dened front lines or order of battle, and allegiances can be uid (12). As a result, most combat casualties occur due to ambush, or increasingly from the use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs)34

RESOURCES

Foremost is that US forces in OIF/OEF are primarily engaged in counterinsurgency operations within an irregular war, in which enemy tactics are primarily based on terrorism, insurgency, and guerrilla warfare. There is no uniformed enemy, no dened front lines or order of battle, and allegiances can be uid (12). As a result, most combat casualties occur due to ambush, or increasingly from the use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs)35

VA Documentation Forms

DD Form 214, Certicate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty

Some colleges and universities have experienced instances in which a student falsely claimed to have served in the military. This form is issued when a service member completes active duty. The information it contains will verify a students military service. If a student veteran does not have a copy of this form available, she or he can obtain it by submitting a Standard Form SF-180 as indicated below.

Standard Form SF-180, Request Pertaining to Military Records

A student veteran may submit this form to The National Personnel Records Center, Military Personnel Records, 9700 Page Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri 63132-5100 to obtain missing military records. It is important to note that for students who were separated from active duty prior to April 1, 1998, depending on their branch of service, their medical records and related health information may be stored at this location instead of at the Veterans Administration. The SF-180, which is available online, may be mailed or faxed (1-314801-9195) or submitted using the eVetRecs request system (http://www.archives.gov/veterans/).

VA Form 10-5345 (May 2005), Request for and Authorization to Release Medical Records or Health Information

This is the form to use if the student is authorizing a campus professional to obtain medical records on her or his behalf. VA Form 105345a (May 2005), Individuals Request for a Copy of Their Own Health Information. This is the form to use if the student is making the request for her or his medical records. Submit either of these requests to the Department of Veterans Affairs, Records Management Center, P.O. Box 5020, St. Louis, Missouri 63115-5020, unless the student has recently received treatment at a VA Hospital or has led a disability claim related to injuries received while on active duty. If so, her or his records are most likely located at the particular hospital or at the VA Regional Ofce nearest the students home of record. If there is any question regarding the location of such health records, contact the VA at 1-800-827-1000.

Foremost is that US forces in OIF/OEF are primarily engaged in counterinsurgency operations within an irregular war, in which enemy tactics are primarily based on terrorism, insurgency, and guerrilla warfare. There is no uniformed enemy, no dened front lines or order of battle, and allegiances can be uid (12). As a result, most combat casualties occur due to ambush, or increasingly from the use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs)36

University Resources

American Council on Education: Military Students and Veterans http://www.acenet.edu/higher-education/Pages/Military-Students-and-Veterans.aspx

U.S. Department of Education: So You Want to Go Back to School http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/letters/back-to-school-2008.html

VA Campus Toolkit http://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/studentveteran/resources.asp#sthash.OqkIQsLH.dpbs

Toolkit for Veteran Friendly Institutions http://vetfriendlytoolkit.acenet.edu/Pages/default.aspx

Student Veterans of America http://studentveterans.org/

Task and Purpose Educationhttp://taskandpurpose.com/category/education/

VA GI Bill Website http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/

Foremost is that US forces in OIF/OEF are primarily engaged in counterinsurgency operations within an irregular war, in which enemy tactics are primarily based on terrorism, insurgency, and guerrilla warfare. There is no uniformed enemy, no dened front lines or order of battle, and allegiances can be uid (12). As a result, most combat casualties occur due to ambush, or increasingly from the use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs)37