The Homecoming: Counting The Returned Afghanistan War Veterans

The US war in Afghanistan has resulted in the deaths of about 2,400 American service members, with over 20,000 wounded. More than 775,000 US service members have deployed to Afghanistan at least once, with around half of Afghanistan veterans serving one deployment and 28,267 troops deploying five or more times. The war has also taken a toll on the mental health of veterans, with many facing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other psychological issues.

Around 775,000 US service members have deployed to Afghanistan at least once

The war in Afghanistan has resulted in the deaths of about 2,400 American service members, with a further 20,000 wounded. Many Afghanistan veterans face physical and psychological challenges as a result of their service, with over 1.8 million veterans suffering from a recognised disability.

The US Army, as the Pentagon's largest service, has deployed the most troops, with over 491,500 soldiers serving in Afghanistan. This includes active-duty forces, Army reservists, and National Guardsmen. The US Air Force has deployed the second-most, with approximately 123,000 airmen involved. During the height of the war in 2010 and 2011, the US Marine Corps deployed about 20,000 service members, with a total of over 114,000 Marines serving throughout the conflict.

The war in Afghanistan has persisted for an entire generation, with some troops deploying to the country five or more times. It has been a costly endeavour, both in terms of human lives and the long-term impact on veterans and their families.

Over half of Afghanistan veterans served one deployment, but many served more

Over the course of the 20-year conflict in Afghanistan, more than 775,000 U.S. service members deployed to the country at least once. While over half of Afghanistan veterans served one deployment, many served more. At least 28,267 U.S. troops deployed five or more times.

The war in Afghanistan has had a profound impact on the lives of those who served. Many veterans face physical and psychological injuries, with over 1.8 million veterans suffering from some degree of officially recognized disability. The war has also taken a toll on military families, with spouses, parents, children, and friends coping with the absence, injuries, or death of their loved ones.

The Army, as the Pentagon's largest service, deployed the most troops to Afghanistan, with over 491,500 soldiers serving, including active-duty forces, Army reservists, and National Guardsmen. The Air Force had the second-highest number of deployments, with about 123,000 airmen involved, followed by the Marine Corps, which deployed over 114,000 Marines.

The experiences of Afghanistan veterans varied greatly. Some served multiple tours of duty, while others were deployed only once. Some veterans expressed feelings of optimism and pride in their service, while others questioned the mission and strategy. Many veterans' attitudes towards the conflict evolved over time, with some initially believing in the nobility of the war but later feeling that it was futile.

The impact of the war extended beyond those who served on the front lines. Military families faced the challenges of frequent deployments and shorter periods at home. Veterans returning from combat often struggled with mental health issues, substance abuse, and reintegration into civilian life. The war also had a significant impact on women, with female veterans experiencing higher rates of sexual trauma and sexual dysfunction.

As the war in Afghanistan came to an end, veterans reflected on their experiences and the legacy of the conflict. Some felt a sense of loss and regret, while others expressed relief that the war was finally over. The withdrawal of U.S. troops sparked debates about the success of the mission and the future of Afghanistan.

The US military presence in Afghanistan ended in August 2021

The US military presence in Afghanistan ended on 30 August 2021, with the last US soldier leaving the country. This marked the end of America's longest war, which had lasted for 20 years.

The US-led invasion of Afghanistan in 2001 was triggered by the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the United States, which were plotted by the al-Qaeda militant group under the protection of the Taliban regime in Afghanistan. The invasion aimed to dismantle al-Qaeda and topple the Taliban. Within a month of the US air campaign, the Taliban had withdrawn from Kabul, and soon after, its leaders had fled to Pakistan.

The initial phase of the war was brief, but it was followed by a long and complex counterinsurgency campaign. The US strategy shifted multiple times over the course of the conflict, and the war effort was hampered by a lack of clarity, inconsistent political objectives, and a failure to understand the local context.

By 2006, the Taliban had regrouped and was making major advances. In response, an enlarged NATO mission brought thousands more troops to Afghanistan, particularly in the south of the country. In 2009, President Obama ordered a "surge" of US troops, bringing the total number to over 100,000.

In 2011, Osama bin Laden was killed in a raid by US forces in Pakistan, and in 2014, the US switched its focus to training and supporting the Afghan military. The US combat mission was officially concluded in December 2014, and in 2015, NATO launched the Resolute Support Mission to continue providing training and assistance to Afghan security forces.

In 2020, the US signed an agreement with the Taliban to withdraw all US troops by May 2021. However, the withdrawal was chaotic and violent, culminating in the fall of Kabul to the Taliban on 15 August 2021. Over 120,000 people were evacuated from Kabul airport, including US citizens and Afghans who had worked with NATO. The last US soldier left Afghanistan on 30 August 2021, bringing an end to America's longest war.

Veterans of the Afghanistan war account for more than half of the severely disabled veteran population

The Afghanistan war, which lasted nearly 20 years, was fought in difficult terrain with guerilla-style tactics, including suicide attacks and roadside bombs, leading to a high number of casualties. Advances in battlefield medicine and rapid evacuations meant that more veterans survived wounds that may have been fatal in previous wars. In addition, the use of body armour and advances in medical evacuation transport meant that veterans were surviving injuries that would have been fatal in previous conflicts. As a result, more veterans returned home with disabling injuries, including traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Veterans of the Afghanistan war have higher rates of respiratory problems during and after deployment compared to veterans who were not deployed. They also face a higher risk of developing long-term mental health issues, including PTSD, depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. The challenging nature of the war and the high number of casualties have contributed to the high rate of disability claims among Afghanistan war veterans.

In addition to physical injuries, Afghanistan war veterans also face a higher risk of mental health issues. The challenging nature of the war, including the use of guerilla tactics and the constant threat of attack, has taken a toll on the mental health of many veterans. There is also a heightened awareness of the after-effects of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and PTSD, and more screenings are being conducted to identify these issues. As a result, Afghanistan war veterans are more likely to seek help and be diagnosed with mental health issues compared to veterans of previous wars.

The high number of disability claims among Afghanistan war veterans has also been attributed to less restrictive laws and the encouragement of service members to file for disability claims upon leaving the service. The definition of disability has expanded to include a wider range of issues, such as diabetes and sleep apnea. This has led to an increase in the number of claims being filed, even for problems that may not have been considered a disability in the past.

The high rate of disability among Afghanistan war veterans has had a significant impact on their lives and their families. Many veterans face physical and emotional challenges and require ongoing medical care and support. The families of injured veterans often bear the burden of care, which can be a strain on their emotional and financial well-being. The high number of disabled Afghanistan war veterans has also placed a strain on the Veteran's Administration, leading to calls for restructuring and concerns about the ability to meet the needs of disabled veterans.

The war in Afghanistan has been more difficult for military families than past wars

The War in Afghanistan has presented unique challenges for military families, with some aspects proving more difficult than past wars. The nature of the conflict, the prolonged deployment of troops, and the impact on mental health have all contributed to the complexities faced by military spouses and children.

One significant challenge has been the disruption to communication and emotional connection within families. Deployment to Afghanistan often resulted in prolonged separation, with some spouses experiencing unexpected extensions. This distance created a sense of disconnectedness and tension in marriages, as partners navigated the complexities of sharing information and maintaining their emotional bond. Studies by Hinojosa et al. (2012) and Baptist et al. (2011) revealed that spouses struggled with expressing emotions and managing the worry they felt for each other, leading to withholding information to protect their partner from additional stress.

Military spouses also faced numerous practical challenges during their partner's deployment. These included difficulties with household and car maintenance, accessing healthcare, and finding childcare, as reported by SteelFisher et al. (2008). The frequent relocation of military families, often internationally, added further disruption and required adaptation to new and unfamiliar cultures, as noted by Reinkober Drummet et al. (2003).

The mental health of both spouses and children has been a significant concern. Feelings of loneliness and worries about the safety of the deployed spouse were prevalent among spouses, with over 90% reporting these stressors. Additional challenges included difficulties in communication, raising children alone, balancing work and family obligations, and disciplining children without the other parent. These issues had a significant impact on mental health and were compounded by the frequent family separations inherent to military life.

Furthermore, the impact of the war on children in military families has been significant. Studies have documented a rise in domestic violence and child neglect within these families. The absence of a parent during critical developmental years has had lasting effects, and the stress of deployment has also contributed to increased rates of abuse and neglect within military families.

In summary, the War in Afghanistan has presented distinct challenges for military families due to the nature of the conflict, prolonged deployments, and mental health implications. The combination of practical, emotional, and relational difficulties has made this war particularly arduous for those with loved ones serving in the military. The unique circumstances of this conflict have resulted in a distinct set of hardships for military families compared to those experienced in past wars.

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