Honoring The Fallen: A Tribute To Corpsman Sacrifices In Iraq And Afghanistan

The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have resulted in a significant loss of life, with a reported death toll of at least 500,000 people. Among those killed are thousands of US service members, including corpsmen, whose deaths have left a profound impact on their families and communities back home. The US military has seen approximately 7,000 deaths across both conflicts, with Iraq accounting for 4,550 and Afghanistan for 2,401 of these fatalities. These numbers only reflect the direct deaths of US troops and do not account for the countless others who have succumbed to injuries, illnesses, or psychological wounds sustained during their service in these war zones.

US military deaths in Iraq and Afghanistan

The US-led war in Afghanistan, which began in October 2001, and the Iraq War, which started in March 2003, have resulted in tens of thousands of deaths. The US combat mission in Afghanistan was America's longest war, and by the end of 2019, the number of US troops who had died fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan had passed 7,000.

According to the Costs of War Project report, there were 6,951 US military deaths in Iraq and Afghanistan. The breakdown of these deaths is as follows:

• Iraq: 4,550 deaths
• Afghanistan: 2,401 deaths

The report also notes that there were 21 civilian deaths within the Department of Defense, including six in Afghanistan and 15 in Iraq.

In addition to the military fatalities, over 7,000 US contractors have died in Iraq and Afghanistan. The number of contractor deaths is likely higher, as many are citizens of other countries, and their deaths may not have been reported. The US government does not thoroughly report contractor deaths, and their families are often not compensated.

The true number of deaths may be higher, as the Pentagon does not include the number of troops who have returned home and died by suicide as a result of their service. Over 30,000 US service members and veterans of the post-9/11 wars have died by suicide—over four times as many as have died in combat.

The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have also resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands of national military and police personnel, civilians, journalists, humanitarian workers, and opposition fighters. According to the Costs of War Project report, the total number of deaths in Iraq and Afghanistan is estimated to be between 479,858 and 507,236.

US contractor deaths

The US military has relied heavily on private contractors in Iraq and Afghanistan, outsourcing roles that were previously held by soldiers. The work carried out by these contractors includes driving fuel trucks, cooking meals, cleaning, servicing advanced weapons systems, and guarding senior officials.

The US Department of Labor has recorded 990 contractor deaths in Iraq and Afghanistan as of March 2007, with 917 occurring in Iraq and 73 in Afghanistan. However, these figures are likely underreported as they are based on claims made under an insurance policy, and many deaths of foreign contractors go unrecorded. For instance, the number of US contractor deaths is estimated to be over 8,000, with the majority of these being citizens of other countries.

The exact number of contractor deaths is difficult to ascertain due to a lack of transparency and inconsistent reporting. The Pentagon, for example, does not keep track of contractor deaths and leaves the disclosure of such information to the discretion of the contractors' next of kin or employers. This has led to increasing complaints from Congressional critics about the lack of oversight and accountability regarding private security companies operating in war zones.

Despite the risks, there is no shortage of individuals willing to work in these dangerous environments, attracted by the high pay and, in some cases, a sense of adventure. The work is often carried out by citizens from developing countries, with Filipinos making up one of the largest groups.

The death toll among contractors serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by civilians working in close proximity to military conflicts.

Mental health crisis among US troops

The mental health crisis among US troops has been a growing concern, with high rates of suicide, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health issues. The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated these issues, with reports of increased mental health problems among military personnel. Here is an overview of the mental health crisis among US troops and some possible solutions:

High Suicide Rates

US troops have been facing a suicide crisis, with veteran suicide rates reaching their highest level in recorded history. According to a study, over 30,000 US service members and veterans of the post-9/11 wars have died by suicide, which is over four times the number of combat deaths. The suicide rate among active-duty service members increased by more than 40% between 2015 and 2020, with a 15% jump in 2020 alone. This crisis has led to increased attention and efforts to address mental health within the military.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

PTSD is one of the most common mental health issues among US troops, with research indicating that approximately 14% to 16% of US service members deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq suffering from PTSD. PTSD is often accompanied by other issues such as depression, substance use disorder, and interpersonal violence. The symptoms of PTSD can significantly impact the lives of service members and their families, affecting their interpersonal and occupational functioning.

Mental Health Stigma

One of the biggest challenges in addressing the mental health crisis among US troops is the stigma associated with seeking help. Many soldiers fear the stigma of admitting to mental health issues within the military culture, which values self-sufficiency. This stigma, combined with bureaucratic obstacles, often discourages troops from seeking the mental health support they need.

Lack of Mental Health Resources

There is a shortage of mental health professionals available to provide care for troops, particularly in remote or isolated postings such as Alaska. This lack of resources can lead to long wait times for appointments, further exacerbating mental health issues. The military has also been criticized for not providing sufficient mental health offerings and not adequately addressing the issue.

Solutions and Recommendations

To address the mental health crisis among US troops, a multi-faceted approach is necessary:

• Increase Mental Health Resources: The military should invest in hiring more mental health professionals and ensuring they are evenly distributed across all bases and postings, including remote locations.
• Reduce Stigma: Efforts should be made to reduce the stigma associated with seeking mental health help. This can include raising awareness, educating troops about mental health, and promoting a culture of support and understanding.
• Improve Transition to Civilian Life: The transition from military to civilian life can be challenging, and troops often struggle to reintegrate. Providing more support and resources during this transition can help reduce mental health issues.
• Early Intervention and Prevention: Implementing early intervention strategies and prevention programs can help identify and address mental health issues before they become more severe. This includes routine mental health screenings and providing resources for stress management and resilience training.
• Collaborate with Civilian Mental Health Providers: The military should collaborate with civilian mental health providers and organizations to share expertise and resources. This can help improve access to care and ensure that troops receive the support they need.

Deaths of civilians

The US-led war on terror in the Middle East has resulted in hundreds of thousands of civilian deaths in Afghanistan, Iraq, Pakistan, Yemen, Syria, and Somalia. The war in Afghanistan and Iraq alone has killed at least 500,000 people, with some estimates placing the figure at 4.5-4.7 million.

Afghanistan

The war in Afghanistan has resulted in the deaths of at least 70,000 civilians since 2001, with some estimates placing the figure at 147,124. The US military's 2017 relaxation of rules for airstrikes in the country has resulted in a dramatic increase in civilian casualties. The use of explosive weapons in densely populated areas has had a devastating impact, with civilians accounting for 90% of the casualties in such attacks. The Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan in 2021 has also resulted in significant civilian casualties, with 1,095 civilians killed and 2,679 wounded between August 2021 and May 2023.

Iraq

Estimates of civilian deaths in Iraq vary widely due to challenges in data collection and the ongoing nature of the conflict. The Iraq Body Count project, a British-American group that compiles reported Iraqi civilian deaths, estimates that between 185,194 and 208,167 civilians have been killed by violence since the 2003 invasion. However, the true number is likely much higher as many deaths go unrecorded or unreported. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)-commissioned Iraq Living Conditions Survey estimated 24,000 war-related violent deaths by May 2004, while the 2006 Lancet study estimated 654,965 excess deaths up to July 2006. The Costs of War Project estimates that between 182,272 and 204,575 civilians have been killed in Iraq since the US invasion.

Pakistan, Yemen, Syria, and Somalia

The US-led war on terror has also resulted in significant civilian casualties in other countries in the region. In Pakistan, it is estimated that between 23,372 and 64,942 civilians have been killed. In Yemen, the ongoing conflict has resulted in a humanitarian crisis, with half of the country's health facilities non-functional and 140 million people facing acute food insecurity. Syria has also seen widespread civilian casualties, with schools, hospitals, roads, and factories targeted by warring parties. Finally, the US military operations in Somalia and other countries in the region have resulted in civilian deaths, although the exact numbers are unknown.

Total deaths in Iraq and Afghanistan

The US post-9/11 wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have resulted in a significant number of casualties, including military personnel, contractors, and civilians. According to various sources, the total death toll in these two countries is estimated to be at least 500,000 people. This number includes both direct and indirect deaths caused by the conflict.

Breaking this down, the Brown University Costs of War Project report, which covers the period from October 2001 to October 2018 in Afghanistan and Pakistan, and March 2003 to September 2021 in Iraq, provides a detailed breakdown of the casualties. The report estimates that there were 6,951 US military deaths, including 4,550 in Iraq and 2,401 in Afghanistan. Additionally, there were 21 civilian deaths within the Department of Defense, with 15 in Iraq and 6 in Afghanistan.

The report also highlights the significant number of contractor deaths, with 7,820 US contractors losing their lives. In Iraq, 3,793 contractors died, while in Afghanistan, the number was 3,937. The conflict has also taken a heavy toll on national military and police forces, with 109,154 deaths. Iraq accounted for 41,726 of these deaths, while Afghanistan saw 58,596 deaths.

Furthermore, the report mentions the deaths of 1,464 allied troops, with 1,141 in Afghanistan and the remaining in Pakistan. Civilian deaths are also tragically high, with estimates ranging from 244,124 to 266,427. Iraq bore the brunt of these civilian casualties, with numbers ranging from 182,272 to 204,575. Afghanistan saw 38,480 civilian deaths, while Pakistan had 23,372.

It is important to recognize that the true number of casualties may be even higher due to the challenges of documenting deaths in conflict zones. Additionally, the figures do not include indirect deaths resulting from factors such as loss of access to essential resources and infrastructure. Furthermore, the mental health toll of these conflicts must also be considered, with high rates of suicide among US service members and veterans.

Frequently asked questions