Chapter 3 Analysis
The sudden change of surroundings, having to fear for your life alongside comrades, and then once the task is over, going back into modern society is a harsh change that often shakes up any vet. As mentioned on page 74, PTSD is simply the brain staying alert to protect the body from possible harm. This is a trauma response, but where does this stem from? When looking at page 84, Junger mentions that the treatment methods for those with PTSD are different for veterans than those who experience other forms of trauma because they have many good memories attached to the bad ones; memories they cannot bear to leave behind. This is due to, mentioned on page 85, the theory of unit cohesion - a strong emotional connection to the unit in a time of intense danger; for survival purposes. Once they come back into society Junger writes, they no longer have that connection with those around them, and therefore are alienated and make the transition back nearly impossible.