Undiagnosed and untreated Combat Trauma takes a heavy toll on military families through such secondary effects as fractured family relationships, separation, divorce, or job loss. Domestic violence is often the first sign of a problem, as the injured veteran becomes increasingly detached and angry until some minor event triggers an uncharacteristically violent outburst. 

Dealing with Combat Trauma is complicated by the tendency of most combat veterans to deny that they have a problem until such a violent event occurs.  The situation may be exacerbated by the effects of secondary trauma on the family, as they're traumatized by the victim's behavior, and frustrated by their apparent inability to help until they begin to have similar symptoms.

 Tragically, the sufferer may also damage his or her relationship with Jesus Christ, as the wounded warrior feels guilt, remorse, or anger at God for combat events.  In their pain, they isolate themselves from family and friends, even those in their faith communities, and refuse to allow themselves to feel forgiven for the loss or injury of a comrade in arms.

Timely diagnosis and treatment is the key to dealing with Combat Trauma, yet as of November 2009, there was only one Army Psychiatrist for every 4,500 soldiers.  Clearly, more help is needed, and churches are often best positioned to intervene with families who are the victims of Combat Trauma, since spiritual healing is ultimately required. 

Two excellent books on this topic are "The Combat Trauma Healing Manual - Christ-Centered Solutions to Combat Trauma" and "When War Comes Home - Christ-Centered Healing for Wives of Combat Veterans."