What are the symptoms of Combat Trauma, and how does one recognize that a returning Soldier, Sailor, Airman, Marine, or Coast Guardsman is suffering from it?  The symptoms generally fall into the following four categories:

- Physical symptoms include a vacant stare, flashbacks, nightmares, violent outbursts, unexplained sweating or rapid heart rates, and / or  chills. 

-  Emotional signs of trauma often involve unexplained anger, depression, panic attacks, and hopelessness.  

-  Cognitive symptoms may appear such as confused thinking, indecision, memory lapses, and reliving the trauma.  

-  Behavioral symptoms might manifest as eating changes, withdrawal, poor hygiene, sleep disorders, or addiction.  

Because military personnel often try to maintain a "macho" facade, they may try to mask these symptoms at work for fear of affecting their career.  As a result, family members and church small groups are often the first to notice that someone has been afflicted by Combat Trauma.

SInce recognition of the symptoms is the first step to recovery, families and church groups with a loved one deployed may want to prepare themselves for the military member's return.  The Military Ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ (www.militaryministry.org) offers a number of excellent resources dealing with the identification of, and spiritual responses to Combat Trauma.