TPC-Journal-V4-Issue2

Foreword to Special Issue: Counseling the Military and Their Families Why do counselors and all professional helpers need to learn more about counseling military veterans, active duty service members, and their families? The words of this war veteran with 23 years of active service tell a story that resounds loudly in the counseling community: …I know I’m jacked in the head and I know many of you will see this and call me a coward. You can’t hurt me with that one, I know, I tried. I’m on [social media] talking to two friends in the military. One retired and one still in [the service]. We all have PTSD. Most of us don’t even know it yet… everyone keeps telling me to check in with the VA. I did. If you lose a limb, they will see you immediately. If you’re losing your mind, it’s [medication] and we’ll see you [later]. This special issue of The Professional Counselor is focused on the counseling concerns of thousands of military individuals and their families in the United States. There is a huge need for counselors to develop an understanding of what are “normal” military behaviors as well as behaviors that extend beyond the military norms. Just as importantly, we must acknowledge that not all veterans are unstable because of their military experiences, what they saw or what they did. Our military service members have contributed greatly and are willing to move forward with their lives and continue to contribute to society by finding positive ways to manage and cope with what they have experienced. In this special issue, TPC has published the following papers: “Counselors and the Military: When Protocol and Ethics Conflict” by Elizabeth A. Prosek, Jessica M. Holm The Department of Veteran Affairs and TRICARE have approved professional counselors to work within the military system. Counselors need to be aware of potential ethical con- flicts between counselor ethical guidelines and military protocol. This article examines confidentiality, multiple relationships and cultural competence, and offers ethical models to navigate dilemmas. “Revolving Doors: The Impact of Multiple School Transitions on Military Children” by S. Beth Ruff, Michael A. Keim Approximately 90% of the 1.2 million school-age children of military parents in the United States attend public schools. In contrast to their civilian peers, the average military child moves three times more often than their civilian peers, relocating every 1 to 4 years. Tensions at home, enrollment issues, adapting to new schools, and a lack of familiarity with military culture by public school professionals may adversely impact the academic, social, and emotional growth of these military students. Public school faculty and staff need to understand the challenges that multiple school transitions impose on military chil- dren in order for them to effectively meet the needs of this student population. This study reviews the literature concerning obstacles and challenges that mobile military children viii