Self Harm Behaviors

davejean90

5-Year Member
Joined
Aug 18, 2015
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213
Why are cadets who are exhibiting self-harm behaviors being retained at the USCGA? One cadet who was reported for "cutting" behaviors was allowed to stay after he was supposedly treated. This cadet was then found in the middle of the night, pounding on a classmate's room door standing in a pool of his own blood. Apparently after a night of drinking in the barracks, he resumed his cutting behavior. Why is this cadet still at the USCGA? Is this really the type of person we want in charge of our nation's service men and woman. I understand compassion for mental health, but when do we decide that a person is just not stable enough to serve as an officer?
 
“We” don’t get to decide. The medical professionals who will/did/are taking care of this person get to help provide guidance to the Service who “gets” to make that decision.
 
CGA’s first concern will be the health of that individual and those around him. All will play out from there in an orderly sequence, protected by HIPAA and Privacy Act.

The decision to separate a cadet is a step-wise and deliberate process, which is the way we should all want it to be. The best path for the cadet, the best path for the CGA, the best path for the Service will be weighed against current policy and precedent.

I would assume CGA is similar to the other SAs, in that occasionally juniors and seniors who are found to be medically unfit for commissioning are allowed to continue to get their degree but not commission. I have known USNA mids who suffered from depression, eating disorders and other mental health challenges who were found DQ for commissioning, but worked hard to finish their degree and address their health, and walked the stage for their diploma to applause.

Given USCGA is so small and family-sized, if the parents are by any chance visitors here, best wishes for your son’s recovery and a resolution for the situation that works well for everyone. I can’t imagine how painful it must be to see a beloved son be the subject of the inevitable chatter and social media commentary when he is struggling.
 
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CGA’s first concern will be the health of that individual and those around him. All will play out from there in an orderly sequence, protected by HIPAA and Privacy Act.

The decision to separate a cadet is a step-wise and deliberate process, which is the way we should all want it to be. The best path for the cadet, the best path for the CGA, the best path for the Service will be weighed against current policy and precedent.

I would assume CGA is similar to the other SAs, in that occasionally juniors and seniors who are found to be medically unfit for commissioning are allowed to continue to get their degree but not commission. I have known USNA mids who suffered from depression, eating disorders and other mental health challenges who were found DQ for commissioning, but worked hard to finish their degree and address their health, and walked the stage for their diploma to applause.

Given USCGA is so small and family-sized, if the parents are by any chance visitors here, best wishes for your son’s recovery and a resolution for the situation that works well for everyone. I can’t imagine how painful it must be to see a beloved son be the subject of the inevitable chatter and social media commentary when he is struggling.

This is an impressive response.

Eating disorders, depression, suicidal thoughts, cutting etc is becoming more prevalent. I have seen friends’ kids go through it. And I have a relative that did as well. The added pressure could lead to disastrous results.
 
Self harm behaviors are a DQ from DODMERB, what changes after they swear-in? Do they suddenly become a better candidate? Sorry, but there are plenty of candidates who don't self-harm who were not given the same opportunity. We are more worried about a single cadets feelings then we are for the potential danger we are putting into the fleet.
 
Self harm behaviors are a DQ from DODMERB, what changes after they swear-in? Do they suddenly become a better candidate? Sorry, but there are plenty of candidates who don't self-harm who were not given the same opportunity. We are more worried about a single cadets feelings then we are for the potential danger we are putting into the fleet.

Lots of things are DQ’s before an appointment. And lots of things can develop after receiving an appointment. No way to know things that will come up after joining an academy. You logic is flawed here. There is nothing to indicate anyone is ‘putting a cadets feelings’ in front of the needs of the fleet. This student is not in command of anyone. At this point, they are a student.

Does OP have all the facts? No. There is alway more to the story than what the rumor mill produces. Speculating really doesn’t do any good.
 
Self harm behaviors are a DQ from DODMERB, what changes after they swear-in? Do they suddenly become a better candidate? Sorry, but there are plenty of candidates who don't self-harm who were not given the same opportunity. We are more worried about a single cadets feelings then we are for the potential danger we are putting into the fleet.

Lots of things are DQ’s before an appointment. And lots of things can develop after receiving an appointment. No way to know things that will come up after joining an academy. You logic is flawed here. There is nothing to indicate anyone is ‘putting a cadets feelings’ in front of the needs of the fleet. This student is not in command of anyone. At this point, they are a student.

Does OP have all the facts? No. There is alway more to the story than what the rumor mill produces. Speculating really doesn’t do any good.

Actually I do have all of the facts. This kid is a danger to himself and others. He is threatening other cadets. If he was a male cadet threatening a female cadet he would be gone in minutes, but it is a male cadet threatening other male cadets, so no big deal right?
 
Self harm behaviors are a DQ from DODMERB, what changes after they swear-in? Do they suddenly become a better candidate? Sorry, but there are plenty of candidates who don't self-harm who were not given the same opportunity. We are more worried about a single cadets feelings then we are for the potential danger we are putting into the fleet.

Lots of things are DQ’s before an appointment. And lots of things can develop after receiving an appointment. No way to know things that will come up after joining an academy. You logic is flawed here. There is nothing to indicate anyone is ‘putting a cadets feelings’ in front of the needs of the fleet. This student is not in command of anyone. At this point, they are a student.

Does OP have all the facts? No. There is alway more to the story than what the rumor mill produces. Speculating really doesn’t do any good.

Actually I do have all of the facts. This kid is a danger to himself and others. He is threatening other cadets. If he was a male cadet threatening a female cadet he would be gone in minutes, but it is a male cadet threatening other male cadets, so no big deal right?

You never said that he threatened other cadets inntour original post or your one reply. Of course that shouldn’t be allowed.

What you said was there were other cadets that don’t self harm that weren’t admitted.
 
Actually I do have all of the facts. This kid is a danger to himself and others. He is threatening other cadets. If he was a male cadet threatening a female cadet he would be gone in minutes, but it is a male cadet threatening other male cadets, so no big deal right?

No. You actually don't know all the facts.

Talking about a specific situation currently occurring in a public forum like this really isn't appropriate, especially when you are only involved third or fourth hand.

If you want to talk about mental health generally at the academies thats an important conversation to have, but this is not the way to do it.
 
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