Symptoms of Battle Fatigue.

(2) Moderate. A soldier with moderate battle fatigue is too much a burden

to stay with unit. The soldier needs medical/mental health evaluation, but can be

treated and assigned to nonmedical logistical unit.

(3) Severe. A soldier with severe battle fatigue is too disruptive to stay in

nonmedical setting. The soldier requires specialized care, but still may recover fully and

quickly.

c. Symptoms of Battle Fatigue. The following are indicators of battle fatigue.

(1) "Thousand-yard-stare" (normal and common after heavy combat;

improves with 1 to 2 days rest).

(2)

Hyperalertness.

(3) Tension, startle response, fine tremors (becomes selective in veterans,

but increases again with sleep loss and cumulative combat).

(4)

Psychological symptoms (normal and very common).

(a) Headaches.

(b) Back pain.

(c)

Nausea, vomiting.

(d) Bowel and urinary symptoms.

(5)

Irritability (warning signs--silent, withdrawn, or "vicious" in own group).

(6)

Inability to concentrate.

(7)

Insomnia, terror dreams (afraid to sleep; therefore, symptoms get

worse).

(8)

Inertia, indecision, tiredness (can lead to mistakes and increased

stress).

(9)

Depression (motor retardation, crying, survivor guilt).

(10) Anxiety reactions (gross tremors, extreme startle).

(11) Memory loss (amnesia, complete or partial; "fugue" flight).

NOTE:

"Fugue" flight individuals perform acts of which they appear to be conscious

but, upon recovery, have no recollections of the acts.

MD0549

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