Military Culture Quiz
- True/False: Members of the Reserves and the National Guard participate in training one weekend a month and two weeks per year.
- Someone with a grade of E-3 (enlisted-3) in the Army would be called
A) Private first class
D) Petty officer
- Close to 50% of returning Veterans will have:
A) Engaged in hand to hand combat with the enemy
B) Experienced a blow to the head
C) Witnessed brutality toward detainees
D) Known a friend who was wounded or killed
- What percentage of student Veterans report that the Post 9/11 GI bill was a major influence in their decision to pursue higher education?
- True/False: Student Veterans may appear easily distracted. They have been trained to assess for threat, so noises and movement may pull their attention from the instructor. Given this, the best way to minimize distraction would be to place the Veteran in the front row.
- It is estimated that ______ percent of returning Veterans will meet diagnostic criteria for PTSD:
A) Less than 10%
B) Between 10-30%
C) Between 30 and 50%
D) Over 50%
- True/False: If a Veteran does not identify himself or herself as a Veteran, you should be sure to recognize their Veteran status to the class.
- Which of the following battlefield skills could impact adjustment to campus life?
A) Mission orientation
B) Hyperawareness for safe
C) Emotional control
D) All of the above
- If a student Veteran presents to you with hopelessness or suicidal thoughts, which of the following should you NOT do?
A) Give them the Suicide Hotline number
B) Refer them to counseling
C) Walk them to the Student Counseling center
D) Tell them these feelings will pass.
- True or False: There are more female student Veterans than might be expected from their numbers in the military (about 11%).
- True. Reservists and National Guardsmen often have a commitment to drill. Drilling involves a commitment of a weekend every month, as well as two weeks at some point during the year. This could intensify if a Service Member is scheduled to deploy. Because of this, it is often helpful for them to know exact due dates for assignments and tests, so that they may plan in advance. See "Tips for Syllabi" handout in the What Can I Do to Help? section of the toolkit.
- A. A Private First Class is an E3 in the Army. For more information, please watch this military culture presentation on the National Center for PTSD website, http://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/ptsd101/course-modules/military_culture.asp and see the military rank chart (also available through the presentation) at http://www.defenselink.mil/specials/insignias/enlisted.html*.
- D. Loss is also a common experience with over 50% of Service Members reporting seeing dead bodies or human remains or knowing someone who was seriously injured or killed. (See "Deployment Experiences" handout in the What Are Common Adjustment Issues? Section of the toolkit.
- B. Almost 25% of student Veterans report that the Post 9/11 bill was a major influence in their decision to pursue higher education. student Veterans consistently reported that the Post 9/11 GI Bill helped with their adjustment because it is far more generous than other GI bills for education (e.g., Montgomery GI bill). For example, Post 9/11 benefits include a monthly Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) for students enrolled more than half-time, as well as a book stipend.
- False. Your first inclination may be to encourage the Veteran to sit in the front of the classroom, out of sight of some of these distractions. However, many Veterans often prefer to sit in the back, where they have a better opportunity to assess the situation and any danger. Thus, sitting in the front may cause increased distress and inability to concentrate. See "Common Adjustment Experiences of Student Veterans and Tips for Showing Support" handout in the What Can I Do to Help? section of the toolkit.
- B. Although most people have experienced at least one traumatic event in their lifetime, only a small percentage will develop PTSD. Over 90% of returning Veterans have experienced a traumatic event in their lifetime, but only 10-30% will have PTSD. See the What is PTSD? section of the toolkit.
- False. Some student Veterans may not choose to identify themselves as Veterans in the classroom, and that is their choice. Creating a syllabus that reflects awareness of this student group can communicate your interest and respect for their service and success in school. If you are aware that a student is a Veteran, you may wish to thank them privately for their service. See "Tips for Syllabi" handout in the What Can I Do to Help? section of the toolkit.
- D. All of the above. Veterans may have different responses to their experiences in combat. When returning home from a deployment, some may experience challenges with the return to civilian life. The survival skills that served them well in a combat environment may lead to problems when they return. For example, Service Members are trained to complete their mission, and all attention and resources are directed toward completion of a mission. This could impact them at school as they look for assignments that are concrete and clearly delineated. See "Understanding Battlefield Skills" link in the What Are Common Adjustment Experiences? section of the toolkit.
- D. While suicidal feelings may pass, it is important that suicidal thoughts be addressed by trained professionals. So, although it would be helpful to refer the student to counseling and to provide the Veteran Crisis Hotline 800-273-TALK (8255), the best way to ensure the student Veteran is properly assessed would be to walk them to the Student Counseling Center. Please know your campus policies around this, as it may include involving Campus Police or other personnel. See "Understanding PTSD" in the Additional Online Resources section of the toolkit.
- True. While Women Veterans comprise 10-12% of military personnel, Women student Veterans are overrepresented in postsecondary education, with 27% of student Veterans being women. See "Who Are Today's Student Veterans?" handout in the Who Are Today's Student Veterans? section of the toolkit.