Olive Branch International

National Director, Military Ministry

One element of the discussion centered on the issue of Post-Trauma Stress Disorder (PTSD) and the long-term effects of combat stress. Subsequent discussion suggests that senior military and political leaders in Mongolia are now beginning to appreciate the severity of this issue and the potential ramifications on their army.

The services of OBI may help to fill this void. The National Director of the Centurions Ministry, Ulan Bator, Mongolia, offered to establish communications with the Mongolian Ministry of Defense to arrange for training of thirty or so Mongolian military officers responsible for the mental health of their service members.

Mongolia Artillery Regiment Deputy Commander (2nd from left) and Battery Commander (3rd from right)

OBI visited two regimental headquarters outside Ulan Bator, meeting the deputy commanders of each. A captain at one of those headquarters commented that he had recently served in peacekeeping missions in Sierra Leone and in Iraq. He was not only encouraged to learn that OBI had offered one-on-one counseling training, but he made it clear that he would be interested in future OBI support to his troops’ families as well. It is abundantly clear that the troops on the ground want, and would welcome, OBI’s help.

OBI will pursue initiatives to support future Mongolian requests for assistance. Every indication suggests the support of senior-level leaders and encouragement for future OBI initiatives.