Combat Social Work: Applying the Lessons of War to the Realities of Human Services

This book shares lessons from military service through the lens of social work practitioners by exploring the experiences of 13 American combat social workers (CSWs) whose role is, among other things, providing military mental health services to members in their unit. The text covers strategies learned about social work practice in a war zone that are highly applicable to other highly stressful contexts (e.g., crisis intervention, stress reduction procedures, suicide prevention, brief psychotherapy, and consultation on family issues).

Charles R. Figley, PhD, is the Paul Henry Kurzweg, MD Distinguished Chair in Disaster Mental Health; Director of the Traumatology Institute; and Professor in the School of Social Work at Tulane University. Dr. Figley is a combat Marine who served in the Vietnam War.

COL Jeffrey S. Yarvis PhD, LCSW, BCD is a 34 year veteran of the U.S. Army, former commander of a combat hospital and decorated combat veteran as a social worker earning the Bronze Star Medal and Combat Action Badge for leadership and actions taken under fire. He is also an adjunct professor for Texas A&M University-Central Texas.

Bruce Thyer, PhD, MSW, is Distinguished Research Professor in the College of Social Work at Florida State University. Dr. Thyer is a veteran of the United States Army.