Can a Veteran go into Law Enforcement after a PTSD Diagnosis? Law Enforcement’s View of Hiring Veterans with PTSDKara Ballenger-Browning, M.P.H.Naval Center for Combat & Operational Stress ControlIntroductionAn estimated 1-2 out of every 10 soldiers returning from combat in Iraq will be diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Many of these soldiers are self-conscious about the diagnosis. In a recent article about perceived barriers to care, half of Iraq and Afghanistan combat veterans with suspected mental disorders believed that receiving treatment would harm their careers. Another 65% stated that they would be considered weak for seeking help and many were afraid that their peers would lose confidence in their abilities. This is a particular problem for veterans who may seek employment after military service, since few employers provide up-front information regarding pre-existing mental conditions. Anonymous questions about PTSD treatment and future employment dominate online discussion forums, and many erroneously assume and advise that outside agencies embrace a “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy. These findings suggest that veterans may not seek treatment for PTSD, fearing automatic disqualification from employment based on the diagnosis.