An Airman assigned to the 22nd Air Refueling Wing serves the ball during a pickle ball tournament for the wing’s Warrior Heart Resiliency Day March 19, 2024, at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas. Air Mobility Command’s Warrior Heart initiative highlights three objectives – eliminate stigma, lower barriers and increase access and options for Airmen who may want to seek help for mental health. (Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Tryphena Mayhugh) The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.
By: FEDweek StaffThe Department of the Air Force is taking steps to counter the stigma that comes with seeking help for mental-health conditions. Following the “Warrior Heart. No Stigma” directive Air Mobility Command (AMC) chief Gen. Mike Minihan issued in January, the department recently amended its mental health waiver policy in both its Medical Standards Directory and Medicine Waiver Guide accordingly. The change allows airmen to receive as much as 60 days’ treatment for their issues before a return to duty waiver to fly is required.
Before the new policy was put in place, certain airmen were required to spend considerable amounts of time in non-flying status while they were being evaluated and treated for mental-health issues.
They also had to wait out mandatory stabilization periods before they could submit waivers that would allow them to return to duty. The delays, it turned out, hindered promotions, training and developmental-program eligibility – thus hurting career opportunities.
The mandatory stabilization timelines are now gone, the service stated in a press release. Additionally, flight surgeons can submit waivers for airmen seeking mental health treatment, which could allow them to return to flying status without a waiting period.
“From a mental-health perspective, this precedent-setting policy change is exactly what we need and is in line with General Minihan’s charge to reduce stigma and allow for airmen to seek help when needed,” said Lt. Col. Carrie Lucas, AMC’s behavioral health branch chief.
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