The 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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