The Commando Welfare Trust is encouraged by the increasing awareness and media coverage highlighting the serious impact of blast exposure on soldiers, particularly the growing recognition of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI).
Many soldiers, during both training and combat, have been exposed to thousands of blasts, resulting in what is often termed an “invisible injury.”
Unlike physical wounds, mTBI leaves no visible signs on a soldier’s body, nor does it appear on routine medical imaging. The reality is that the energy from explosive shock waves is transmitted into the brain, causing potentially lifelong damage.
MTBI has been the subject of extensive research in the United States and is now emerging as a key issue in Australia.
The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide has acknowledged this, recommending a dedicated brain injury program for Defence personnel, including Special Forces and other combat-exposed units. Notably, they recommend monitoring and assessing environmental exposure to blast overpressure to safeguard current and future members of the Defence Force.
The Commission’s recommendations align with the mission of the Commando Welfare Trust.
We are committed to working with Defence, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA), and our partners to ensure veterans affected by mTBI receive the medical care they need.
Moreover, we are dedicated to supporting initiatives that improve safety measures, preventing future cases of this debilitating condition. Together, we can help secure a better future for our servicemen and women, ensuring they are not left to cope alone with the invisible scars of service.
Please contact us if you or anyone you know needs support.
Contact via: trustxo@commandotrust.com