12:00: BBC World Service: "Women Warriors"
1:00: Call to Mind Special: "Silent Battles: Mental Health & Military Service"
We bring you special programming on Memorial Day.
In the first hour, in the last few decades, western militaries have been training more women for combat than ever, yet female recruitment and retention is stalling. But with warfare changing, new technologies and new threats, women soldiers are a vital resource. Victoria Hollingsworth talks with different women around the world — some on the frontline and others about to go — and explores the motivations and the challenges they face. This documentary relives some of their terrifying experiences of war in Iraq, Ukraine, and Afghanistan and asks why their contributions are rarely celebrated. Many have families and find juggling these two lives very hard with little support. Away from the frontline, many have faced sexism and worse from their own colleagues. There are some in society and the military that believe there is no place for women in combat. It’s a polarizing view that is at odds with progressive modern militaries, yet one that appears to be gathering momentum in some parts of the world, especially in the USA right now. Yet despite this, Victoria discovers that almost all women with military experience feel that it was the making of them, one of their best experiences and all would recommend it to other women.
Then in our second hour, mental illness is the leading cause of hospitalization for America’s military service members. Anxiety conditions and post-traumatic stress disorders lead the list of diagnoses. "Silent Battles: Mental Health & Military Service" explores the mental health needs of people serving in the military, and of veterans. We hear about how combat and non-combat military duty can impact mental health. And we explore the unique resources and support available to service members and veterans.
