Talking as a primary method of peer defusing for military personnel exposed to combat trauma.

1. Humanitarian relief missions and military operations are unquestionably stressful and clearly have potential to affect the mental health of soldiers. 2. After being exposed to traumatic events, soldiers may develop acute stress reactions, a historically known phenomenon better recognized and understood today. 3. Although organized resources exist, they may not be accessible or appropriate. Soldiers are the most precious asset the military forces have and their peers may be the best and only resource available to them. 4. The need to ventilate and the relief that follows after talking about distressing events are evidence that defusing by talking should be encouraged after exposure to a traumatic event.