According to the chaplains of two US battalions in Afghanistan ‘that have spent nine months on the front line in the war against the Taliban,’ American soldiers serving in Afghanistan are depressed and deeply disillusioned.’

The goal of the battalions was ‘to secure the mountainous Wardak province and then to win the people’s allegiance through development and good governance. They have, instead, found themselves locked in an increasingly vicious battle with the Taliban,’ with at least 300 roadside bombs lobbed at them and about 180 of these have exploded.

Risk to their life and limb is a nagging reality. They have witnessed the deaths of their colleagues. They think the military operation in Afghanistan is a ‘futile mission.’ They also believe the Afghan population does not help them.

“The many soldiers who come to see us have a sense of futility and anger about being here. They are really in a state of depression and despair and just want to get back to their families,” said Captain Jeff Masengale of the 10th Mountain Division’s 2-87 Infantry Battalion.

According to Captain Sam Rico of the Division’s 4-25 Field Artillery Battalion, “They feel they are risking their lives for progress that’s hard to discern. They are tired, strained, confused and just want to get through.”

Airborne’s mental health specialist Staff Sergeant Erika Cheney is concerned about the soldiers’ mental state, believing that many of them have mild post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). She said, “They’re tired, frustrated, scared. A lot of them are afraid to go out but will still go.”

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Via AlterNet