THE FORT-BRAGG SNIPER ATTACK AND MENTAL-HEALTH RESPONSE

In October 1995, a U.S. Army sergeant opened fire on a formation of fe llow soldiers at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. The authors describe the efforts of mental health providers to assist command, reduce psycholog ical stress among affected units, and treat longer-term cases of post- traumatic stress disorder, Findings of critical-incident stress debrie fings are discussed, Changes in clinical activity at the Division Ment al Health Clinic following the sniper attack are presented. Recommenda tions are made for mental health interventions in future military comm unity crises.