Fields of Combat: Understanding PTSD among Veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan (The Culture and Politics of Health Care Work) Paperback – July 5, 2012

Fields of Combat by Erin Finely is a great book centered on understanding Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, from the military veteran perspective. The book is not just a good story but also a good reference for veterans who may suffer from PTSD. This book discusses the non-visual side of the effects of war. What really grasped my interest was the fact that Finely also discussed how combat related PTSD does not only affect the service member but also effects the people who provide the support to the service member. At one point in the book Finely documents her questions to a military spouse as the spouse’s husband tells his story of war. As a veteran myself, I really appreciated getting a spouse’s thought on the things that have happened to us veterans while deployed. This book is made for the veteran’s of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan because it talks directly about these wars but it could be beneficial to any veteran who may suffer from PTSD. One of the most helpful books I have ever read.

I read this a few years ago when I was about to start working at a VA hospital. I just finished rereading it now with a few years of experience with the VA. It will certainly help to steer anyone with an interest in PTSD in the right direction.

This is a definitive work on combat-related PTSD, provided by a medical anthropologist working in the VA. The author gives a balanced and well-informed representation of not only the diagnosis and treatment but also the social position and experience of veterans and their families who must cope with the aftermath of combat deployment. Her work is based on both sound primary interviews of veterans and their family members and a broad and deep review of the literature. The only drawback I can see is that Dr. Finley tells the story through the eyes of a limited population, i.e., those who seek and receive treatment within the VA system. She compensates for these data limitations by venturing into exhaustive exploration of the broader implications of combat on the OIF and OEF cohort and the socioeconomic conditions that define them.

Read this to help better understand a loved one's concerns that I wasn't able to grasp. It helped us open up discussion about experiences and made me more aware of the problems which were being struggled with.

I got this for my husband who is also suffering from PTSD and is in the Veterans Hospital. He said he has read parts of it and it helps him to understand things a bit better. Thank you so much.

As a Veteran of OIF who is Service Connected, a VA employee, and has severe PTSD I wanted to congratulate Erin Finley for hitting this book out of the park! She is defintely up to date on all her details and info regarding VA treatment and practices, and did a very articulate job explaining how we suffer from this brutal issue!Highly recommend this book to ALL Vets regardless of conflict! Great job Erin!

Got it for the wife to understand what i deal with daily.

Gives a good history account of type of care for veterans with PTSD in the past to present day. There is always improvement to treatment being sought. Helpful and highly recommended for veterans to read. Many resources with links provided.

Difficult subject to master but the book is very helpful.