Army hero dismissed after admitting he suffered from PTSD
2023/06/25

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An Army officer who defused almost 100 Taliban bombs in Afghanistan has been dumped from the Army after 27 years because he sought help for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. 

Major Wayne Owers, 46, approached Army medics after he suffered nightmares and anxiety attacks over what he witnessed in Afghanistan. 

After receiving treatment for two years the Army decided he was no longer fit to serve and gave him a medical discharge along with £6,000. 

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Major Wayne Owers, pictured, said he received £6,000 from the army after he was medically discharged for medical reasons after admitting he was suffering from PTSD

Major Owers, pictured here in Afghanistan, defused almost 100 bombs in just six months 

According to the, Mr Owers was not offered a non-operation post, unlike fellow soldiers who have suffered a physical injury. 

Since 2012, almost 2,000 troops have been discharged after developing PTSD. 

He said: 'The Army was my life but in my darkest hour when I most needed help I was told, "You are no longer fit to serve".

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'I was mortified. It was a devastating blow. I could have continued serving. The doctors treating me said that I was making progress

'What message does that send out to soldiers who think they might have PTSD? If you ask for help you’ll be thrown out of the Army. The idea that the MoD is serious about treating soldiers with PTSD is nonsense.' 

Major Owers believes some soldiers may avoid seeking help as PTSD could end their careers.   

He said he told an army medic he was suffering from PTSD during treatment for a knee injury in 2015. He said he was having nightmares and waking up in a sweat because of flashbacks he was having from Afghanistan.

Major Owers enlisted in 1990 and received a Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service and a Queen's Gallantry Medal.  

Several of his comrades suffered amputations after explosive devices detonated while they were being defused. 

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