Friendly Fire

In this episode, we delve into the largely unexplored issue of climate change and its impact on the health of U.S. service members. From heat-related illnesses to the spread of vector-borne diseases, we investigate how global warming is becoming a new enemy on the battlefield. We'll speak with experts and veterans about the military's response to this emerging threat and the fight for recognition...

In this episode, we delve into the often overlooked issue of sexual harassment in the military. While previous episodes have touched on sexual trauma, this episode will focus specifically on harassment, its prevalence, and its long-term effects on service members. We will explore the institutional structures that allow such behavior to persist, the challenges faced by victims seeking justice, and...

In this episode, we delve into the alarming rise of opioid addiction among U.S. service members. We explore how the military's over-reliance on prescription painkillers for treating physical injuries and mental health issues has led to a hidden epidemic. We'll hear from veterans battling addiction, medical experts, and advocates fighting for change, shedding light on this unseen plague and the mil...

In this episode, we delve into the less-discussed issue of radioactive exposure in the military. From nuclear weapons testing to the use of radioactive materials in military equipment, we explore how service members have been unwittingly exposed to harmful radiation, the long-term health effects, and the military's response to these incidents. We'll also highlight the struggles of veterans seeking...

In this episode, we delve into the hidden battlefield of the digital age, exploring how cybersecurity failures within the U.S. military can lead to devastating consequences. We'll discuss the impact of these breaches on service members, the military's response, and the ongoing struggle for digital safety in an increasingly connected world. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm....

In this episode, we delve into an often overlooked issue in the military: Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL). Despite being one of the most common service-related disabilities, NIHL rarely gets the attention it deserves. We explore how the military's high-decibel environments contribute to this issue, the struggle of veterans for recognition and treatment, and the institutional failures that allow...

In this episode, we delve into the alarming issue of lead poisoning in military housing across the United States. We explore how the military's negligence and lack of oversight have exposed thousands of service members and their families to dangerous levels of lead, a neurotoxin known to cause serious health problems, especially in children. We'll hear from affected families fighting for recogniti...

In this episode, we delve into the largely unexplored issue of asbestos exposure within the U.S. military. We investigate how this dangerous material was widely used in military equipment and facilities, leading to long-term health issues among veterans. We'll hear personal stories from affected veterans, explore the military's response, and discuss the ongoing fight for recognition and compensati...

In this episode, we delve into the often overlooked issue of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) among military personnel. Despite being dubbed the 'signature wound' of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, TBI remains underdiagnosed and undertreated. We'll explore the causes, the military's response, and the ongoing struggle of veterans living with this invisible injury. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz compan...

In this episode, we delve into the often overlooked impact of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) on military families. We explore how the military's institutional approach to PTSD not only affects the service members but also their loved ones. Through interviews with families and experts, we uncover the struggles for support, understanding, and healing in the shadow of a system that often falls...

In this episode, we delve into the controversial use of depleted uranium (DU) by the U.S. military during the Iraq War. We explore the potential health risks associated with DU exposure and the ongoing debate about its impact on veterans' health. We also investigate the military's response to these concerns and the struggle of affected veterans for recognition and treatment. Hosted by Simplecast,...

In this episode, we delve into the controversial and often misunderstood Gulf War Syndrome. We explore the U.S. military's initial denial of the condition, the struggles of veterans to receive recognition and treatment, and the ongoing research into its causes and effects. Join us as we shed light on this complex issue and the military's role in addressing it. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz comp...

In this episode, we delve into the controversial and often dismissed Gulf War Syndrome. We explore the plight of veterans suffering from unexplained illnesses after serving in the Gulf War, the military's reluctance to acknowledge the condition, and the ongoing struggle for recognition and proper healthcare. Join us as we unravel the hidden stories of these forgotten heroes and their battle agains...

In this episode, we delve into the mysterious and often overlooked Gulf War Syndrome. We'll explore the U.S. military's initial denial and subsequent recognition of this debilitating condition that has affected thousands of veterans. Join us as we investigate the institutional failures that led to a lack of support and treatment for those suffering, and the ongoing struggle for accountability. Hos...

In this episode, we delve into the often overlooked crisis of mental health within the U.S. military. We explore the systemic issues that contribute to high rates of depression, PTSD, and suicide among service members and veterans. We'll also examine the military's approach to mental health, the stigma surrounding it, and the ongoing fight for better mental health services and recognition within t...

In this episode, we delve into the devastating legacy of Agent Orange, a herbicide used by the U.S. military during the Vietnam War. We explore the long-term health effects on veterans, the military's denial and delay in acknowledging the issue, and the ongoing fight for recognition and compensation. Join us as we unravel this tragic chapter of military history and its lasting impact on the lives...

This episode examines the military's systematic failure to address sexual assault within its ranks, focusing on how the chain of command structure often protects perpetrators while silencing victims. Through documented cases, we explore how the military justice system's handling of sexual assault cases has led to widespread denial of VA benefits for survivors. The investigation reveals patterns of...

In the 1960s, the Pentagon conducted secret chemical and biological warfare tests on unwitting American servicemen through Project SHAD (Shipboard Hazard and Defense). We uncover how thousands of sailors were deliberately exposed to toxic agents without their knowledge or consent, tracking the decades of denial and coverup that followed. The episode examines recently declassified documents reveali...

During Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, massive open-air burn pits exposed thousands of service members to toxic smoke from burning waste, electronics, and chemicals. We investigate how military contractors ran these pits despite known health risks, following veterans now battling rare respiratory illnesses and cancers. The episode details the Department of Defense's initial dismissa...

From 1953 to 1987, nearly one million Marines and their families were exposed to contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Our hosts trace how military officials ignored early warnings about chemical contamination, examining the decades-long struggle of veterans facing rare cancers, birth defects, and other severe health conditions. Through interviews and documents, we reveal ho...