Morale has plunged among military personnel in Afghanistan as a result of record violence in the war, according to the U.S. Army. A battlefield survey found that the situation is particularly problematic for soldiers on their third and fourth combat tours, and junior enlisted soldiers are most likely to experience marital problems because of deployment. Though it's not a complete solution, the study did find that limited doses of technology – either through video games or internet access – can help.
The study, obtained by NBC News, revealed that more than 20% of soldiers are experiencing combat stress, and half of them are having difficulties getting professional help. Combat Stress units in Afghanistan, the report says, are "undermanned," and this type of unit has no presence in the southern part of Afghanistan, where most of the combat is taking place.
Depression, anxiety and other psychological problems in Afghanistan are at roughly the same levels seen in 2007, and there is a shortage of mental health workers on hand to help, in part because of the rapid troop buildup this year.
With only one mental health worker available for every 700 troops, an alternative is needed. The answer may be found in the technology sector, an industry that tends to believe it's in the business of solving problems. When in doubt, look to the likes of Google (GOOG), Microsoft (MSFT) and Apple (AAPL) to come up with an answer.
The Army study found that soldiers who played video games or cruised the web for two to four hours every day were better able to manage their psychological problems. Spending more time than that engaged in digital recreation, however, can make the situation worse. Limited technology access, it seems, is the key.
Social media hasn't really been able to get in on the action, though. Access is restricted, except for the Marines, where it is prohibited completely. So, don't except too many combat tweets.
Of course, there's no substitute for reality. Soldiers who used their bodies regularly – working out – were able to decrease their mental problems regardless of how much time they spent doing it.
So, maybe Nintendo (NTDOY) has the compromise solution: Wii tennis, anyone?
Twitter to make acquisitions, generate revenue in 2010
Cramer on BloggingStocks: The Fed's push for TARP payback 
Hewlett-Packard reports growth in profit and operating margin in Q4
Add your comments