Admiral: U.S. must aid soldiers' mental health

updated 8:01 p.m. ET May 14, 2009

WASHINGTON - The highest-ranking U.S. military officer says the United States has to do a better job of taking care of soldiers' mental health.

Admiral Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, says the killing of five people at a Baghdad mental health clinic appears to back him up. The alleged shooter was a U.S. Army sergeant said to have mental health problems.

Mullen told Congress on Thursday there is still a stigma attached to mental health treatment within the military. He told of an exchange with a sergeant last month in which the woman told him bluntly that soldiers and families are hiding their problems.

The sergeant told him that probably leads to suicides, and Mullen said he agrees.

The Obama administration wants to expand treatment.

More from msnbc.com Stimulus tracker: See where millions of dollars went Of bats and billions: Following Recovery funds Any stimulus projects making waves in your area? theGrio opinion: Black troops fight for country — and equality Red Tape: Now’s your chance to spy on Google On Twitter: Breaking news updates | Weird and wild

MORE FROM MILITARY

Military Section Front

Obama honors veterans at Arlington cemetery More soldiers bring home war wounds Injured vets sign on for duty in Congress World pays tribute to World War I fallen Missing soldier’s body found in Afghanistan theGrio: In honoring vets, Obama contemplates future casualties theGrio: Black soldiers continue to fight for country and equality Blame game emerges in Fort Hood probe Obama remembers Fort Hood victims Newsweek: A wounded Fort Hood soldier's account Military Section Front   Add Military headlines to your news reader: